Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing (한국보건간호학회지)

Korean Society of public Health Nursing (한국보건간호학회)
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Effects of Perceived Death and Self-esteem on Meaning in Life among University Students

대학생의 죽음에 대한 인지도와 자아존중감이 삶의 의미에 미치는 영향

  • Received : 2013.10.22
  • Accepted : 2013.12.25
  • Published : 2013.12.31
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Abstract

Purpose: The objectives of this study were to investigate the level of meaning in life(MIL) among university students as well as identify the effects of death perception, including good death and concerns about dying, and self-esteem on MIL. Methods: A questionnaire survey was developed and carried out using a convenient sampling method (N=301). Data were analyzed by applying descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Duncan test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression. Results: The average score for MIL was 4.70 on a 7-point scale. The factor of purpose of life received highest score among all factors in MIL. MIL was positively correlated with age, good death, and self-esteem. However, concerns about dying were negatively correlated with MIL. MIL showed a strong association with self-esteem(r=.72). Specifically, self-esteem(${\beta}$=.608), satisfaction of school life(${\beta}$=.190), relationship with parents(${\beta}$=.180), good death(${\beta}$=.080), school grades(${\beta}$=.078), and age(${\beta}$=.074) all significantly influenced MIL. These variables accounted for 61.0% of the total variance. Conclusion: The results show that self-esteem is an important factor for MIL among university students. Therefore, self-esteem should be carefully considered to increase their MIL. These research findings can be utilized to support programs such as counseling and education of university students.

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References

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