Life Without Life – Crisis of Meaning In The World of Youth

Mental illness is the fastest growing category of illness. According to the World Health Organization, almost half of the world's population has mental health problems. Mental health is an important prerequisite for the normal psychosocial and cognitive development of the adolescent. Suicide is the second most common cause of death in the world between the ages of 15 and 29. Every year, more than 500 children and adolescents are hospitalised in Slovenia due to mental health problems. In Europe, the rise in mental illness has risen by 64% (up to 18 years of age) in the last 25 years. In modern times, the crisis of meaning in adolescents most often manifests itself as depression, aggression, and addiction. Using quantitative research, we performed an analysis of the current situation among Slovenian adolescents and verified the level of mental wellbeing related to the crisis of meaning and mental health. 409 Slovene high-school students were included in the research. A standardised measuring instrument was used; The Purpose in Life Test by Crumbaugh and Maholick. We investigated the extent to which Slovenian adolescents assess their lives meaningfully. It has been established that 10% of Slovenian adolescents present problems pertaining to the crisis of meaning and mental health. Knowledge of comprehensive issues of mental health problems is essential for improving mental health, preventing a decline in mental health and ensuring the early identification of mental health issues among adolescents. The research was carried out as part of A Holistic Educational Process and Mental Health Promotion, a project financed by the Public Agency for Research of the Republic of Slovenia (ARRS), the International Institute of Psychotherapy and Applied Psychology, and Alma Mater Europaea - ECM.