INDECS, Vol. 22 No. 5, 2024.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.7906/indecs.22.5.4
Is Meaning in Life Changing in Contemporary Croatian Socitey and what are the Possible Implications of this Trend for Medical Practice?
Krunoslav Nikodem
; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Sociology, Zagreb, Croatia
Ana Borovecki
; University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Andrija Štampar School of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
*
Nenad Karajic
; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Sociology, Zagreb, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Aim: This article explores the changes observed in meaning in life in contemporary Croatian society based on the data collected in a population survey of VAL-DE-END project. Methods: The survey was conducted in 2019 on a three-stage random sample, stratified by regions, counties, and locations within those counties (N = 1203) with a maximum sample error of ± 2,8 %. The response rate was 30 %. By including weights, the sample became nationally representative in terms of sex, age, education, and regional representation. The instrument used consisted of 90 items. Results: 87,5 % of respondent think that family and friends give life meaning. More than 67% of respondents find it in contributing to the community. 64,1 % find meaning in life in self-realisation of one’ own possibilities and 56,7 % in living as comfortably as possible. 47,1 % agree with the statement that death can have its meaning only when a person believes in God. Conclusion: If we compare our data to previously done surveys in Croatian population, we can observe process of secularisation and individuation taking place which can have implications for the medical practice.
Keywords
meaning in life; death; healthcare; Croatia
Hrčak ID:
321869
URI
Publication date:
30.10.2024.
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