Developing a sense of purpose during adolescence contributes to long-term psychological and social well-being. Purpose helps young people organize their goals, make sense of their experiences, and contribute meaningfully to others. A growing body of research underscores the value of studying purpose development, particularly in light of increasing disconnection, uncertainty, and diminished engagement among youth. Within this field of study, Alexandra Rush, Ph.D., examines purpose development in the context of scouting, showing how meaningful engagement, skill-building, service, supportive adults, and peer inspiration foster purpose formation.

Building a Sense of Purpose in Adolescents

Purpose development involves direction, personal meaning, and a service orientation. Together, these elements help adolescents connect internal motivations with outward action. Through this process, young people begin to understand themselves in relation to their communities, ambitions, and values.

In a 2022 study published in the Journal of Adolescent Research, Alexandra Rush and colleagues identified several factors contributing to youth purpose development (Rush et al., 2022). These include consistent support from adults, inspiration from peers, opportunities to explore new activities, to develop leadership and teaching skills, and to help others. The study further emphasized that sustained involvement in structured, socially valuable activities fosters purpose development.

Barriers to Direction Among Youth Today

Many adolescents today report a lack of clear goals, weakened motivation, and growing detachment. These challenges do not originate from individual failure but reflect broader social conditions. Expanding access to quality after-school programs, supportive adult mentorship, and inspiring peers who serve as positive role models can help address these concerns.

Rush and her colleagues argue that purpose formation depends on consistent engagement in environments that promote growth. Adolescents without such access may lack the support to set meaningful long-term goals and to gain recognition for their efforts.

In the same study, most youth participants were from upper-middle-income households and lacked ethnic diversity (Rush et al., 2022). This highlights the need for greater inclusion in programs that nurture purpose, particularly those with after-school components that provide exposure to diverse learning experiences, opportunities for skill-building, and a sense of belonging for youth in lower-resourced environments.

Leadership Opportunities and Their Developmental Role

Adolescents benefit from being placed in positions where their decisions matter. Leadership opportunities allow youth to take initiative, solve problems, and engage others in achieving common goals. When given real responsibilities, young people strengthen identity, motivation, and self-efficacy.

In a study published in the Journal of Youth Development, Rush et al. (2025) examined the experiences of some of the first girls officially accepted into the Scouts BSA program. This study explored how program participation and navigation of a traditionally all-boys space influenced girls’ sense of self and purpose. The findings showed that when girls assumed roles historically reserved for boys and had opportunities to develop leadership skills and engage in activities perceived as “for boys”, they reported greater competence, confidence, and sense of purpose (Rush et al., 2025).

Structural Features That Support Youth Development

The study “Exploring Pathways to Purpose in Scouts,” led by Alexandra Rush and colleagues, also highlights structural features that promote youth purpose development (Rush et al., 2022). These include programmatic components that provide exposure to diverse activity offerings, pathways to develop leadership skills and practice leading, and a culture of service. Within such environments, adolescents experience both achievement and contribution.

The research emphasizes the value of adolescent engagement in skill-building, including leadership and practical life skills, and socially meaningful experiences guided by caring adults and peer mentors within a culture of support. Such contexts foster both individual discovery and social responsibility. They give young people consistent exposure to challenges, feedback, recognition, and opportunities to serve others.

The Lasting Impact of Purpose-Driven Youth Programs

Alexandra Rush’s contributions provide valuable insight into how youth discover meaning, direction, and identity through structured programs and social relationships. Her research demonstrates how purpose can be sparked through exposure to diverse learning opportunities, skill-building, leadership roles, supportive mentorship, and inspiration from peers. Programs that cultivate these conditions foster resilience, responsibility, and leadership. Investing in such programs helps ensure that adolescents experience development not as a passive process, but as one rich with meaning and opportunity for contribution.

References:

Rush, A., Kochis, O., Belanger, B., Urban, J. B., & Linver, M. R. (2025). Navigating the tides of change: Girls’ experiences in Scouts BSA. Journal of Youth Development, 20(2), 78-93. https://open.clemson.edu/jyd/vol20/iss2/8

Rush, A., Urban, J. B., Davis, W. J., & Linver, M. R. (2022). Exploring pathways to purpose in scouts. Journal of Adolescent Research. 1-32. https://doi.org/10.1177/07435584221091488

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