Young, purposed, and Black: Understanding purpose in low-income, urban-residing Black adolescents

Part of the identity-formation process in adolescence includes acquiring a purpose. Although purpose is developmentally adaptive, it may be particularly valuable for Black adolescents who are navigating the complexities of development in high-stress, under-resourced environments. However, little is known about the individual and contextual factors associated with purpose among Black, urban-residing youth from low-income communities. This study uses multivariate regression to identify correlates of purpose in a sample of 132 Black adolescents (ages 14–18) living and attending school in a low-income, urban community. Study findings suggest that conscientiousness was positively associated with purpose at the individual level. Additionally, students who reported high motivation were more likely to indicate having a purpose. Related to contextual factors, students who felt they mattered to an adult in their school reported a higher sense of purpose. Contrary to expectations, students who felt their neighborhoods had less social capital reported a greater sense of purpose. This study aligns with a phenomenological understanding of identity development for Black youth and supports a greater understanding of positive development among Black low-income youth in urban neighborhoods.