The life purposes and searching for meaning of life in the Third - Year Medical Students, Naresuan University

Abstract

Introduction: Burnout at work has become a major problem for medical students and professionals. Discovering the meaning and purpose of life play an important role in preventing the problem. Nevertheless, there is little empirical evidence on the study of the presence and searching for meaning of life in medical students.

Method: A questionnaire of life purposes and a test on life purposes and motivation on finding the meaning of life were administered to 125 medical students who were in the 3rd year of their study at the Faculty of Medicine, Naresuan University. Percentage, mean, standard deviation and F-test were calculated for the data analysis.

Results: The 3rd year medical students’ mean score on the life purpose was at 104.64, and their mean score on the motivation in finding the meaning of life was at 85.73. There was a relationship between the admission methods, the GPA, and the mean score of life purpose at the .05 level of significance.

Discussion and Conclusion: Mean score on the life purpose of almost every batch of the 3rd year medical students was lower than that of overseas students, while the mean score on the motivation in finding the meaning of life in all batches of medical students was at high level. It was suggested that the changes in medical curriculum is needed to provide the students more opportunities to search for the meaning and the definite purpose of life. Being satisfied with the current job may also reduce the risk of burnout at work.