Step 7: Purpose and Meaning Can Help You Cope

As mentioned earlier, Psychiatrist Victor Frankl (1963) wrote a best-selling book called Man’s Search for Meaning, wherein he described his experiences as a prisoner in a German concentration camp during World War II. Dr. Frankl’s experiences led him to believe that finding meaning in our lives is essential to our well-being and survival. Dr. Frankl concluded that prisoners in the concentration camp who had a vision of some goal, purpose or task in life had a much greater chance of surviving than did those who had no sense of mission. There is also evidence that those who lack a sense of purpose and meaning in life are at greater risk for depression and suicide. In a study of 60 university students who attempted suicide, the reason given by 85% of the students for their suicide attempt was that “life seemed meaningless” (Frankl, 1978).

Think of a challenging time in your life. How did your goals or purpose help you cope?