Existential Well-Being as a Relational Construct: Student Leaders’ Perceptions of University Chaplaincy in Finland

Abstract The aim of this study is to explore how existential well-being is constructed relationally among Finnish student leaders and how they perceive the role of university chaplains in this process. Existential well-being is understood as an interpretive lens through which individuals make sense of both positive and challenging life experiences; it may include both meaningfulness and existential concerns. The data consist of 10 semi-structured student leaders’ interviews, analyzed using template analysis. The main themes were identified as experiencing belonging, creating visions of the future, and perceptions of the university chaplaincy role in existential well-being. These themes indicate that existential well-being is not only an individual experience but is also embedded in social relationships, shared practices, and a future-oriented search for meaning. The findings highlight the importance of integrating existential well-being into the communal context and supporting students in articulating future perspectives. The study underscores the potential role of university chaplaincy as a low-threshold, spiritual, and supportive presence in fostering existential well-being among university students.