Finding Purpose in Pain: Using Logotherapy as a Method for Addressing Survivor Guilt in First‐Generation College Students

Abstract

First‐generation college students face a variety of academic and personal challenges, including survivor guilt ( Piorkowski, 1983 ). Survivor guilt for these students involves negative emotions related to leaving family and friends “behind” in difficult contexts and lived experiences. This article provides (a) an overview of first‐generation college students’ participation in higher education, (b) a review of survivor guilt as experienced by these students, (c) a description of how logotherapy ( Frankl, 2006 ) can be implemented by college counselors, and (d) the implications of this approach for college counselors.