A higher goal during higher education: The power of purpose in life during university.

The transition into college involves several trials and tribulations, and students’ ability to deal with this process may be facilitated by finding a sense of purpose. Having a purpose has been shown to have a variety of benefits for college students, whether it is garnering the perseverance to help withstand the various stressors college students must endure or the potential it has for promoting well-being. This review describes why purpose is an important consideration for higher education researchers by noting its relevance to the college experience and its ability to predict desirable outcomes. This review also addresses the potential for individuals to change their purpose and life goals, and 3 potential pathways (proactive, reactive, and social learning) to pursue a purpose. Finally, this review ends by discussing applications for higher education institutes, including how to help students combat potential mental health issues and increase their likelihood of being a successful student. With college student well-being as a prominent concern, there is a clear need for different facets of the education system at large to better address these issues. An effort to integrate purpose throughout the college experience may provide an effective route for professors and administrators to combat this mental health crisis. What is the significance of this article for the general public?—With college students often struggling with anxiety and depression, it is important for university officials and education systems at large to support and enhance student well-being. Integrating practices that shape and bolster purposefulness throughout the college experience could aid in bettering student mental health, as well as more effectively prepare individuals for meaningful and thoughtful futures following graduation.