Purpose in Life as a Determinant of Psychological Well-Being among Medical Residents in Ukraine

Purpose is to present the results of a self-assessment survey examining the Purpose in Life domain among junior doctors (resident physicians) amidst a rising number of stressful situations, and to evaluate their development of life strategies, professional socialisation and daily priorities. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted from 2021 to 2023 and involved a survey of 665 junior doctors using Carol Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale, with a specific focus on the analysis of its Purpose in Life subscale. Results. The findings indicate that the majority of the surveyed junior doctors exhibit a moderate level (68.87 ± 1.80%) of life purpose, which is interpreted as a moderate formation of life goals and meaningful life orientations, with variations occurring under the influence of age-related, occupational and social factors. Gender and spatial comparisons revealed a statistically significant higher score among women (t = 2.54; p = 0.014) and urban residents (t = 2.17; p = 0.034). Within the female subgroup, the level of purpose in life was significantly higher among urban women compared to rural residents (t = 2.58; p = 0.012). Analysis of individual items showed that Statement No. 2, “My life has meaning,” is the definitive leader, yielding the highest average score across the sample (5.06 ± 1.19 points) and demonstrating the highest response consistency (4.97–5.15 points). Overall, these professionals are characterized by a high level of future orientation and a well-developed capacity for life planning, which is particularly pronounced among women (t = –2.28; p = 0.026) and married respondents, who reported higher scores for future planning (t = –2.55; p = 0.013). Respondents also display a high level of proactivity and activity in implementing their life goals, with a statistically significant higher level observed among female junior doctors compared to men (t = –2.19; p = 0.032). Conclusion. The self-assessment of life goals and the choice of daily priorities among junior doctors to achieve psychological well-being demonstrate a profound level of meaningfulness in their lives. The data reveal a deep sense of mission in their work: the item “My life has meaning” yielded the highest rating (5.06 out of 6 points), proving that for this cohort, medicine is a true calling.