The relation between meaning in life and general health among staff of Birjand University (2009-2010)

Nowadays, the relationship between spirituality and general health has been of interest to psychologists. This study was aimed to investigate the relationship between meaning of life and general health based on Frankles Logotherapy theory. In this descriptive study, 240 out of 404 employees of Birjand University were selected through cluster random sampling. The research instrument consists of purpose in life (PIL) and general health (GHQ) questionnaires. Data were analyzed by means of SPSS (version 11.0) using Spearman correlation test and ANOVA at the significant level of P<0.05. The mean score of purpose in life and general health was 78/13±10/94 and 45/88±9/59, respectively. A significant correlation was observed between score of purpose in life and general health and its components including physical symptoms, anxiety and sleep disorders, social function and depressive symptoms (P<0.001). The highest correlation coefficient, was observed between purpose in life and depression (r=0/53). There was no significant association between score of purpose in life and gender, education level, age, marital status or type of staff employed. Having a purpose in life ensure the general health of individuals and a healthy functioning in the society. The highest correlation between the purpose of life and less depression emphasizes the importance of objective of life irrespective of factors such as gender, educational level, age, marital status and type of employment.