Psychological Flexibility, Purpose of Life, and Coping with Problem among University Students in Eastern Thailand: A Qualitative Study
Keywords:
Psychological Flexibility, Purpose of Life, University students, coping with problem, thematic qualitative analysisAbstract
This descriptive qualitative study explored university students' perceptions of psychological flexibility, life purpose, and coping mechanisms, particularly among students who use substances. Eleven participants, aged 20-23, from higher education institutions in Eastern Thailand, were selected via purposive sampling. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews, each lasting 45-60 minutes, conducted between February and March 2024. The interview guide, developed by the researcher, was validated by experts for content accuracy. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis, coding, and identifying key themes.
The findings revealed that students defined psychological flexibility as the ability to release negative thoughts and adapt to challenges, which they viewed as essential for success in higher education. Their sense of life purpose revolved around fostering creativity, building meaningful lives, strengthening family bonds, and contributing to collective well-being. Personal growth, resilience, skill development, and goal-setting were highlighted as integral to overcoming adversity. In terms of coping strategies, students identified three main approaches: using substances to manage stress, enduring suffering to promote personal growth, and practicing detachment from distressing thoughts.
These insights can inform the creation of substance use prevention programs for university students, emphasizing strengthening psychological flexibility, life purpose, and problem-solving skills. Nurses and educators may incorporate these findings into interventions to promote effective stress management and reduce substance abuse in academic environments.
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