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Improving Purpose in Life in School Settings
Chiara Ruini1, Elisa Albieri2, Fedra Ottolini2
1Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 47921 Rimini, Italy.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|September 27, 2023
Summary
Purpose in life (PiL) is crucial for children
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Wellbeing Science
Background:
- Purpose in life (PiL) is a key component of eudaimonia, vital for development.
- Limited research exists on PiL in young populations and its modifiability through interventions.
- Understanding PiL predictors and intervention effects in school children is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate correlates and predictors of PiL in school children.
- To evaluate the efficacy of school-based wellbeing interventions in enhancing PiL.
Main Methods:
- 614 students (elementary, junior high, high school) participated in Northern Italy.
- Interventions included School Well-Being Therapy (WBT), psychoeducation, or fairytale narratives.
- Assessments used Ryff scales, anxiety/depression/somatization measures, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).
Main Results:
- Initial depressive symptoms and intervention group assignment predicted PiL post-intervention in all age groups.
- In older students, female gender and anxiety levels predicted PiL.
- No teacher-identified strengths were significantly associated with PiL.
Conclusions:
- PiL is a strategic element in student development, enabling goal-setting.
- Depression and anxiety hinder PiL development.
- School-based positive interventions show potential for promoting PiL in students.
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