The Meaning of Life and its Relations with Unhealthy Behaviors among Syrian Adolescent Refugees Enrolled in Public Schools in Jordan

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the meaning of life among Syrian adolescent refugees enrolled in public schools in Jordan. In particular, it investigated the relationship between the meaning of life and unhealthy behaviors among Syrian adolescent refugees enrolled in public schools in Jordan. The sample comprises 225 Syrian adolescent refugees (104 males and 121 females). The clustering random sampling method was used. Moreover, a scale for exploring the meaning of life was developed to meet the study’s goals. A scale for exploring unhealthy behaviors was also developed. The psychometric characteristics of those scales explored were validity and reliability. The respondents’ meaning of life level is moderate, and the extent of practicing unhealthy behaviors is moderate. There is a negative statistically significant relationship between the meaning of life and unhealthy behaviors among the respondents. In addition, there is a significant difference between the respondents’ meaning of life levels, which can be attributed to gender in favor for females. Conversely, there is a significant difference between the respondents’ extent of practicing unhealthy behaviors, which can be attributed to gender for the favor of males. As a result, the researchers recommend exerting effort to reduce the extent of practicing unhealthy behaviors by Syrian adolescent refugees. Furthermore, they recommend exerting effort to improve the meaning of life among them.