Existentialism, Rooted in Philosophical Inquiry and Expanded Through Psychological Practice, Provides a Rich Framework For Understanding the Human Condition
Abstract
The 21st century presents individuals with unique existential challenges. Amid rapid technological advances, societal shifts, and a perceived erosion of traditional values, the contemporary quest for meaning has become more pressing. This report explores existentialist philosophy's impact on modern psychological practice and personal identity, tracing its development from Kierkegaard to Frankl. It examines how existentialism informs contemporary meaning-making, focusing on existential therapy, the rise of nihilism, and the challenges posed by consumerism and digital life. With a philosophical foundation and applied psychological insights, existentialism remains vital in addressing the meaning crisis of modern life.
1. Introduction
Existentialism is a philosophical movement emphasizing human freedom, individuality, and the creation of meaning in an indifferent or absurd universe. As societies evolve and traditional sources of meaning—such as religion and community—face decline, existential questions resurface with intensity. The modern individual must navigate complex societal structures, technological fragmentation, and inner psychological conflicts to forge a sense of purpose. This paper investigates how existentialism continues to influence the human pursuit of meaning through theoretical frameworks, psychological applications, and its relevance in contemporary culture.
2. Historical Roots of Existentialism
2.1 Søren Kierkegaard: Faith and Subjective Truth Kierkegaard (1849/1985) is often called the father of existentialism. He introduced the idea of subjective truth, emphasizing the individual's relationship with the divine and the necessity of personal commitment. His concept of the "leap of faith" underscores that meaning is not found through objective reasoning but through deeply personal, often irrational, decisions.
2.2 Friedrich Nietzsche: Nihilism and the Will to Power Nietzsche (1883/1999) famously proclaimed the "death of God," signaling the collapse of absolute moral values. This void gave rise to nihilism—a belief in the meaninglessness of life. Nietzsche advocated for the "Übermensch" (overman) who creates values through willpower and self-overcoming, insisting that individuals must become the authors of their own lives.
2.3 Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir: Freedom and Responsibility Sartre (1943/2007) argued that humans are "condemned to be free," burdened with the responsibility of choosing and defining themselves in a purposeless world. De Beauvoir (1949/2011) expanded these ideas to issues of gender, emphasizing the existential struggle of women in patriarchal societies. Both philosophers believed that authenticity arises from conscious engagement with freedom.
3. Existential Psychology and the Will to Meaning
3.1 Viktor Frankl and Logotherapy Frankl (2006), a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, developed logotherapy—a form of existential analysis that places meaning at the center of psychological health. He observed that even in suffering, individuals could find purpose through attitudes, values, and responsibility. His assertion, "He who has a why to live can bear almost any how" (Frankl, 2006), encapsulates existential resilience.
3.2 Rollo May and Existential Anxiety May (1958) brought existentialism into American psychotherapy, emphasizing the existential roots of anxiety, guilt, and despair. He argued that these emotions arise from the confrontation with death, freedom, isolation, and meaninglessness. Therapy, therefore, must address these existential givens rather than suppress them.
3.3 Irvin Yalom and Existential Therapy Yalom (1980) developed a therapeutic approach centered on four ultimate concerns: death, freedom, isolation, and meaninglessness. He believed that confronting these realities allows individuals to live with more depth and authenticity. Yalom's work remains foundational in existential psychotherapy.
4. The Contemporary Crisis of Meaning
4.1 The Impact of Digital Technology The rise of digital technology and social media has paradoxically increased connectivity while deepening existential isolation. Turkle (2011) describes how individuals, though constantly connected, experience profound loneliness and superficiality in digital interactions, leading to a fragmented sense of self.
4.2 Consumerism and the Substitution of Values Baudrillard (1998) critiques consumer culture for replacing authentic meaning with symbolic consumption. In the pursuit of status and material goods, individuals often lose touch with intrinsic values, contributing to existential emptiness.
4.3 Climate Anxiety and Global Uncertainty Global crises such as climate change, pandemics, and political instability intensify existential anxiety. These events confront individuals with the fragility of life and the unpredictability of existence, prompting a reevaluation of personal and collective purpose (Vervaeke, 2019).
5. Personal Identity and Authentic Living
5.1 The Role of Freedom and Responsibility Existentialism posits that identity is not given but created through choices. Sartre (1943/2007) argued that individuals must assume full responsibility for their existence, rejecting bad faith—the denial of freedom through self-deception.
