O sentido de propósito em experiências de elevada adversidade em estudantes do ensino superior

Abstract

The present study is part of the project “Psychological Adaptation to Highly Adverse Experiences” and aims to explore the relationship between the sense of Purpose in Life and the experience of highly adverse experiences in higher education students in Portugal. An online questionnaire was disseminated via social media between May and June 2024. The goal was to collect sociodemographic data and information on adverse experiences and perceptions of Purpose in Life, evaluated using the Meaning in Life Scale (Crespo & Pires, 2017), which includes the factors Presence of Meaning and Search for Meaning. The sample consisted mainly of female students (75%) from public institutions (54%), aged 18 to 23 (71%), non-displaced (68%). The most reported adverse experiences included relationship breakups (17%), exposure to family violence (14%), and the COVID-19 pandemic (14%). Most participants indicated having a Purpose in Life, although the Search for Meaning was more evident than its Presence. No significant differences were observed in the factors of the Meaning in Life Scale concerning age groups, genders, or types of adversities experienced. This study highlights the importance and influence of Purpose in Life in managing adversities experienced by higher education students, emphasizing the need to continue this line of research.

Date of Award	11 Jul 2024
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Catarina Ribeiro (Supervisor) & Diogo Costa (Co-Supervisor)