Current Projects

The PATH Lab hosts a diverse range of research foci reflecting the way purpose in life manifests differently for every person. Our talented team of researchers are constantly finding new ways to investigate purpose. Here are a few we are working on now!

1) Purposeful Regulation -  Our research has shown that people with a stronger sense of purpose tend to be less reactive in their lives, and that purpose may provide an asset for dealing with a variety of stressors. But what does this mean from day to day? Our current projects start by exploring self-regulation through multiple perspectives. For instance, how do people regulate their social biases and emotions in daily life? And do more purposeful individuals rely upon different coping and regulation strategies from other people?

               Primary Investigators: Jenn Beatty, Judy Kwak, and Megan Wolk

2) Aging Purposefully – Our lab examines how sense of purpose promotes aging and development, from adolescence to later life. One primary aim considers the longitudinal and developmental trajectories for sense of purpose, demonstrating that people can shift their purposefulness across the lifespan. Another aim evaluates the role of future time perspective – whether people perceive a broader or more limited time horizon – on wellbeing and development, including how it influences the capacity to feel purpose-driven. Finally, we consider the aging benefits associated with being purposeful, including cognitive resilience, better wellbeing, and improved physical health

               Primary Investigators: Kyrsten Hill, Payton Rule, and Megan Wolk

3) Purpose and Identity Development – Across multiple studies, samples, and ages, there is a robust connection between knowing who you are (your identity) and knowing where you want to go in life (your purpose). Our research evaluates how people connect themselves to their life direction, and whether identity can unlock new paths to purpose. One prominent area of research considers how holding minority identifications infuses our purpose journey with both opportunities and risks. Another aspect considers how discriminatory experiences present obstacles to purpose, but also may lead some to develop a purpose centered on social activism.

               Primary Investigators: Megan Wolk, Payton Rule, and Jenn Beatty