5.2 Heidegger and the "They-Self" Heidegger (1927/1962) introduced the concept of the "they-self," where individuals conform to societal norms rather than authentically engaging with their own possibilities. Authenticity involves reclaiming ownership of one's life in the face of death ("being-toward-death").
5.3 Guignon on Selfhood and Meaning Guignon (2004) suggests that authenticity arises not from isolated autonomy but from meaningful relationships and narrative coherence. In this view, the self is not a fixed essence but a project continually shaped by context and reflection.
6. Existential Therapy in Practice
6.1 Techniques and Goals Existential therapy encourages clients to explore values, confront mortality, and live authentically. Therapists use open dialogue and phenomenological exploration to help individuals understand their unique experiences (van Deurzen, 2002).
6.2 Applications in Grief and Trauma Neimeyer (2016) applies existential concepts in grief therapy, helping clients reconstruct meaning after loss. This approach is also effective in trauma recovery, where clients grapple with disrupted assumptions and identity.
6.3 Integration with Other Modalities Contemporary therapists often integrate existential principles with cognitive-behavioral, narrative, or mindfulness approaches to provide holistic care (Cooper, 2003).
7. Critiques and Limitations of Existentialism While existentialism offers profound insights, critics argue it can be overly individualistic and abstract. Taylor (1989) warns that its focus on autonomy may neglect social and cultural embeddedness. Moreover, its philosophical complexity may be inaccessible to some clients in therapy.
Nevertheless, existential approaches have evolved to address these critiques. Modern existentialists emphasize relationality, cultural context, and the integration of embodied experience (van Deurzen, 2002).
8. The Future of Existential Thought Existentialism remains relevant as individuals confront AI ethics, ecological collapse, and evolving social identities. It offers tools for navigating uncertainty with courage and responsibility. By fostering authenticity, purpose, and resilience, existentialism contributes to mental health and human flourishing in an era of change.
9. Conclusion Existentialism, rooted in philosophical inquiry and expanded through psychological practice, provides a rich framework for understanding the human condition. In a world marked by disconnection, anxiety, and complexity, existential thought challenges individuals to live deliberately, embrace freedom, and create meaning. As the contemporary quest for meaning continues, existentialism remains a vital guide in the pursuit of authenticity and purpose.
References
Baudrillard, J. (1998). The consumer society: Myths and structures. SAGE Publications.
Cooper, M. (2003). Existential therapies. Sage Publications.
Frankl, V. E. (2006). Man's search for meaning (I. Lasch, Trans.). Beacon Press. (Original work published 1946)
Guignon, C. B. (2004). On being authentic. Routledge.
Heidegger, M. (1962). Being and time (J. Macquarrie & E. Robinson, Trans.). Harper & Row. (Original work published 1927)
Kierkegaard, S. (1985). Fear and trembling (A. Hannay, Trans.). Penguin Classics. (Original work published 1849)
May, R. (1958). The origins and significance of the existential movement in psychology. In R. May, E. Angel, & H. Ellenberger (Eds.), Existence: A new dimension in psychiatry and psychology (pp. 3–36). Basic Books.
Neimeyer, R. A. (2016). Techniques of grief therapy: Assessment and intervention. Routledge.
Nietzsche, F. (1999). Thus spoke Zarathustra (R. J. Hollingdale, Trans.). Penguin Books. (Original work published 1883)
Sartre, J.-P. (2007). Being and nothingness (H. E. Barnes, Trans.). Routledge. (Original work published 1943)
Taylor, C. (1989). Sources of the self: The making of the modern identity. Harvard University Press.
Turkle, S. (2011). Alone together: Why we expect more from technology and less from each other. Basic Books.
van Deurzen, E. (2002). Existential counselling and psychotherapy in practice (2nd ed.). Sage Publications.
Vervaeke, J. (2019). Awakening from the meaning crisis [Video series]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLND1JCRq8Vuh3f1p1C_Bn7jyX6WRz9x5P
Yalom, I. D. (1980). Existential psychotherapy. Basic Books.
Disclaimer
This 'Existentialism and the Quest for Meaning' report is based on information available at the time of its preparation and is provided for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness, errors and omissions may occur. The compiler of Existentialism and the Quest for Meaning (ChatGPT 2025) and / or Vernon Chalmers for the Mental Health and Motivation website (in the capacity as report requester) disclaim any liability for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions and will not be held responsible for any decisions or conclusions made based on this information." (Source: ChatGPT 2025)