Cited by 965Psychological Well-being and Life SatisfactionOptimism, Hope, and Well-beingAging and Gerontology Research

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Purpose in Life as a System that Creates and Sustains Health and Well-Being: An Integrative, Testable Theory

McKnight, Patrick E., Kashdan, Todd B.·2009·Review of General Psychology

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Abstract

Purpose—a cognitive process that defines life goals and provides personal meaning—may help explain disparate empirical social science findings. Devoting effort and making progress toward life goals provides a significant, renewable source of engagement and meaning. Purpose offers a testable, causal system that synthesizes outcomes including life expectancy, satisfaction, and mental and physical health. These outcomes may be explained best by considering the motivation of the individual—a motivation that comes from having a purpose. We provide a detailed definition with specific hypotheses derived from a synthesis of relevant findings from social, behavioral, biological, and cognitive literatures. To illustrate the uniqueness of the purpose model, we compared purpose with competing contemporary models that offer similar predictions. Addressing the structural features unique to purpose opens opportunities to build upon existing causal models of “how and why” health and well-being develop and change over time.

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Influential
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Chen, H., & Cheng, C. (2024) · Journal of Happiness Studies · doi:10.1007/s10902-024-00824-w · Cited by 2
Purpose-focused SEL in high school: an evaluation of the Wayfinder purpose curriculum
Malin, H. (2024) · Journal of Positive Psychology · doi:10.1080/17439760.2024.2394463 · Cited by 2
“Defined as a higher-order intention that gives direction to life and drives goal setting (Damon, 2008; McKnight & Kashdan, 2009), purpose is known to be an essential aspect of healthy identity formation in adolescence and fundamental to a thriving, meaningful life (Baumeister & Vohs, 2002; Bronk,…”
Please do not go: understanding turnover of software engineers from different perspectives
Carvalho, M. L. L., Cruz, P. D. S., de Almeida, E. S., Silveira, P. A. D. M., & Prikladnicki, R. (2024) · arXiv.org · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2407.00273 · Cited by 2
“In addition, it is important to identify companies’ strategies to retain such talents [39].”
Background
Trajectories of Purpose in Life Across Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Dementias in Older Adulthood
Mroz, E. L., Collette, T., Keefe, K., Gil, H., Monin, J., & Sharma, S. (2024) · Journal of Aging and Health · doi:10.1177/08982643241257559 · Cited by 2
“For example, purpose as a conscious, changeable motivator (McKnight & Kashdan, 2009) re ﬂ ects a range of goals, desires, or de ﬁ nable pathways and may promote self-beliefs and behaviors that protect against cognitive impairment.”
Future focused strategies in treating depression
Torem, M. S. (2024) · American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis · doi:10.1080/00029157.2023.2289657 · Cited by 2
“…al., 1998); Time projection technique (Beck, 1993; Seligman et al., 2013); Anticipatory savoring (Loewenstein, 1987);, Strength-based work , (O’Connell, 2012; Padesky & Mooney, 2012; Seligman et al., 2006); and Building purpose , (Little, 1983; McGregor & Little, 1998; McKnight & Kashadan, 2009).”
The experience of youth-participatory action research in a social innovation lab: A methodological and organizational approach
Canas, E., Booth, R. G., Pervez, R., Cook, A., Taylor-Gates, M., Oudshoorn, A., Norman, R., Hunt, R., & MacDougall, A. G. (2023) · Action research · doi:10.1177/14767503231205238 · Cited by 2
“These areas of focus are supported by ample theoretical and empirical development (Bandura, 1982; Christmas & Khanlou, 2018; McKnight & Kashdan, 2009).”
Psychological Barriers and Resources of the Future Primary School Teachers’ Professional Success: The Cognitive Aspect
Handzilevska, H., Plyska, Y., Shershnova, O., Shturkhetskyy, S., & Shyriaieva, T. (2023) · Journal of Education Culture and Society · doi:10.15503/jecs2023.1.288.298 · Cited by 2
“Purpose helps to make decisions and formulate life goals (McKnight & Kashdan, 2009).”
