Research in Meaningful Purpose Psychology

​The science of how meaning shapes perception, choice, and outcomes.

 

Suggested citations are provided to support scholarly use and responsible attribution of this work.

 

Luis A. Marrero, Founder, Meaningful Purpose Psychology (Logoteleology)
Boston Institute for Meaningful Purpose

 

Purpose of This Page

This page compiles the scholarly work underpinning Meaningful Purpose Psychology, also known as Logoteleology.

 

Logoteleology is a meaning-centered framework that examines how people interpret reality, view the self and others, form beliefs, how people manage their inner responses, experience situations internally, adopt attitudes, and set goals that guide action. Hence, these essays reveal how meaning shapes perception, choice, motivation, action, and their outcomes. 

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A central concern of this work is understanding why, despite an abundance of well-intentioned solutions, many human and organizational problems remain unresolved. This research shows that the missing factor is often not better techniques but deeper clarity about the meanings that organize how people think and act.

 

At the same time, this scholarship is fundamentally hopeful. It demonstrates that when meaning becomes clearer, change can be more humane, coherent, effective, and durable — enabling people and institutions to act with greater wisdom, autonomy, and responsibility.

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Our Books

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The Path to a Meaningful Purpose: Psychological Foundations of Logoteleology

Part scholarly psychological research, part self-improvement book, The Path to a Meaningful Purpose helps you answer four existential questions: Who am I? What matters in life? Why am I here? How do I successfully fulfill my life purpose? This award winning book uses psychology to help you understand the meaning and purpose of your life, and how to succeed.

 

Marrero, L. A. The Path to a Meaningful Purpose: Psychological Foundations of Logoteleology. Bloomington: iUniverse, 2013.

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Meaningful Purpose: A Primer in Logoteleology

What is my meaning, what is my purpose? How are they different? Why do these matter? What can I do to make my life more meaningful? Is purpose something we discover, or something we create? How does meaning play a  role in being successful in life?

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Marrero, L. A., and Persuitte, D. Meaningful Purpose: A Primer in Logoteleology.  

Bloomington: iUniverse, 2022.

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Scholarly Papers (Peer-Informed work with APA Sources)

The section will cover subjects such as:

• Foundational Papers

• Applied Logoteleology

• Meaning in Organizations

• Meaning and Society

 

Below are selected papers that illustrate these themes and show how Meaningful Purpose Psychology (Logoteleology) examines real-world problems through a meaning-centered lens.​

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FOUNDATIONAL PAPERS

Is the World Getting Happier Over Time?

A logoteleological analysis of global well-being trends drawing on longitudinal research and social indicators.

 

Is the World Getting Happier Over Time?

This research paper examines long-term global trends in happiness, mental health, and social well-being using data from major international sources, including Gallup World Poll findings, World Values Survey trends, and global health indicators. While humanity has made undeniable advances in longevity, technology, and material living standards, measures of subjective well-being, psychological distress, and social trust present a far more complex picture.

 

The analysis explores whether improvements in external conditions have translated into sustained gains in internal well-being. Drawing from longitudinal research and contemporary data, the paper highlights a persistent paradox: despite unprecedented access to knowledge, resources, and solutions, many human challenges remain stable or have intensified.

 

Through a logoteleological lens, the paper proposes that progress cannot be evaluated solely by material indicators. Instead, it argues that how individuals and societies interpret reality, construct meaning, and align their aims may be a decisive factor in determining whether advancements become durable improvements in lived experience.

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Designed for scholars, educators, and practitioners, this paper invites a deeper inquiry into what genuine human flourishing requires -- and how clarity of meaning may play a central role in shaping sustainable well-being.

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Download Full Paper (PDF)

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​This paper includes APA references and draws on the World Happiness Report, gallup, and UNDP data. (2026 | 5 pages | APA references included)​

 

How To Cite This Paper (APA 7)​

 

Marrero, L. A. (2026). Is the world getting happier over time? A logoteleological analysis of global well-being trends. Boston Institute for Meaningful Purpose.

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​Why Meaning Comes First

An examination of the hidden assumptions that shape how problems are defined and solutions are designed — and how unexamined assumptions can unintentionally reproduce the very challenges they seek to solve.

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​This research note examines how hidden assumptions about reality, self, and human motivation shape the design of solutions across psychology, leadership, and institutional practice. Drawing from classical and contemporary sources, it argues that durable change requires clarity at the level of meaning structure. The paper offers a logoteleological analysis of how interpretation precedes motivation and action, and why interventions that overlook this layer may unintentionally reproduce persistent patterns. Designed for scholars and applied professionals, this note clarifies the foundational logic of Meaningful Purpose Psychology.

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Download Full Paper (PDF)​​

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2026 | 3 pages | APA references included

 

How To Cite This Paper (APA 7)

​Marrero, L. A. (2026). Toward a logoteleological meaning-centered science: Clarifying the structural role of meaning in human and organizational outcomes. Boston Institute for Meaningful Purpose.

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For a more comprehensive article, select the following.

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Download Full Paper (PDF)

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​​​​​​(2026 | 6 pages | APA references included)

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How To Cite This Paper (APA 7)​

​Marrero, L. A. (2026). Why a logoteleological meaning-centered science was necessary: Structured gaps in existing psychological and organizational frameworks.. Boston Institute for Meaningful Purpose.

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Additional papers will be added regularly as this body of work continues to develop. For more information on the scientific foundations of Meaningful Purpose Psychology, please refer to our books, The Path to a Meaningful Purpose: Psychological Foundations of Logoteleology (Marrero, 2013), and Meaningful Purpose: A Primer in Logoteleology (Marrero & Persuitte, 2022).

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APPLIED LOGOTELEOLOGY

(Future)

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MEANING IN ORGANIZATIONS

(Future)​

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MEANING AND SOCIETY

(Future)

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From Research to Practice

Research in Meaningful Purpose Psychology -- Foundations for Practice

The ideas developed in this research are not meant to remain theoretical.

 

They form the living foundation of Meaningful Purpose Psychology (Logoteleology) in real life — in education, leadership, professional practice, and personal development. Through experiential labs, practitioner training, and guided reflection, this science of meaning is translated into insight, wiser judgment, and more purposeful action.

 

In practice, this work helps people:

• Understand themselves more clearly

• Read situations more wisely

• Recognize hidden assumptions shaping their choices

• Align their motivations with what truly matters

• Act with greater autonomy, responsibility, and meaningful purpose

 

Learn How This Research Is Applied

If you are interested in how this body of research is translated into lived experience and professional practice, you may explore the following:

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• The Meaning of Life Lab — a guided experience that show how meaning operates in everyday life and decision-making.

• The Meaningful Purpose Practitioner Program — professional training for those who want to apply Logoteleology in their work with individuals, teams, and organizations.

 

STAY CONNECTED WITH OUR SCHOLARLY WORK

New research, reflections, and case studies are shared periodically.

 

If you would like updates when new papers are released, you can join our mailing list here:

 

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