Psychology Commons^™

Confused Existentialism As A Factor In College Students' Depression

Intuition: The BYU Undergraduate Journal of Psychology

Although “meaning in life” and “existentialism” may be considered ambiguous in psychology, the former term became a psychological construct with implications for psychological well-being. In young adulthood, the transition to college can be a difficult process because of social pressures incident to the adjustment to adulthood, including the need to establish an adult identity. Consequently, meaning in life may be overlooked in the confusion. I argue that a focus on meaning in life can be beneficial for college students in moderating their short- and long-term perspectives, physical health, and emotional health.