The Purpose and Identity Processes Lab collaborates with many research labs, organizations, and community partners to pursue our work. We are proud to work alongside so many others share our passions and curiosities.
The Purpose Science and innovation Exchange (PSiX) unites the rigorous study and lived experience of purpose to forge pathways to discovery and knowledge sharing. Founded at Cornell Human Ecology and in strategic alliance with Purpose Commons, our work brings together researchers, community organizations, and policymakers to develop evidence-backed solutions to real-world challenges while deepening understanding of purpose as a transformative force in people’s lives.
Purpose Commons is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to exploring new ways society can nurture young people’s sense of purpose. Their work follows a collaborative approach that brings young people, researchers, and communities together to change how purpose is explored, understood, and supported.
Directed by Dr. Patrick Hill (Washington University in St. Louis), the PATH Lab explores traits that promote healthy aging across the lifespan. Research topics at the center of this lab’s work are: 1) Understanding the benefits of having a purpose in life, and how best to promote a sense of direction across the lifespan; 2) Linking individual dispositions including sense of purpose, conscientiousness, and gratitude to health outcomes, particularly in older adulthood; 3) Considering how to promote adaptive transitions into college, the workplace, and retirement; and 4) Understanding the roles of personality traits and sense of purpose in promoting positive cognitive aging during older adulthood.
Directed by Dr. Kaylin Ratner, the Self and Psychological Well-being Lab explores how adolescents and emerging adults reconcile their senses of identity, purpose, and meaning in life. This lab is particularly interested in how these psychosocial processes interface with mental health.
GripTape is a nonprofit organization that offers young people ages 14–19 total control to design a 10-week learning experience, up to $500 to pursue this learning, and a Champion to support them.
4-H is America’s largest youth development organization—empowering nearly six million young people with the skills to lead for a lifetime. 4-H believes in the power of young people, and that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to improve the world around us.