Patrick Hill

Patrick Hill

Professor of Psychological & Brain Sciences
PHD, University of Notre Dame
MA, University of Notre Dame
BA, Indiana University

contact info:

mailing address:

  • Washington University
    CB 1125
    One Brookings Drive
    St. Louis, MO 63130-4899

Patrick ​Hill’s research focuses on understanding how dispositional traits predict and shape trajectories of healthy aging.

Hill's current research is interested in how individuals explore options for and ultimately commit to a purpose for life, and how having a sense of purpose predicts important life outcomes. In addition, he examines the lifespan development of pro-social personality characteristics, such as dispositional gratitude and forgiveness, as well as how these traits influence relationship outcomes. His research program considers these questions with the intent of promoting healthy development from adolescence into older adulthood.

Selected Publications

Hill, P. L., Sin, N. L., Turiano, N. A., Burrow, A. L., & Almeida, D. M. (2018). Sense of purpose buffers against daily reactivity. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 52, 724-729.

Sumner, R., Burrow, A. L., & Hill, P. L. (2018). The development of purpose in life among adolescents who experience marginalization: Potential opportunities and obstacles. American Psychologist, 73(6), 740-752.

Hill, P. L., & Payne, B. R. (2017). Don’t forget the person when promoting healthy cognitive aging: A comment on Smith (2016). American Psychologist, 72, 390-392.

Hill, P. L., Turiano, N. A., Mroczek, D. K., & Burrow, A. L. (2016). The value of a purposeful life: Sense of purpose predicts greater income and net worth. Journal of Research in Personality, 65, 38-42.

Hill, P. L., & Jackson, J. J. (2016). The invest-and-accrue model of conscientiousness. Review of General Psychology, 20, 141-154.

in the news:

St. Louis study finds ‘pernicious cycle’ of discrimination across generations

Fighting loneliness by finding purpose

The science of living with purpose

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