People with a clear sense of purpose often do better in life. They are better at aligning their actions with long-term goals. But what skills support this sense of purpose? Psychologists want to find out.
A recent study by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis surveyed 400 college students—half from WashU, half from other schools. It measured their sense of purpose, social, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) skills, well-being, and academic outcomes.
Self-management matters
The study found a strong link between purpose and self-management skills. Students with a clear sense of purpose reported greater life satisfaction, but the connection between purpose and academic performance, such as GPA or graduating on time, was weaker than expected.
This research fits into a growing trend in psychology. Instead of treating personality traits as fixed, psychologists now focus on SEB skills, which can be taught. Skills like goal-setting, long seen as innate, are increasingly viewed as traits people can develop.
The study looked at five main SEB skill types:
- Social engagement: Connecting with others through leadership and conversation.
- Cooperation: Building trust, understanding others’ views, and forming positive relationships.
- Self-management: Staying organized, meeting deadlines, and sticking with long-term goals.
- Emotional resilience: Managing stress and handling emotions effectively.
- Innovation: Thinking creatively and solving problems in new ways.
Self-management stood out as the skill most tied to purpose, likely because it helps people focus on long-term goals instead of short-term temptations. Social engagement also showed a strong link, suggesting that connecting with others may help people stay motivated. In contrast, cooperation and emotional resilience showed weaker connections, while innovation had no clear link.
These findings may help educators guide young people toward developing a sense of purpose. Teaching skills like self-management could help them set and achieve meaningful goals.
From an early age, people need to choose what matters most to them. A strong sense of purpose can act as a guide, helping them stay focused and reach their goals. By understanding what drives purposeful behavior, we can help people live more fulfilling lives.
