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Beyond Finding Purpose: Motivating a Translational Science of Purpose Acquisition

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  • Anthony L. Burrow

    (Department of Psychology, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
    Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA)

Abstract

A broad interest in finding purpose is understandable, as having purpose is situated in notions of “the good life” and is linked in studies to greater health and wellbeing. Yet, the empirical basis for whether purpose is truly findable is inadequate, lacking guidance from theories predicting behavioral capacities that drive its acquisition. If feeling purposeful is as favorable as studies suggest, then more transparent and precise explanations of how it is derived are needed; otherwise, the field risks illuminating this resource while leaving the pathways to it unlit. Here, I call for a translational science of purpose acquisition directed at gathering and disseminating evidence of the processes by which this sense can be cultivated. I introduce a minimal viable framework for integrating basic and applied investigations into purpose by bridging laboratory research, intervention and implementation efforts, community-engaged practices, and policies to accelerate testing and strategies for enhancing this salubrious sense in people’s lives.

Suggested Citation

  • Anthony L. Burrow, 2023. "Beyond Finding Purpose: Motivating a Translational Science of Purpose Acquisition," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(12), pages 1-11, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:12:p:6091-:d:1167351
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Wallerstein, N. & Duran, B., 2010. "Community-based participatory research contributions to intervention research: The intersection of science and practice to improve health equity," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(S1), pages 40-46.
    2. Elmore, Kristen C. & Sumner, Rachel & Tifft, Megan & Forstrom, Melanie A. & Burrow, Anthony L., 2019. "Building collaborative youth development research-practice partnerships through Cooperative Extension," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 105(C), pages 1-1.
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