A recent opinion piece in University Affairs argues that difficulties forming identity and finding purpose may contribute to psychological challenges among young adults. Rémi Paré-Beauchemin (Université de Sherbrooke), Christiane Bergeron-Leclerc (Université du Québec à Chicoutimi), Julie Lane (USherbrooke), and François Lauzier-Jobin (USherbrooke) discuss how helping students cultivate identity and purpose can promote well-being, in part through discovering their “true selves.” They identify three pillars for self-development: reflection and introspection, courage to act authentically, and fostering supportive environments. “Supporting students in their self-discovery can promote mental health and academic perseverance during a period of life characterized by identity exploration,” write the authors.
