Purpose In Life in Relation to Stress Coping Strategies: An Exploratory Study of Youth

The aim of the research was to study the relationship between purpose in life and stress coping strategies among youth. Purpose in life is an accomplishing intention which is generalized and stable that is meaningful to oneself and beyond oneself to the world. It can be understood as a central and self- organizing life aim. Stress coping strategies are the ways through which an organism abates the intensity of stressor, by devoting the sensible efforts or developing tolerance towards stress and conflicts. The research design is descriptive and quantitative in nature. The sample of the study comprised of 128 unmarried individuals (64 males and 64 females) in the age range of 18 to 25. The sampling method used in the research study was convenient sampling and the data collection for the study was done using Google Forms through the questionnaires namely, Brief cope Inventory and Purpose in life scale. The study findings revealed that males use more maladaptive ways to cope with stressors. Dysfunctional/Maladaptive coping negatively effects the purpose in life; and Adaptive coping positively predicts purpose in life for both males and females. If an individual employs more adaptive coping strategies including problem and emotion focused coping, higher purpose in life is predicted. Hence, adoption of adaptive coping styles, especially for males is recommended through the research findings.