College Students’ Experiences of Freedom, Isolation, Meaninglessness, and Death: A Qualitative Examination

Abstract

College years are a time when individuals often have newfound independence, are forging their identity, and are making decisions that will affect their life beyond graduation. Existential anxiety (EA) is a psychological reaction to existential threats (e.g., freedom, death, isolation, and meaninglessness). EA has been shown to be positively correlated with externalizing behaviors in college students, and recent research has identified a significant increase in EA after the emergence of COVID-19. Extant research is lacking an in-depth, qualitative presentation of EA in college students. The present study aimed to acquire nuanced, personalized accounts of college students’ experiences with EA in their everyday lives and during COVID-19. Six focus groups were conducted where college students discussed themes related to EA. Thematic analysis revealed themes regarding college students’ experiences including: desiring connection in relationships, making responsible choices independently, craving structure amid newfound freedoms, choosing how to create meaning and purpose, and feeling uncertain about the future. Focus groups identified protective factors against EA including focusing on the present moment, creating structure, and following a belief system. General feedback on the focus groups revealed that students felt less alone after hearing their classmates’ experiences and felt EA should be talked about more often.