Purpose, a long-term commitment to goals that are meaningful to the self and contribute beyond the self, is associated with academic and vocational success, resilience, and psychological and physical well-being throughout life. Supporting college students' purpose development requires understanding that purpose is a driving life commitment not…

What follows is an interview with William Damon and Anne Colby, pioneers in the fields of moral psychology and education. Throughout their careers, they have studied, moral identity, moral ideals, positive youth development, purpose, good work, vocation, character development in higher education, and professional responsibility. In their words,…

Argues that most school-based moral education programs focus exclusively on moral reflection and neglect the influence of moral habit, effect, and commitment. Advocates schools joining with families, churches, community organizations, and other institutions to provide a clear and coherent set of expectations for young people. (MJP)