Background
Economic and social aspects of three generations’ well-being. Czech study
Mikušová, M., Raguž, I. V., & Horváthová, P. (2022) · Economic Research-Ekonomska Istraživanja · doi:10.1080/1331677x.2022.2106263 · Cited by 2
“McKnight and Kashdan (2009) understand purpose as a cognitive process that defines life goals and provides personal meaning.”
Background
Análise de projetos de vida no início da adolescência através do software IRaMuTeQ
Winters, C., da Silva, A. M. B., & Dellazzana‐Zanon, L. L. (2022) · Revista de Estudios e Investigación en Psicología y Educación · doi:10.17979/reipe.2022.9.1.9029 · Cited by 1
ÜNİVERSİTE ÖĞRENCİLERİNDE YAŞAM AMACI ALT BOYUTLARI VE DİNDARLIK (Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt Üniversitesi Örneği)
Moni̇s, Ş., & Tokur, B. (2021) · Journal of Analytic Divinity · doi:10.46595/jad.1021185 · Cited by 2
Humanitarian Athletic Participation and Identity Work
Terrell, A., Houltberg, B. J., Brown, S., Falco, R., & Schnitker, S. A. (2021) · Frontiers in Sports and Active Living · doi:10.3389/fspor.2021.669547 · Cited by 3
Covid -19 & college students: a study on gender difference in college students self-efficacy, social support & meaning in life
Mittal, R. (2021) · doi:10.25215/0901.073 · Cited by 2
“McKnight and Kashdan (2009) posited that purpose is a central, self-organizing life aim that organizes and stimulates goals, manages behaviors, and provides a sense of meaning’.”
Background
Psychological correlates of smoker’s identity in adults reporting mental health diagnoses
Pavlacic, J. M., Schulenberg, S. E., Pan, C., Payne, T. J., Williams, D. C., & Mann, J. R. (2021) · Journal of Substance Use · doi:10.1080/14659891.2020.1862324 · Cited by 1
“Given that purpose is implicated as a contributing factor to overall physical health (Turner et al., 2017) and psychological well-being (McKnight & Kashdan, 2009), lack of purpose may represent an additional barrier that makes it more difficult for smokers to quit.”
Background
Exploring the phenomenon of open awareness and its effects on stress and burnout
Dängeli, J. (2020) · Consciousness Spirituality & Transpersonal Psychology · doi:10.53074/cstp.2020.9 · Cited by 2
“McKnight and Kashdan (2009) suggest that people with access to a large set of self-regulatory tools with an ability to flexibly apply them, are in an optimal position to navigate the challenges of life and sustain high levels of healthy functioning.”
Background
Be Your Best You: An Evaluation of a Positive Psychology Intervention Programme in Greece
Kotsoni, A., Mertika, A., & Stalikas, A. (2020) · Psychology · doi:10.4236/psych.2020.117067 · Cited by 2
The role of plotting and action schemata in the consolidation of narrative information in dramatic writing
Varotsis, G. (2020) · New Writing · doi:10.1080/14790726.2019.1601231 · Cited by 2
“Real-life people are, predominantly, purpose-driven (McKnight and Kashdan 2009) and this pours through their motivation when they strive to achieve goals or satisfy needs.”
Background
The Romanian Version of the Revised Youth Purpose Survey (RYPS): Psychometric Evaluation for Emerging Adults
Balgiu, B. (2019) · International Journal of Psychology and Educational Studies · doi:10.17220/ijpes.2019.02.002 · Cited by 2
“McKnight and Kashdan (2009) put forth an additional definition which describes the purpose as a central and self-organized aim in life that organizes and stimulates goals, manages behaviours, and provides a sense of meaning.”
