The role of patience, religiosity, and spirituality in the search for purpose among young adults

Pursuing a purpose benefits individuals and strengthens the communities and causes purposeful individuals serve; however, the search for purpose can be an uncomfortable process. Theoretical research suggests patience may facilitate and optimize the search for purpose. The present study offers empirical support for this claim and sheds light on how patience may benefit individuals searching for purpose. Featuring interviews with religious and non-religious young adults (N = 60), the present study finds patience can facilitate the search for purpose by catalyzing the development of other virtues, helping participants view their search for purpose against a wider backdrop, and supporting an intentional and thoughtful approach to searching. Although both religious and secular youth benefited from searching for purpose with patience, religious youth reported greater access to patient role models, values, and practices that supported the growth of patience. Implications and directions for future research are addressed.