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Abstract: Theoretical premises of the presented study are connected with the works of E. Durkheim and V. Frankl. The methodological basis of the undertaken empirical research is made up by the works of such scholars as D. Crumbaugh, J. Maholick, D. Leontyev and N.O. Leonenko (she is the coordinator of the international research project in the framework of which the presented research was carried out). The problem of purpose-in-life orientations becomes especially urgent in the conditions of chronic anormality (absence of norm) which appeared in social life even in the 19th century but is especially evident in today’s epoch of globalization. The authors single out the typical features of anormality: disintegration of traditional systems of values; disappearance of distinction between the allowed and the prohibited; absence of culture of freedom; inability to take responsibility for one’s deeds; aspiration for mimicry; growth of egoism, decline of the feelings of community, social responsibility and solidarity. All this leads to the tendency to spread existential frustration and existential vacuum among students. The given tendency was registered as far back as 1960s-1970s. