Purpose as a Powerful Resource in the Time of COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a novel disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2), has claimed thousands of lives within the past few months; disrupted people’s participation in work, family, and school settings; and challenged economic and health care systems across the globe. In light of the countless challenges posed by COVID-19, a sense of purpose (i.e., a long-term life aim that guides behavior and contributes to the world beyond oneself) may be one important psychological resource for people of all ages to develop and/or recruit during this crisis. This article provides a brief overview of the purpose development literature, the argument that a growing or solidified sense of purpose can serve as an important internal resource during periods of adversity, and recommendations for practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.