Published Paper Details:

Existential anxiety, which stems from an awareness of life's uncertainties like death, freedom, isolation, and meaninglessness, is a key focus in psychological research. While distressing, existential anxiety also serves as a motivator for individuals to seek meaning in their lives. Psychological literature highlights two key dimensions of meaning in life: presence of meaning, the perception that one's life has purpose and coherence, and search for meaning, the active exploration of life's significance. Research suggests that the presence of meaning is associated with psychological well-being, resilience, and lower distress, whereas the search for meaning can either facilitate personal growth or lead to existential distress, depending on how it is pursued. This dissertation examines the relationship between existential anxiety and meaning in life through psychological frameworks such as Viktor Frankl's logotherapy, self-determination theory, and terror management theory. By analyzing how individuals experience and search for meaning, this study aims to provide insights into the role of meaning in coping with existential concerns and its implications for mental well-being.