Supporting Existential Well-Being
The Perspective of Finnish University Chaplains
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62442/ta.144587Keywords:
eksistentiaalinen hyvinvointi, oppilaitostyö, opiskelijat, merkityksellisyysAbstract
Several recent studies have raised concerns about student well-being. Loneliness, mental health challenges and an increased risk of exhaustion have contributed to students' stress levels and overall well-being. Linked to this debate are reflections on the meaning of life, identity and existence. This is known as existential well-being. It means understanding, reflecting on and processing the meaning of life, one's own relationships, experiences and life lived. In this article, I focus on the support of existential well-being in educational institutions. My research question is: what factors constitute support for existential wellbeing from the perspective of finnish university chaplains? The data for my study consists of a qualitative survey of church workers in educational institutions (27 respondents). As a method of analysis, I use Template Analysis (TeA). Based on my analysis, existential well-being support in educational institutions was framed as the strengthening of the experience of meaningfulness and was implemented through three main themes: multifaceted expertise, understanding of inclusiveness and tools for existential well-being support.
