Understanding Purpose of Life in Psychology

The purpose of life or what to do is different for everyone. From a psychology point of view different psychologists have different viewpoints. Logo therapy of Viktor Frankl emphasizes that meaning seeks us out, and this can drive people to be calm in the most turbulent situations.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs suggests that after satisfying basic needs, we automatically pursue self-actualization, pointing to purpose as a basic human need. Positive psychology identifies key elements to purpose: strong relationships, personal growth, contributing to something bigger, values and beliefs, and living authentically.

Viktor Emil Frankl was an influential Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist, who claims that meaning in life may only be found through meaningful work, love, and courage in the face of suffering, which means one should find hope in these three ways. In the classic book, "Man's Search for Meaning," Frankl emphasizes that people can even derive meaning from the most desperate situations. He states that life never ceases to have meaning, and it is essential for individuals to realize that they are being questioned by life itself.

Frankl challenges people to instead ask what their responsibility is towards life's challenge rather than asking what the meaning of life is. He famously said that suffering can give a chance for personal growth and moral development, which means that the way one can face suffering is how one defines their purpose.

Similarly Abraham Maslow was an American psychologist best known for creating Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Abraham Maslow believed that the meaning of life is bound up with the satisfaction of human needs, which he arranged in a pyramid form, known as Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. The physiological needs are the most basic and include food and shelter, then safety needs, love and belonging, esteem, and finally, self-actualization.

Self-actualization is the fulfillment of one's potential, self-realization, and personal development, where one strives to become the best possible version of themselves and to achieve their true potential. He believed it was only if the lower needs were met could people actually set out to follow higher aspirations. Emphasizing self-actualization as the actual journey to realize a meaningful, fulfilling life.

Whereas when it comes to today's world finding purpose can be different for people, Finding meaning in life may include goal setting and achievement, learning new skills, and developing a career. For some it may involve maintaining family ties, meaningful friendships, and belonging to a community while for others helping others and making a difference can be part of the cause, contributing to causes, and creating positive change in society.

The pursuit of joyful moments, pleasures, and good times, appreciation of the simple things that life offers, and living according to how one wants for oneself also count towards a satisfied life for some. The beauty of purpose is that it evolves with you as you grow, and there is no deadline for finding it—it's okay if it shifts throughout your life. The key is to stay true to yourself and what feels meaningful to you.

References

• Bushkin, H., Van Niekerk, R., & Stroud, L. (2021). Searching for meaning in chaos: Viktor Frankl’s story. Europe’s Journal of Psychology, 17(3), 233–242. https://doi.org/10.5964/ejop.5439

• Maslow, A., & Lewis, K. J. (1987). Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Salenger Incorporated, 14(17), 987-990.