Understanding of Purposefulness and Meaning in Life in Collectivistic Culture of Pakistan: A Qualitative Approach

Abstract

In conjunction with the growth of Positive psychology, attention to study purposefulness and meaning in life has increased over the past years. However, the ambiguity in existing definitions of purposefulness and meaning in life have prompted current study authors to look into it. The psychological phenomena of purposefulness and meaning in life are grounded on Western perspective. There is a need to explore Islamic perceptive. To get the knowledge about the purposefulness and meaning in life, opinions of young adults aged 19 – 25 (M = 22.30, SD = 1.34) years were sought. Focus group discussions were utilized to gain insight into what purposefulness and meaning in life are in collectivistic culture of Pakistan. The answers were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis approach. Similar content was observed throughout the definitions of purpose in life and meaning in life. The major components stressed upon were religion, career, education and relationships as purpose in life and to pursue them also contribute to meaning in life. Moreover, participants who talked about purpose in life also explained meaning in life lucidly, suggested the subtle differentiation between them. These findings can direct the further studies and the development of positive interventions based on purpose in life and meaning in life in future.