The Value of a Sense of Purpose on an Individual's Well-Being

Presenter

Wyatt Walker Falk

Campus

Cape Cod Community College

Sponsor

Thomas Schaefer, Department of English, Cape Cod Community College

Schedule

Session 1, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A96, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 5 (A81-A100) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

When Abraham Maslow formulated his hierarchy of needs, he underscored the significance of various essential factors contributing to an individual's well-being. While many of the lower-level needs, such as food and shelter, are more readily attainable in contemporary times, fulfilling the higher tiers poses greater challenges. Among these, perhaps the most elusive is a sense of purpose. Maslow intertwined the notion of purpose with self-actualization, a state that psychologists argue only a minority achieve. Complicating matters further, the definition of purpose varies significantly from person to person. 

This research aims to investigate the impact of a sense of purpose on an individual's well-being. Given the inherently subjective nature of purpose, this study will strive to establish an operational definition early on, emphasizing that even the chosen definition remains inherently subjective. The project will be divided into two primary phases. Initially, it will involve delving into a more technical understanding of purpose and exploring its diverse range of definitions. Subsequently, I will conduct an interview with an individual whom I perceive to lead a meaningful life, probing into their personal definition of purpose and its integration into their daily existence. 

By integrating scientific insights with an individual's lived experience, this research seeks to elucidate strategies for identifying or cultivating purpose in my own life. Through this multifaceted approach, I aim to gain valuable insights into the role of purpose in well-being and its practical implications for personal fulfillment. 

Keywords

Positive Psychology, Purpose, Well-Being

Research Area

Psychology and Behavioral Sciences

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