Identifying Types of Purpose in Life (PIL): A Comparative Study between High Ability and Typical Adolescents

Abstract

Adolescents often face challenges during their identity crisis, which, if not effectively managed, can lead to negative psychological outcomes and misbehaviours. Erik Erikson's Psychosocial Development theory emphasizes the critical nature of identity crisis during adolescence and the importance of facilitating it through the identification of one's purpose. This study on Purpose in Life (PIL) is highly relevant as it provides a valuable mechanism to aid adolescents in their identity formation, particularly during the identity crisis stage. The aim of this research is to compare different types of PIL among high ability and typical adolescents. A total of 599 students (n=599) participated in the study, including 253 high ability adolescents (n=253) and 346 typical adolescents (n=346), selected through non-probability sampling. The study utilized a quantitative design and conducted a cross-sectional survey using the adapted instrument, The Revised Youth Purpose Survey questionnaire. The findings revealed significant differences between high ability adolescents and typical adolescents in two types of purpose: artistic purpose (F-value = 31.119, sig = 0.000, p<0.05) and familial purpose (F-value = 35.008, sig = 0.000, p<0.05). One significant implication of this study is its potential to equip practitioners, teacher-educators, and parents with approaches, skills, and strategies to assist and motivate adolescents in realizing their purposes, thereby offering avenues for fulfilment. Consequently, adolescents can be better prepared and guided in facing challenges during the identity crisis stage. In conclusion, similar studies can be conducted with larger sample sizes that encompass diverse demographic backgrounds and cultures, including adolescents with special needs, delinquents, and youth who have dropped out of school. Such expansion would enhance our understanding of PIL among adolescents and enable us to provide tailored support and resources to meet their unique needs.