Determination of the relationship between meaning and purpose of life, mental symptoms, and psychological needs in HİGH school students living in dormitories and with their families

This study aimed to identify the relationship between meaning and purpose of life, mental symptoms, and psychological needs in high school students living in dormitories and those living with their families. The study's population consisted of high school students in Çankırı the 2019-2020 academic year (N = 9746). Sample of the study included all students who met the inclusion criteria (N = 858). The data were collected using Personal Information Form, The Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), The Meaning and Purpose of Life Scale (MPLS), and the New Needs Assessment Questionnaire (NNAQ). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentages, means, and standard deviation), Kruskal-Wallis H test, Mann-Whitney U test, and regression and correlation analyses. In this study, it was found that the students' scores on the meaning and purposes of life, mental symptoms, and psychological needs tools were moderate, and that living in dormitories or with families did not affect these scores. According to the socio-demographic variables, the students who are female, smoked or consumed alcohol, have a chronic disease, are living in a multi-child family, have difficulties in their familial relationships, have a history of physical altercations, and whose parents' attitudes are perceived to be indifferent and inconsistent have higher scores on the meaninglessness of life and lack of purpose subscales of the MPLS and on the BSI. The correlation analysis found significant relationships between the students' BSI, MPLS, and NNAQ scores. Their levels of psychological symptoms and psychological needs increased as their meaning and purpose of life decreased. In conclusion, this study found that meaning and purpose of life are key factors in determining the mental health status of high school students. Therefore, in promoting protective mental health practices in high school students, these factors should be a top priority.