Meaning of Life, Subjective and Psychological Well-Being of Young Adults: Comparison of Workers

Meaning in life has been recognized as a key factor associated with psychological and subjective well-being, particularly during transitional periods such as the entry into adulthood. This study aimed to compare perceptions of meaning in life, subjective well-being, and psychological well-being among working and non-working young adults using a qualitative approach. Participants were young adults who took part in semi-structured interviews designed to explore everyday experiences, life projects, satisfaction with life, and emotional experiences. Data were analyzed through thematic content analysis, allowing the identification of interpretative categories and subcategories. The findings indicate that work plays a central role in the organization of meaning in life among working participants, functioning as a source of identity, autonomy, and future orientation, while also being associated with experiences of strain and tension. Among non-working participants, meaning in life was characterized by greater ambivalence, often marked by uncertainty, expectations, and a sense of transition. In both groups, meaning in life was closely linked to dimensions of psychological well-being, such as purpose in life, positive relationships, and personal growth. These results highlight the importance of understanding meaning in life as a dynamic and socially situated process and contribute to theoretical and practical discussions in the fields of Social Psychology and Work Psychology.