Background
Understanding the Challenges of the Healthcare System in Promoting Best Use of Digital Marketing Tools for a Purposeful Living
Gómez-Olmedo, A. M., & Tsirintani, M. (2019) · Strategic Innovative Marketing and Tourism · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-12453-3_44 · Cited by 2
Resilience in sport: The development of a resilience program for young athletes
Varela, S. M. (2017) · The University of Queensland · doi:10.14264/uql.2017.405 · Cited by 3
Mental Fitness at Work
Robinson, P., & Oades, L. G. (2016) · doi:10.1002/9781118977620.ch10 · Cited by 3
Students’ Self-Reflections on their Personality Scores Applied to the Processes of Learning and Achievement
McIlroy, D., Todd, V. J., Palmer-Conn, S., & Poole, K. (2016) · Psychology Learning & Teaching · doi:10.1177/1475725716671437 · Cited by 2
“Some students saw the value of negative emotions (McKnight & Kashdan, 2009) as a trigger for preservation or as motivation for change and improvement.”
Background
Componente Curricular Projeto de Vida: Perspectivas de Professoras da Rede Estadual de São Paulo
da Silva, C. H. F., Silva, A. K., Souza, L. D. S., de Sousa, M. P., Francisco, C. D. F., & Dellazzana-Zanon, L. (2023) · Psicologia: Ciência e Profissão · doi:10.1590/1982-3703003262428 · Cited by 2
Developing a culturally safe and appropriate mobile health program with and for Indigenous people living with HIV : community collaboration and questionnaire validation
Campbell, A. (2020) · doi:10.14288/1.0390009 · Cited by 2
“As a result, individuals with a higher sense of purpose often have improved health and wellbeing [165-167, 198].”
BackgroundInfluential
Validity and Reliability Study of the Life Engagement Test in Turkish Adults 60 Years and Above
Küçük, A., & Emiroğlu, O. (2020) · doi:10.5336/nurses.2019-72950 · Cited by 2
“I Just Can’t Be Nothin”: The Role of Resistance in the Development of Identity and Purpose
Rogers, L. O. (2020) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-52078-6_10 · Cited by 4
The Purpose Project
Streight, D. (2014) · Palgrave Macmillan US eBooks · doi:10.1057/9781137373892_15
Perceived Change in Life Satisfaction and Daily Negative Affect: The Moderating Role of Purpose in Life
Burrow, A. L., Sumner, R., & Ong, A. (2013) · Journal of Happiness Studies · doi:10.1007/s10902-013-9436-9 · Cited by 1
“This finding supports a growing literature suggesting that a strong sense of purpose may generate greater personal consistency (McKnight and Kashdan 2009) that promotes well-being even in the face of perceived change.”
BackgroundResultInfluential
Examining Cross-Cultural Relationships Between Meaning in Life and Psychological Well-Being in Turkey and the United States
Fischer, I. C., Seçinti, E., Cemalcılar, Z., & Rand, K. L. (2020) · Journal of Happiness Studies · doi:10.1007/s10902-020-00275-z · Cited by 49
“…lifespan (Cohen, Bavishi, & Rozanski, 2016; Czekierda, Banik, Park, & Luszczynska, 2017; Krause, 2007; Steger, Oishi, & Kashdan, 2009; For discussions on how and why meaning in life is theorized to promote overall well-being, see: Goerge & Park, 2016; McKnight & Kashdan, 2009; and Steger, 2012).”
Association Between Adolescent Eudaimonic Behaviours and Emotional Competence in Young Adulthood
Hallam, W., Olsson, C. A., O’Connor, M., Hawkins, M. R., Toumbourou, J. W., Bowes, G., McGee, R. O., & Sanson, A. V. (2013) · Journal of Happiness Studies · doi:10.1007/s10902-013-9469-0 · Cited by 34
Wellbeing Across Cultures
Cummins, R. (2019) · Cross-Cultural Psychology · doi:10.1002/9781119519348.ch25 · Cited by 1
In consumer goal pursuit: When does meaning over pleasure influence word-of-mouth?
