Extracurricular Internship and Purpose in Life: Perceptions of University Students

Abstract

Emerging adulthood is a stage of development in which individuals prepare to enter adult life. Due to its characteristics, it is a favorable period to study a purpose in life. This study aimed to investigate the conceptions of university students about extracurricular internship and its relationship with the development of the purpose in life. A focus group was carried out with three students from the psychology course. For data analysis, a content analysis was performed. The results showed that purpose in life and extracurricular internship are perceived as related. These themes are seen as beneficial for development, helping to establish identity, in the self-perception of these young people as adults and in decision-making.