Existential crisis

High school (ages 12+)
Philosophy & Big Questions

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/existential-crisis

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the philosophical underpinnings?Rooted in existentialism, emphasizing freedom, responsibility, and the search for meaning
2. What is the core components?Emotional (despair, anxiety), Cognitive (meaninglessness, mortality awareness), and Behavioral (addictions, isolation)
3. Why do people feel like life has no meaning?People sometimes think life has no meaning when they question big ideas like purpose and their own identity. This can happen at different ages, like when teens decide what to study or when adults think about their future.
4. How can someone feel better when they have an existential crisis?They can try talking to friends, learning new hobbies, or helping others. Sometimes talking to a counselor or practicing positive thoughts can help them feel less anxious.

Existentialism: A philosophical movement emphasizing individual existence, freedom, and choice in creating meaning.
Meaninglessness: The perceived absence of inherent purpose or value in life or the universe.
Authenticity: Being true to one's own personality, spirit, or character, especially in the face of external pressures.