Meaning in life and school guidance programs: Adolescents’ voices from Hong Kong

This study provides insights into how Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong interpret the concept of “meaning in life.” Data were collected from nine focus groups involving 57 junior secondary school students (age range: 13 to 16 years). It was found that students tended to interpret meaning in life as equivalent to “having a plan for a career” and “setting life goals.” Information collected suggests that a reciprocal relationship exists between possession of meaning in life, connectedness, and life skills development. Students also indicated how guidance activities in school supported development of meaning in life.