Abstract
This article introduces a comprehensive definition of life projects. It begins with a broad conception of a project as a process comprising the formation, enactment, and maintenance of intentional structures and actions. This definition represents the integration of two theoretical traditions that considered a project either as a process prior to action or a set of actions aimed at the same goals. Next, we differentiate life projects from other types of projects. Then based on a broad conceptual framework, we define a life project as an ongoing, evolving process to form, enact, and maintain intentional structures and actions that, altogether, comprise a long-term, meaningful, and prospective narrative capable of guiding decisions and behavior in daily life. This comprehensive definition integrates six different dimensions of life projects reported across 93 journal articles analyzed in a previous scoping review. We end by contrasting our definition to related concepts and discussing practical implications in career counseling.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1295-1317 |
| Number of pages | 23 |
| Journal | Philosophical Psychology |
| Volume | 38 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| Early online date | 13 Jul 2023 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2025 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2023 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Funding
The work was supported by the\u00A0Coordena\u00E7\u00E3o de Aperfei\u00E7oamento de Pessoal de N\u00EDvel Superior [88887.363292/2019-00]; Coordena\u00E7\u00E3o de Aperfei\u00E7oamento de Pessoal de N\u00EDvel Superior [88882.346414/2010-01].
| Funders | Funder number |
|---|---|
| Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior | 88887.363292/2019-00, 88882.346414/2010-01 |
Keywords
- Life projects
- career counseling
- cognition
- motivation
- narrative identity
- volition