Exemplars of purpose: Reliance on moral exemplars supports college students' purpose in life

Using mixed-methods across two studies (Fall 2019 nintervention = 32, ncontrol = 42; Fall 2021 nintervention = 35; ncontrol = 42), we find that a college course featuring a moral exemplar-focused character intervention supports emerging adults' reliance on moral exemplars and purpose in life. Quantitative analyses from Study 1 indicate that students in the character course (versus control group) grew in reliance on moral exemplars and purpose from pre-to post-semester. Moreover, the greater students' reliance on moral exemplars, the greater their purpose at the end of the semester. Study 2 largely replicated that pattern but found differences by students' develop-mental phase. Qualitative analyses underscored that students appreciated relatability and attainability in moral exemplars and moral exemplars bolstered students' finding purpose in developing their moral character. The results have important implications for the design and assessment of character interventions intended to foster purpose and reliance on moral exemplars.