ERIC Number: EJ1179601
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1940-1639
EISSN: N/A
Sense of Purpose among Female Students Belonging to Minority Ethnic and Buddhist Backgrounds
Sharma, Gitima; De Alba, Eva
Journal of College and Character, v19 n2 p137-151 2018
The present study explored sense of purpose among female college students belonging to minority ethnic and Buddhist backgrounds. The participants' experiences regarding the interpretation, role, and development of their sense of purpose were analyzed using a phenomenological approach. Participants defined "purpose" as their life's ultimate goal through which they aspired to contribute to world peace and happiness of all humanity. Having a sense of purpose strengthened their motivation, resilience, goal clarity, and ability to persevere. Several factors influenced participants' sense of purpose, including their cultural background, family history, personal hardships, spirituality, professional experiences, and altruistic endeavors. Implications of these findings in the context of research and practice are discussed.
Descriptors: Females, Minority Group Students, Buddhism, Religious Factors, Ethnicity, Phenomenology, Goal Orientation, Aspiration, Social Attitudes, Motivation, Resilience (Psychology), Persistence, Cultural Influences, Family Characteristics, Experience, Altruism, Gender Differences, Racial Differences, College Students, Semi Structured Interviews
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A