Comparison of Object Relations, Personality Organization, and Personal and Relational Meaning of Life in Psychology Graduates vs. other Students in Lahijan Azad University

Abstract

Aim: We conducted the present study to compare Object relations, personality organization, personal meaning of life, and Relational meaning in life among Islamic Azad University, Lahijans branch's students. Method: The research design was post-event (causal-comparative). The sample included 200 (100 psychology students and 100 students from other majors) selected based on convenience sampling criteria for this study. We used The Bell Object Relations and Reality Testing Inventory (BORRTI), Kernberg's Inventory of Personality Organization (IPO), Steger's Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), and Relational Meaning in Life Questionnaire (RMLQ) in this study. The collected data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of variance and SPSS-24 software. Result: The results showed no significant differences between the scores of Object Relations among psychology students and students from other majors of Islamic Azad University, Lahijan. On the other hand, there were significant differences between the variables of personality organization, personal meaning in life, and Relational Meaning in Life in psychology students and other university students. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the overall status of psychology students was better than other students in terms of personality organization, personal meaning in life, and Relational Meaning in Life. However, it is recommended that therapists, counselors, and educational administrators pay more attention to Object Relations and some personality organization variables (such as primary defenses and identity confusion) in themselves or their students, as examining and improving these variables through psychotherapy can provide a better basis for future services and prevent potential harm to clients.