Cultivating Purpose in Adolescence

The Center for the Developing Adolescent at UCLA, working with it’s National Scientific Council developed this compelling policy brief exploring how developing a sense of purpose during adolescence serves as a critical life milestone intertwined with cognitive growth, independence, and social development.

The brief emphasizes that purpose functions as a renewable resource particularly beneficial for underserved youth, potentially offsetting the effects of discrimination and resource inequity. Through evidence-based recommendations, the policy brief outlines how parents, educators, and policymakers can ensure all adolescents receive equitable opportunities to cultivate purpose, promoting both individual well-being and society's collective capacity to address global challenges.