Abstract

A purpose-driven or purpose-based curriculum is not the standard required for high schools in the United States. Students in grades 9th-12th are educated based on a curriculum that covers mathematics, English, science, and social studies (De Roux & Riehl, 2022; Xiao et al., 2018). The unique individual purpose of each student, realized while in high school, is not considered a priority, leaving students to enter their adult careers lacking true career fulfillment due to this misalignment (Baroudi et al., 2017; S. Lyons et al., 2015; H. Wu, 2024).  Using a qualitative systematic review research design, this study aimed to explore and reveal the influence a life purpose-driven curriculum could have on high school students’ adulthood career gratification. Answering the research question: how can a purpose-driven curriculum in high school help students identify their life’s purpose and maintain this purpose in career selection and materialization in adulthood?

The study employed the method of searching four key databases using the PRISMA workflow, for evidence applying key search terms generated from the PICO model, which produced 169,954 records. A modified CASP checklist was used on the 13 records to validate for reliability and quality producing the final 12 records included in the findings. Findings inform that (a) high school students can identify life purpose in high school (b) autonomy, resilience, motivation and community support influences maintenance of perceived life’s purpose of career or college in high school; (c ) curriculum design impacts student education and is influenced by accessibility and equity; and (d) career preparation and meaningful relationships, values, and beliefs influence students’ sustainment of life purpose and implied gratification in adulthood career or college choices.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

High school students—Psychology; Self-actualization (Psychology) in adolescence; Curriculum planning—Social aspects

Date of Award

2025

School Affiliation

Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Department/Program

Education

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Amanda Wickramasinghe

Download

Share

COinS