A Qualitative Investigation of the Meaning of Life Based on Identity Types among Adolescents

Fatemeh Nasr Azadani; Fariborz Bagheri

Authors

Fatemeh Nasr Azadani Master's student, Department of Educational Psychology, NT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. https://orcid.org/0009-0004-8863-977X
Fariborz Bagheri Associate Professor, Department of Educational Psychology, NT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5150-264X

Keywords:

Meaning in life, identity, adolescents, dynamic process

Abstract

Background and Objective: Adolescents who lack a coherent identity style and experience a low sense of meaning in life are vulnerable to a range of psychological and developmental difficulties. The present study aimed to qualitatively examine the meaning of life according to identity types among adolescents.

Method: This applied study used a grounded theory design based on the systematic approach of Strauss and Corbin. The statistical population consisted of all male and female junior and senior high-school students in District 5 of Tehran during the 2024-2025 academic year (N = 6,522). Based on adolescents' scores on the Extended Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status, 40 participants were selected purposefully according to the four identity statuses and were interviewed. Data were analyzed in MAXQDA 2020 using grounded theory procedures, including open, axial, and selective coding.

Findings: The findings indicated that the meaning of life for adolescents is composed of categories such as social relationships, educational goals, career development, internal and external factors, beliefs, self-knowledge, spiritual experiences, service to others, individual values, and personal growth and development. Adolescents attend to these domains while searching for identity and meaning in life.

Conclusion: Overall, the findings emphasize that meaning in life in adolescence is not a fixed destination, but rather a dynamic, interactive, and multilevel process.

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