Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: In this article, we address the potential of mythological narratives to contribute to understanding meaning in life. Drawing on contemporary theories concerning meaning in life including the existential psychotherapeutic approach, discrepancy-based model and hierarchical meaning-making model, we highlight key principles of the meaning-making process that are reflected also in world mythological narratives. These common principles include encountering a profoundly impactful event, dissatisfaction with the current state, meaning-making attempts, and providing a vision of the desired state. Consequently, by integrating insights from psychology and anthropology, we propose that myths not only continue to hold enduring relevance in contemporary life but also possess considerable potential as frameworks for enriching knowledge on what makes life meaningful and pathways that help individuals experience meaning in their lives.
Source: Culture Medicine and Psychiatry
Authors: Nader Abazari, Suvi-Maria Saarelainen
Institution: University of Eastern Finland
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,090
OpenAlex ID: W4413050047