colloquia 25



Ayden Westmoreland

Bachelor of Arts in Culture, Power, and Change


A Psychological Perspective on Meaning

This paper examines meaning in life (MIL) research and identifies critical gaps in establishing causality along with challenges in operationalizing meaning-centered therapies for experimental validation. The paper examines theoretical distinctions between meaning in life and purpose in life, analyzing their bidirectional temporal relationship and implications for clinical practice. By addressing measurement limitations and conceptual ambiguities, this research proposes that advancing definitional clarity and developing more culturally responsive assessment methods could significantly enhance therapeutic efficacy and influence approaches to caring for vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with mental and physical illnesses.



(to gather in conversation)  ·  Senior Capstone Projects  ·  June 2025

Maaliyau Amiri
Jennifer Freeze
Rayy Graham
Makaela Hall
Bridget Padilla
Pamela Martinez-Ibarra
Lee Wade
Dan Dynan
Trinity Harris-Brewer
Ayden Westmoreland
Shelby Douglas
Liv Baker
Skunk Birkemeier
Luke Waryck