Major Purpose in Life Across Generations: A Categorical Analysis Across Lifespan

Abstract

Understanding the major purposes that individuals identify as central to their lives is fundamental to psychosocial health and life satisfaction. This study examined how major life purposes vary across six generational cohorts using categorical analysis. A sample of 364 participants was interviewed to assess their major life purposes. Results revealed statistically significant differences in life purpose distribution across generations, χ²(25) = 254.11, p < .001, Cramér's V = .374. Family Responsibility emerged as the most prevalent overall purpose (37.4%), with particularly strong endorsement among Generation X (73.7%) and Baby Boomers (61.5%). The Silent Generation demonstrated the highest prioritization of Religious Obligations (57.1%), while younger generations (Alpha and Z) showed greater diversity in their life purposes, reflected in higher endorsement of “Mixed” categories (51.8% and 47.9%, respectively). These findings suggest important developmental and cohort-related differences in how individuals conceptualize meaning and purpose across the lifespan.

Keywords

purpose in life generational differences categorical analysis lifespan development meaning making

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