Citation

Glaw X, Hazelton M, Kable A, Inder K. Arch. Psychiatr. Nurs. 2020; 34(2): 36-42.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.apnu.2020.02.009

PMID

32248932

Abstract

The aim of this research was to understand academic's beliefs about the meaning of life to gain knowledge to inform mental health clinical practice and research. Qualitative research was conducted using descriptive text and interviews from a sample of Australian midlife academic staff from one university who described their beliefs about the meaning of life. Their beliefs included that: life is a journey of self-development, is about religious or non-religious beliefs, is about living well, is about family, love and relationships, and is about making a difference. These findings may be used by mental health clinicians to help clients explore their beliefs about the meaning of life. Consumers with depression may suffer from meaninglessness, existential crises, severe depression and risk suicide. Working on understanding their beliefs about the meaning of life may result in better mental health outcomes for these people.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Adult; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Qualitative Research; Australia; Depression; Culture; Mental health; Delivery of Health Care; Adaptation, Psychological; Mental Health Services; Depressive Disorder; Existentialism; Beliefs about the meaning of life; Existential crises; Meaninglessness