Life goals of Finnish social services students

This exploratory mixed methods case study examines the life goals of Finnish social services students (N = 151) and whether they justify their goals with self- or other-focused reasoning. Purpose is understood as reflecting the students' life goals that benefit not only oneself but also others. On the basis of this study, close relationships, pursuit of happiness, self-actualization and hedonistic goals described these students' life goals. Most of the students justified their goals through self-benefits only. One-fifth of the students found purpose in familial concerns and one-fourth in pursuing a helping profession. Students' life goals and purposes are discussed particularly in relation to helping profession.