What is Meaningful Purpose Psychology?

Luis A. Marrero
Oct 23
2 min read

Share

Meanings set the aa

the agenda

Meanings set the agenda, guarantee, and explain the outcome.

Meaningful Purpose Psychology is the scientific study of the meanings that help individuals and communities thrive. The field was pioneered by Luis A. Marrero, M.A., RODP, MLP, Founder and Principal Partner of the Boston Institute for Meaningful Purpose. The Institute serves as the center for the study, practice, and services of meaningful purpose psychology.

Meaning Defined

Viktor Frankl defined meaning as “what is meant …” Luis A. Marrero, building on Frankl’s definition, explains it as “An aim backed by causes.” Nothing can be meant unless there is a why, cause, reason, or “because.”

Meaningful Purpose Psychology (Logoteleology) Explained

The scientific name of Meaningful Purpose Psychology is Logoteleology. It represents three Greek concepts:

Logos (λόγος) = core meanings; the cohesive force of meaning — the principle that unites thought, sensory faculties, speech, and purpose into a coherent whole; word; reason
Thelō (θέλω) = a conscious act of will or volition; intentional will
Télos (τέλος) = end, goal, purpose, completion, fulfillment; final cause – the ultimate purpose for which something exists or acts. It’s central to teleology, the study of purpose-driven design in nature and human behavior.

Therefore, logoteleologists examine how meanings or “what is meant” (Frankl) influence motivation, purposeful actions, and final outcomes. Since the goal is human thriving, logoteleologists focus specifically on meanings that enhance well-being.

The Beginning of Meaningful Purpose-Willed Psychology

Logoteleology arose from a paradox: humanity does not suffer from a lack of answers, but rather despite their availability.

While Meaningful Purpose Psychology (MP) Practitioners explore what fosters human thriving, they also aim to understand, explain, and permanently resolve the paradox. Human thriving cannot occur unless the obstacles to progress are removed.

What are the Grounds for Logoteleology?

Despite widespread access to solutions from well-intentioned sources, data indicate that key indicators of human thriving have not been met at all levels over time. In other words, legacy and current solutions fail to deliver the expected impact, and when they do, the effect is only temporary. Therefore, logoteleology was created to bridge that gap.

What is “Meaningful”?

In MP, a meaning can be either meaningful or meaningless. The level of meaningfulness determines the quality of a meaning. Meaningfulness is a step-by-step, self-reinforcing process involving five elements:

Love or prosocial behavior
Peace, peace of mind, and psychological safety
Happiness and well-being
Engagement
Fulfillment and Prosperity

We call this sequence “The Meaningful Path.”

MP practitioners assist individuals, teams, and organizations in assessing their priorities, proactively determining if their time and effort will lead to meaningful outcomes, and freely choosing their path and the resulting consequences.

Who Benefits

MP is for those who want to succeed in life. This includes adopting meaningful practices, preventive measures, and implementing lasting solutions to problems within their control.