A growing body of psychological research highlights the importance of having a sense of purpose in alleviating anxiety and improving overall well-being. Experts say that discovering and maintaining a meaningful life purpose can bring a host of benefits, including better physical health, greater happiness, reduced depression, and even increased longevity.
Clinical psychologist Ellen Hendriksen of Boston notes that many individuals seeking therapy struggle with what some researchers call "purpose anxiety"—a term coined by a psychology graduate student in 2014 to describe the distress arising during the search for a fulfilling life direction. This phenomenon can affect people of all ages and backgrounds as they grapple with questions about the significance of their achievements or the choices they have made.
Todd B. Kashdan, a psychology professor at George Mason University who studies purpose, emphasizes that purpose often acts as a foundational framework by which people organize their lives. However, misconceptions about what constitutes purpose can fuel anxiety. For example, many assume purpose must involve grand or lofty goals, such as becoming a top leader or curing disease, which can feel intimidating and unattainable. Patrick Hill, a professor at Washington University in St. Louis, cautions that such high expectations may exacerbate stress, especially when individuals measure their progress against ambitious societal benchmarks.
Experts encourage a broader and more flexible understanding of purpose, one that includes smaller, more manageable goals and recognizes that individuals can hold multiple purposes simultaneously, adapting them over time. Daryl R. Van Tongeren, a psychology professor at Hope College, illustrates this approach through his personal example of finding meaning in tending to pepper plants and preparing hot sauce for family and friends—a simple but fulfilling pursuit that fosters connection with others. His research supports that engaging in activities benefiting others enhances relationships, which provide a key source of life’s meaning.
Despite its benefits, finding purpose can be challenging. A recent survey of over 2,400 members of Generation Z found nearly half reported feeling a lack of meaning or direction in their lives. Kashdan recommends actively exploring various interests, engaging in self-reflection, and identifying experiences that evoke feelings of vitality as strategies for discovering one’s purpose. He also notes that transformative life events, such as an injury or a career change, can serve as catalysts for new purposes; for instance, an athlete who retires due to injury might find meaning in helping others recover.
Tasha Edwards, a health coach and fitness instructor from Madison, Alabama, channels her sense of purpose into supporting low-income clients facing stress and health challenges. Drawing on her own background growing up in a housing project, she aims to empower clients with a sense of control over their well-being beyond simply advising exercise routines.
Kashdan further advocates for “social learning”—observing and emulating positive behaviors in others while recognizing negative traits to avoid—as a means to refine one’s own values and purpose. He stresses that curiosity and questioning about different ways of living can generate motivation to experiment and discover the life that best aligns with individual ideals.
Together, these perspectives underscore that purpose need not be elusive or monumental, but rather a dynamic and accessible aspect of life’s architecture that supports mental health and personal fulfillment.