Duong, T. T.-T., Ngo, L., Northey, G., Andonopoulos, V., & Tran, Q. (2026) · Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services · doi:10.1016/j.jretconser.2026.104939 · Cited by 1
Meaning in Studies of Medical Freshmen: Associations with Well-being and Burnout, and the Role of Character Strengths and their Applicability
Baumgartner, S., Huber, A., Höge, T., Schurr, T., & Höfer, S. (2026) · Applied Research in Quality of Life · doi:10.1007/s11482-026-10651-1 · Cited by 1
“A clearly defined life purpose functions as an overarching goal that guides actions, informs decision-making, and directs the use of personal resources (McKnight & Kashdan, 2009).”
Priestly Formation through a Psychological Lens: Self-Determination Theory and Meaning in Life among Catholic Seminarians
Domingos, L., Moreira, T., Rossa, C., Núñez, J. C., & Rosário, P. (2026) · Review of Religious Research · doi:10.1177/0034673x261455062
From purpose in life to global engagement: the mediating role of global mindedness in adolescence
Kim, Y.-C., & Kim, H. (2026) · Frontiers in Education · doi:10.3389/feduc.2026.1733098 · Cited by 1
Life Sustaining Well-Being Practices and Physiological Health Among Black Men
Cintron, D. W., Golden, M. N., Boylan, J. M., Boehm, J. K., Yoneda, T. B., Wang, H., Hines, E. M., & Moore, J. L. (2026) · Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities · doi:10.1007/s40615-026-03032-9 · Cited by 1
My Purpose Drives Me Forward: Sense of Purpose and Thinking About the Future in Daily Life
Lewis, N. A., Choi, Y., Lay, J. C., Lu, M.-J., Jiang, D., Fung, H. H., Graf, P., Mahmood, A., & Hoppmann, C. A. (2026) · International Journal of Behavioral Development · doi:10.1177/01650254261432812 · Cited by 1
Psychometric properties of the purpose in life scale in Peruvian university students
Vilca-Pareja, V., Ardiles-Irarrázabal, R., Hillpa-Zuñiga, M. E., & Yana-Calla, V. (2026) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1771160 · Cited by 1
“Purpose in Life is also conceived as a vital objective that guides goals, regulates behavior, and gives meaning to life (McKnight and Kashdan, 2009).”
Meaning, Purpose, and Spirituality in the Clinical Practice of Lifestyle Medicine
Braman, M., Anandarajah, G., Apata, O., Batiste, C. D., Bernal, D. L., Cavalcante, V., Dysinger, W., Fernandes, C. C., Feldstein, B., Harrison, R., et al. (2026) · American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine · doi:10.1177/15598276261419395 · Cited by 1
Towards a framework of coping following severe traumatic brain injury: a grounded theory study
Powell, J. (2026) · Psychology Health & Medicine · doi:10.1080/13548506.2026.2637194 · Cited by 1
Resilience after the quake: life engagement and humor as pathways to trauma recovery
Yiğit, Ş., USUFLU, O., Turan, M. B., Kır, S., Ulucan, H., Dalbudak, İ., Pepe, O., & Bayıroğlu, G. B. (2026) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1791041 · Cited by 1
“In the context of developmental crises, setting realistic future goals and aligning them with personal values enhances motivation and oers protection against psychological distress (McKnight and Kashdan, 2009; Eryılmaz, 2012).”
Purpose in life mitigates digital disconnection in older adults
Wang, Y., & Ong, A. D. (2025) · The Journals of Gerontology Series B · doi:10.1093/geronb/gbaf227 · Cited by 2
“…levels below statistical predictions given their engagement patterns, aligning with theoretical perspectives suggesting that purpose enhances self-regulatory capacity (McKnight & Kashdan, 2009) and provides a structured framework for evaluating interpersonal experiences (Burrow & Rainone, 2017).”
