Meaning in life in young Australian adults: The role of volunteerism

Abstract

In 1938 Viktor Frankl introduced his anthropological, psychotherapeutic and philosophical system (Logotherapy and Existential Analysis) that revolves around the search for meaning in life (MIL). SinceViktor Frankl’s system inception, the body of published empirical and philosophical work has been vast. Moreover, recent research on MIL and its role in human psychology has seen unprecedented growth. Despite the positive impact of pro-social activities in modern societies, little is known about the relationship between volunteerism and MIL. The present research sought to answer three main questions by using quantitative and qualitative methodologies, namely, “Can MIL in young adults be elicited by volunteerism?”, “How do young Australian undergraduate university students differ in terms of their search for, and presence, of MIL?”, and “How do undergraduate Australian university students define the following concepts: Meaning in Life, Self-transcendence, Altruism and Volunteerism?” Three studies were designed for the research. In Study One the search and presence of MIL were measured with two internationally accepted empirical tools, the Purpose in Life test (PIL) and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ). A scale to measure active and passive involvement, and motivation in volunteerism was developed. In study Two, the comprehension levels of MIL and related terms were investigated with a short qualitative instrument developed specifically for this purpose. In Study Three, the characteristics of individual MIL were explored in depth with two semi-structured interviews. The relevance of this study was to explore and enrich the scientific development of volunteerism programs to increase the degree of meaningfulness amongst young adults. The results show, firstly, that students who scored high levels of MIL have a notably stronger propensity to participate in volunteerism activities compared with other students with lower scores. Secondly, as measures of the search for and presence of MIL, the Purpose in Life test (PIL) and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), are incapable of seizing the idiosyncratic complexity of the individual’s MIL. Thirdly, a substantial number of young university undergraduate students in Australia are incapable of defining MIL-related terms such as Meaning in Life, Self-transcendence, Altruism and Volunteerism. Fourthly, MIL and happiness appear to be identified by undergraduate students as unequivocal complementary constructs. During semi-structured interviews, participants described the idea “to be happy” as the Holy Grail to be uncovered with the ownership of a house, a job, offspring and spending their lives “working hard” to achieve these goals. Volunteerism, activism and other pro-social activities were scarcely mentioned as short- and long-term purposes and ambitions. As a result of this thesis, research opportunities with practical implications in the area of MIL have been identified. It is proposed that further investigations should examine what is really being measured when empirical tools, like the PIL and the MLQ are used to measure search and presence of MIL. Furthermore it is recommended to develop the short test created during this research to ascertain the comprehension levels of MIL in larger cohorts. Signposts identified during this research may contribute to the development and promotion of volunteerism programs to elicit MIL.