The relationship between having a purpose and anxiety disorders and depression

This study aims to investigate the impact of having a purpose in life on psychological well-being and its relationship with depression and anxiety disorders. The sample consisted of 202 individuals, including 100 patients diagnosed with depression (n=50) and anxiety disorders (n=50) according to DSM-5-TR at the Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic of Düzce University Faculty of Medicine, and 102 healthy individuals as a control group. The sample was randomly selected, and data were collected from voluntary participants. The participants completed the Sociodemographic Data Form, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Purpose and Meaning in Life Scale, and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale. The findings revealed that the positive subscale scores of the Purpose and Meaning in Life Scale were significantly lower in the patient groups compared to the healthy group, while the negative subscale scores were significantly higher. There was a positive correlation between depression/anxiety scores and the sense of meaninglessness and lack of purpose, and a negative correlation between psychological well-being and these negative dimensions. Moreover, each 1-point increase in mental well-being was associated with a 0.464-point decrease in depression and a 0.508-point decrease in anxiety. Individuals who previously had a purpose in life reported lower depression and anxiety levels and higher psychological well-being. As the perceived importance of that purpose increased, depression decreased and psychological well-being improved. In conclusion, having a purpose in life contributes to the reduction of depression and anxiety symptoms and promotes psychological well-being. Developing purpose-oriented habits may serve as a protective factor for mental health and foster a healthier society.