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.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 11, 2020
Accepted:
February 8,
2020
Received:
November 9,
2019
Identification
Copyright
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