Identifying student's meaning in life: A phenomenological study

Many theorists believe that finding lifemeaning is one of the most significant needs of humans. Various studies have also indicated the positive effects of lifemeaningfulness on man’s physical and psychological health. The aim of the present study was to identify studentś life-meaning and its effect on the development and promotion of this group. The present research is qualitative of phenomenological type. 20 students of Birjand University were selected using purposive - voluntary sampling method, and were investiged by semi-structured interview. The data was analyzed using content analysis. Findings indicated that factors including the family, goals, spirituality, humanism, love, friends, and affinity with “nature” are factors which gave meaning to students lives. According to obtained results, the “the family” has the most fundamental role in giving meaning to the studentś lives; and goals and spirituality have determination roles, as well. Thus, it is necessary that families and authorities have payed special attention to these factors. So, the community will enjoy the service of a motivated generation who have already found their life-meaning.