Finding Meaning in a Challenging World: A Social Work Perspective

Lena Voss in Mind & Education August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Explore how social work principles can guide you to discover purpose and build resilience in the face of life's difficulties."

In today's rapidly changing world, many individuals find themselves grappling with a sense of uncertainty and a lack of purpose. Globalization, technological advancements, and societal shifts can leave people feeling disconnected and searching for something more profound. This is where the principles of social work can offer valuable guidance, providing a framework for finding meaning and building resilience in the face of adversity.

Social work has long emphasized the importance of core values and helping individuals connect with their sense of purpose. By exploring concepts like existentialism and spirituality, social workers empower clients to maximize their personal strengths and navigate life's challenges with a greater sense of meaning. This approach not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters long-term well-being and a more fulfilling existence.

This article delves into the concept of meaning as a central principle in social work practice. It examines how this perspective can be applied to help individuals, families, and communities discover their purpose, build stronger connections, and develop satisfying ways of living. We'll explore the philosophical roots of meaning, the role of spirituality, and practical strategies for fostering a sense of purpose in your own life and the lives of others.

The Philosophical Roots: Existentialism and the Search for Meaning

Person walking towards a bright future, finding meaning in life.

Existentialism, a philosophical school of thought, places great emphasis on individual freedom and the search for meaning in a seemingly absurd world. It suggests that we are not born with a predetermined purpose but rather have the freedom to define our own essence through our choices and actions. This perspective encourages individuals to take responsibility for their lives and actively create their own meaning.

Key figures in existentialism, such as Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Sartre, and Heidegger, have explored the human condition and the challenges of finding purpose in a world without inherent meaning. They argue that facing our anxieties and uncertainties is crucial for living authentically and discovering what truly matters to us. This involves embracing our freedom, making conscious choices, and accepting the responsibility that comes with shaping our own lives.

Freedom and Responsibility: Existentialism emphasizes that we are free to choose our own paths, but this freedom comes with the responsibility to make meaningful choices.
Authenticity: Living authentically means aligning our actions with our values and beliefs, even when it's difficult.
Meaning-Making: We are not born with inherent meaning; we must actively create it through our experiences, relationships, and contributions to the world.

The existentialist perspective can be particularly valuable in social work practice. By helping clients explore their values, beliefs, and experiences, social workers can empower them to define their own meaning and purpose. This can be especially helpful for individuals facing difficult life transitions, loss, or a general sense of meaninglessness.

Empowering Individuals to Create Meaningful Lives

The search for meaning is a lifelong journey, and social workers can play a vital role in guiding individuals along the way. By understanding the philosophical roots of meaning, recognizing the importance of spirituality, and implementing practical strategies, social workers can empower their clients to create lives filled with purpose, connection, and resilience. Ultimately, helping individuals discover their meaning is a key component in fostering well-being and building stronger, more vibrant communities.

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5944/comunitania.8.4, Alternate LINK

Title: Meaning As A Core Principle In Social Work Practice = El Sentido Como Principio Básico En La Práctica Del Trabajo Social

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Comunitania. Revista Internacional de Trabajo Social y Ciencias Sociales

Publisher: UNED - Universidad Nacional de Educacion a Distancia

Authors: Rich Furman, Michelle D. Enterline, Greg Lamphear, Allison E. Shukraft

Published: 2014-07-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is the role of social work in helping individuals find meaning and build resilience?

Social work utilizes concepts such as **existentialism** and **spirituality** to guide individuals toward discovering purpose and enhancing resilience. **Existentialism**, as a philosophical school of thought, emphasizes individual freedom and the active creation of meaning in a world devoid of inherent purpose. This involves making conscious choices and taking responsibility for one's life, aligning actions with personal values and beliefs. These concepts offer a framework for navigating life's challenges with a greater sense of purpose and well-being.

Why are core values like existentialism and spirituality significant in the context of social work?

The core values of social work, including **existentialism** and **spirituality**, are important for helping individuals find meaning. **Existentialism** encourages people to actively define their essence through choices and actions, fostering authenticity and responsibility. **Spirituality** provides a framework for connecting with something larger than oneself. Social workers empower individuals to explore their values and beliefs. This approach supports long-term well-being, particularly during difficult transitions.

What are the philosophical roots of meaning that social workers utilize?

The philosophical roots of meaning primarily involve **existentialism**. This philosophy posits that individuals are free to shape their own meaning through choices, actions, and experiences. Key figures like Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Sartre, and Heidegger explored the human condition and the quest for purpose in a world without inherent meaning. They highlight the importance of facing uncertainties to live authentically. Social workers use **existentialism** to help clients explore values and make meaningful choices.

How does social work empower individuals using the concept of meaning?

Social workers utilize **existentialism** to empower clients. By understanding the philosophical roots of meaning and incorporating strategies such as exploring values and beliefs, social workers facilitate clients in defining their own purpose. This approach can be particularly beneficial for individuals facing difficult life transitions or a general sense of meaninglessness. The goal is to foster resilience, connection, and a sense of purpose, which contributes to overall well-being and stronger communities.

What are the long-term implications of a social work approach centered on meaning?

The search for meaning is a lifelong process, and social workers use tools like **existentialism** and understanding **spirituality** to guide individuals. This includes exploring personal values, beliefs, and experiences to facilitate the creation of purpose and enhance resilience. By assisting individuals in making meaningful choices, social workers contribute to their clients' long-term well-being and help them build stronger, more vibrant communities.