According to existential theory, how might Terry best improve her life?

• A. Explore her choices and shake off her parents
• B. Focus on past events
• C. Avoid personal responsibility
• D. Seek external validation

Answer: (A)

Existential therapy stresses that we have the freedom to choose and the responsibility to shape our own lives, creating meaning through authentic actions. For Terry, the best path to improvement is openly exploring her options and taking ownership of the directions she chooses, rather than letting parental influence or expectations dictate her life. By selecting actions aligned with her own values and acting on them, she builds authenticity and meaning, which are central to growth in this approach. Reflecting on past events can be useful for learning, but it shouldn’t trap her in the past or absolve her of responsibility for present choices. In contrast, avoiding personal responsibility or seeking validation from others undermines genuine growth because meaning, in existential terms, comes from making deliberate, value-driven choices rather than relying on external approval.