Complete Bibliography & Further Reading
The science of meaning, purpose, and intentional living
UBPurposeful2 is built upon decades of rigorous research in existential psychology, positive psychology, and meaning-making science. This page provides a comprehensive bibliography of the academic works, books, and research papers that inform the product's 10 purpose dimensions and 25 modules. Each source is available through Amazon with direct purchase links.
The foundational research upon which UBPurposeful2's dimensions are built:
1946/1959 • Beacon Press
The foundational text of Logotherapy. Frankl's account of surviving Nazi concentration camps and his discovery that meaning is the primary motivational force in human beings. One of the most influential books of the 20th century, with over 16 million copies sold.
2008 • Free Press
Stanford developmental psychologist William Damon's landmark research on how purpose develops. Based on extensive interviews and longitudinal studies, Damon identifies purpose as having three key characteristics: beyond-the-self orientation, developmental nature, and active engagement.
Frankl's extended writings provide deeper exploration of Logotherapy principles:
1969 • Plume
Frankl's systematic presentation of Logotherapy as a therapeutic approach. More technical than "Man's Search for Meaning," this work outlines the theoretical foundations and clinical applications of meaning-centered psychology.
1955 • Vintage
Frankl's professional treatise on Logotherapy, originally written before his concentration camp experience. Explores the relationship between meaning and mental health, arguing that existential frustration—the lack of meaning—underlies much psychological distress.
2020 • Beacon Press
A collection of three lectures Frankl gave in Vienna in 1946, just months after liberation from the camps. These lectures reveal Frankl's thinking at its most raw and immediate, before "Man's Search for Meaning" was polished for publication.
Contemporary research on purpose, meaning, and their role in well-being:
2017 • Crown
Smith synthesizes research across psychology, philosophy, and neuroscience to identify four pillars of meaning: belonging, purpose, storytelling, and transcendence. Accessible presentation of contemporary meaning research with practical applications.
2009 • Riverhead Books
Pink draws on decades of scientific research to reveal the three elements of intrinsic motivation: autonomy, mastery, and purpose. His work demonstrates how purpose enhances performance and satisfaction across domains.
2009 • Portfolio
Sinek's "Golden Circle" model shows how purpose-driven leadership inspires loyalty and action. While focused on organizations, the principles apply equally to personal purpose—start with "why" before "how" or "what."
2006 • Oxford University Press
A scholarly collection exploring what makes life worth living from multiple perspectives. Includes chapters on meaning, engagement, relationships, and accomplishment from leading positive psychology researchers.
Research on values clarification, character formation, and moral development:
2004 • Oxford University Press
The foundational scientific classification of 24 character strengths organized under 6 core virtues. The "opposite of the DSM"—a manual for what's right with people rather than what's wrong.
2015 • Random House
Brooks distinguishes between "résumé virtues" (skills for career success) and "eulogy virtues" (character qualities remembered at your funeral). Through historical portraits, he explores how character is built through struggle, service, and commitment to something larger than oneself.
2019 • Random House
Brooks describes two mountains: the first of career and self-development, the second of commitment and contribution. After achieving on the first mountain, many discover a deeper call to service, relationships, faith, and community.
Research on generativity, altruism, and making a lasting difference:
2013 • Viking
Organizational psychologist Adam Grant reveals how givers—those who contribute to others without expecting anything in return—often achieve the highest levels of success. Challenges the assumption that self-interest is the path to achievement.
2004 • American Psychological Association
Scholarly exploration of Erik Erikson's concept of generativity—the concern for establishing and guiding the next generation. Examines how societies and individuals can cultivate generative commitments.
Peer-reviewed research underlying UBPurposeful2's evidence-based approach:
Steger, M. F., Frazier, P., Oishi, S., & Kaler, M. (2006). Journal of Counseling Psychology, 53(1), 80-93.
Development and validation of the primary instrument for measuring meaning in life. Distinguishes between the presence of meaning and the search for meaning—both important dimensions of purposeful living.
Damon, W., Menon, J., & Bronk, K. C. (2003). Applied Developmental Science, 7(3), 119-128.
Foundational paper defining purpose as "a stable and generalized intention to accomplish something that is at once meaningful to the self and consequential to the world beyond the self."
Hill, P. L., & Turiano, N. A. (2014). Psychological Science, 25(7), 1482-1486.
Longitudinal research demonstrating that greater purpose in life reduces mortality risk across the adult lifespan. Purpose appears protective regardless of age, highlighting its fundamental importance to well-being.
Steger, M. F., & Frazier, P. (2005). Journal of Counseling Psychology, 52(4), 574-582.
Examines the relationship between religious faith, meaning in life, and psychological well-being. Suggests that meaning partially mediates the positive effects of religiousness on life satisfaction.
Ishida, R. (2012). Journal of Education and Learning, 1(2), 41-53.
Cross-cultural research demonstrating that sense of purpose relates to educational attainment, career development, and socioeconomic outcomes across Japanese populations.
Kim, E. S., Sun, J. K., Park, N., & Peterson, C. (2013). Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 74(5), 427-432.
Large-scale longitudinal study finding that greater purpose in life is associated with reduced stroke risk in older adults, even after controlling for other psychological and demographic variables.
Google Scholar is a free academic search engine that indexes peer-reviewed papers, theses, books, and conference proceedings from universities and research institutions worldwide.
Unlike regular Google, Scholar focuses exclusively on academic and scholarly sources—the original research that books like those above are based on.
Use Google Scholar when you want to:
Note: Some papers require institutional access or purchase, but many are freely available as PDFs.
The wisdom traditions that provide historical depth to purpose-seeking:
180 CE / 2002 • Modern Library
The Roman Emperor's private journal of Stoic philosophy. Timeless reflections on purpose, duty, character, and finding meaning through service to something larger than oneself.
65 CE / 2004 • Penguin Classics
Seneca's correspondence with his student Lucilius, exploring how to live a good life, face mortality, and find meaning in daily activities. Practical philosophy for purposeful living.
2002 • Zondervan
One of the best-selling non-fiction books in history, offering a Christian perspective on life purpose through five purposes: worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and mission.
Transform evidence-based purpose research into daily inspiration with UBPurposeful2's 25 modules and 2,500+ curated quotes.