As a country we are faced with a number of mental health challenges particularly among our youth. One recent study gave us some preventative ideas about how we might improve our mental health with a simple formula.
A recent Cornell University study, led by psychologist Anthony Burrow, found that encouraging adolescents to contribute to their community or personal goals leads to significant improvements in their sense of purpose, well-being, and sense of belonging. The six-year study, which gave participants a modest sum to pursue a project, showed that simply focusing on and making a contribution resulted in notable positive mental health benefits, even among youth who were already facing stress. This research suggests that a sense of purpose, cultivated through contribution, acts as a buffer against life’s challenges and can lead to greater resilience, life satisfaction, and emotional balance.
Key findings of the Cornell study:
- Contribution leads to purpose: A six-year study involving around 1,200 adolescents found that those who received a modest financial contribution to pursue a community or personal project reported significantly higher levels of well-being and purpose compared to a control group.
- Purpose is a buffer against stress: Individuals with a strong sense of purpose are less emotionally affected by daily stressors, even if they experience the same number of hassles as others. Purpose seems to act as a mechanism to mitigate stress.
- Cultivating purpose has long-term benefits: Adolescents with a greater sense of purpose tend to have more positive emotions and are more resilient. As they age, this can lead to greater life satisfaction, less loneliness, and less impulsivity.
- Purpose is a developmental asset: Fostering a sense of purpose early in life is seen as a crucial developmental asset that has cascading positive effects throughout life.
This is one of those studies that has results that are positively intuitive. If we teach our youth to give back even just a little, it leads to a strong sense of well-being and actual happiness. This is so pertinent for parents, educators and others who are dealing with youth in our society. This type of developmental asset can set a course of purpose and fulfilment for the rest of one’s life.
It is why we should engage our youth in projects where they can give back and see the positive impact of contributing to the well-being of others. During the holiday season is an ideal time to give back to those who are less fortunate or unable to celebrate the holidays.
At Lakeside we have done these types of projects with our students. The results are deeply satisfying to both our staff and students. It is not simply a feel-good set of events, but it also sets an example for life that leads to other activities that will bring hope, satisfaction and even happiness.
As we approach a season of giving, we can also bring a mental health lift to those within our sphere of influence. Contributions allow us a stress-reducing purpose that can lead to meaningful long term positive emotions that will improve our mental health and sense of well-being for us all.
Gerry Vassar
President/CEO
