FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH PURPOSE IN LIFE AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: A SCOPING REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35631/IJEPC.1163011Keywords:
College Students, Identity Development, Mental Health, Purpose in Life, Scoping Review, Self-Efficacy, University StudentsAbstract
This scoping review synthesized existing literature on factors associated with purpose in life among university students by systematically searching Scopus and Web of Science databases for empirical studies published between 2000-2025. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, 73 studies were included after screening 416 records, with data analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key patterns. Six themes emerged: Individual Psychological Resources, Physical and Mental Health, Identity Development, Religious and Spiritual Factors, Educational Experiences, and Social Support and Relationships. Self-efficacy emerged as the strongest individual predictor, explaining 41% of purpose variance, while mental health challenges consistently undermined purpose development. High-quality mentoring relationships and social support showed significant positive associations, with service-learning demonstrating effects lasting 13 years post-graduation. Religious engagement patterns varied by intrinsic versus extrinsic orientations, and identity exploration showed temporal complexity—current exploration reduced purpose while completed exploration enhanced it. Gender and cultural contexts moderate several relationships. The findings indicate that purpose development among university students is influenced by multiple interconnected factors spanning individual, relational, and institutional levels. Self-efficacy interventions, accessible mental health support, quality mentoring programs, and meaningful engagement opportunities represent evidence-based approaches for supporting purpose. Substantial methodological limitations—primarily cross-sectional designs and limited cultural diversity—indicate needs for longitudinal research across diverse populations and experimental studies testing intervention effectiveness.
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