EXPLORING EXISTENTIAL CRISIS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF PERCEPTIONS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

An existential crisis is a growing concern among young adults, particularly university
students, yet the concept remains vague and underexplored in specific cultural contexts.
This study aims to investigate how undergraduate students at a public university in
Malaysia understand and interpret existential crises. Using a qualitative research design
based on objectivist grounded theory, the study conducted in-depth semi-structured
interviews with 15 purposively selected students from various academic backgrounds.
Thematic analysis revealed three core themes: loneliness, hopelessness, and unfulfillment.
These themes highlight multidimensional struggles, including emotional isolation,
persistent suffering, and a lack of life purpose or direction. The findings provide valuable
insights into the internal experiences of students grappling with existential dilemmas,
underscoring the urgent need for culturally relevant mental health interventions that
address the emotional, cognitive, and social aspects of meaninglessness in higher
education