The problems investigated were: (1) Is there a relationship between purpose in life and coping methods with primigravidas? (2) Is there a relationship between the purpose in life and recent stressful life experiences with primigravidas? (3) Is there a relationship between the coping methods used and recent stressful life experiences with primigravidas?.

The conceptual framework for the study was based on two theories. Lazarus' (1974, 1977, 1984) concept of coping and purpose in life, as delineated by Frankl (1969, 1975, 1984) was utilized in the study. Each of the theories was discussed separately. The sample consisted of 57 primigravidas attending childbirth education classes within a large metropolitan city in the Southern region of the United States. The sample was composed of females ranging in ages from 19 to 35. Three research hypotheses were formulated. These hypotheses were statistically tested using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient statistic. The significance level was set at.05.

Statistical analysis of the hypotheses indicated the following findings: A significant relationship was found between problem-oriented coping approach and purpose in life for the sample. There was a significant relationship between purpose in life and recent, ungrouped or grouped (negative and positive), stressful life experiences. A significant difference was found in the purpose in life scores of the sample having positive or negative stressful life events. The present sample mean was higher than other means reported in the literature. A significant difference between the mean of the present sample and the composite mean of previously reported studies was found.