What Makes College Meaningful for First-Generation Students? A Quantitative Content Analysis of First-Generation and Continuing-Generation Student Writings on Why College Is Purposeful and Important
Abeyta, A., & Du, X. (2025) · Journal of First-generation Student Success · doi:10.1080/26906015.2025.2546412 · Cited by 1
Gaining Career Purpose Through Lightning Bolts: Examining the Strength and Psychological Foundations of Work-Related Epiphanies
Dane, E., Baer, M., Leroy, H., Swartz, R. J., & Wrobel, A. (2025) · Journal of Management · doi:10.1177/01492063251348410
Internalized Ageism and Other Barriers to Purpose in Later Life: Protocol for a Qualitative Study
Valdivia‐Salas, S., & Horrillo, A. C. (2025) · International Journal of Qualitative Methods · doi:10.1177/16094069251360319 · Cited by 1
“McKnight and Kashdan (2009; see also Kashdan et al., 2024) propose a framework for understanding the development of purpose in life, suggesting it is a central, self-organizing life aim that shapes individual behavior and information processing.”
Measurement of purpose in life among Arabic-speaking adolescents: psychometric properties of an Arabic-language version of the Claremont purpose scale (CPS)
Noureddine, A., Hallit, S., Malaeb, D., Sakr, F., Dabbous, M., Cosgrove, T., Obeid, S., Fekih-Romdhane, F., & Moustafa, A. (2025) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1583111 · Cited by 1
Hope for your health improves meaning in life by promoting relevant health behaviors
Edwards, M. E., Ferland, P., Helm, P. J., Galgali, M., Jimenez, T., & Arndt, J. (2025) · Motivation and Emotion · doi:10.1007/s11031-025-10133-1 · Cited by 1
“Much of this research conceptualizes meaning as the precursor to healthy behaviors, as purpose, for example, provides motivation (McKnight & Kashdan, 2009) or health values (Hu & Lu, 2024).”
Meaning making in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: effects of purpose in life, positive reframing, acceptance, and event appraisal
Karbainova, D., Fang, S., & Barker, E. T. (2025) · Applied Developmental Science · doi:10.1080/10888691.2025.2510282 · Cited by 1
The Interplay of Psychological Entitlement, Age, and Gender in Meaning Making: An Experimental Study
Tsitseli, A., & Prodromitis, G. (2025) · Social and Personality Psychology Compass · doi:10.1111/spc3.70069
Purpose in life and lung function: an individual-participant meta-analysis of six cohort studies
Sutin, A., Stephan, Y., Luchetti, M., Brown, J., Kekäläinen, T., Hajek, A., Canada, B., Kuss, S., & Terracciano, A. (2025) · Respiratory Research · doi:10.1186/s12931-025-03247-0 · Cited by 1
“Purpose is conceptualized as a psychological resource that helps to sustain better health over time [27].”
Ikigai (purpose in life) and quality of life in older adults in socially disadvantaged conditions within a rural Colombian context
Vinaccia, S., Toro, S. M. C., Quiceno, J. M., & Vargas, M. D. R. (2025) · Revista Española de Geriatría y Gerontología · doi:10.1016/j.regg.2025.101657 · Cited by 2

Authors: McKnight, P. E., & Kashdan, T. B.
Affiliations: George Mason University (US)
Corresponding author: McKnight, Patrick E.
ORCID: McKnight, Patrick E.
Kashdan, Todd B.
Venue: Review of General Psychology
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Published: 2009-09
Volume: 13
Issue: 3
Pages: 242-251
ISSN: 1089-2680 (ISSN-L)
1939-1552
DOI: 10.1037/a0017152
OpenAlex: W2141316441
Cited by: 965
References: 0
Citations by year: 2026: 71 · 2025: 96 · 2024: 91 · 2023: 85 · 2022: 95 · 2021: 95 · 2020: 93 · 2019: 54 · 2018: 76 · 2017: 37 · 2016: 37 · 2015: 31 · 2014: 40 · 2013: 25 · 2012: 15
FWCI: 16.11
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Licence: journals.sagepub.com/page/policies/text-and-data-mining-license (tdm)
Locations: Review of General Psychology (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction
Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Optimism, Hope, and Well-being
Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Aging and Gerontology Research
Keywords: meaning of life, meaning in life, life goals, well-being, health, life expectancy, life satisfaction, motivation, engagement, integrative theory

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Purpose in Life as a System that Creates and Sustains Health and Well-Being: An Integrative, Testable Theory

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