Purposes in Life of Students in a University With a Strong Civic Profile

• In Event: Paper Session on Research Related to Moral Development and Education

Abstract

This study examined purposes in life of students (N=235) in a Dutch university with a strong civic profile. Qualitative content analysis revealed that life purposes related to happiness and existential growth of oneself as well as others were most prevalent. Surprisingly few of the Dutch students mentioned family or close relations, sources that have been among the most often reported among e.g. the US and Finnish students. Instead, a substantial number of students aimed to contribute to a more humane and sustainable world on an individual, interpersonal, or structural level. The results suggest an association between the students’ purposes in life and the main themes of the university curriculum, personal meaning making and humanization of society.

Authors

• Isolde de Groot, University of Humanistic Studies

• Elina Kuusisto, Tampere universities

• Doret J. de Ruyter, Vrije Universiteit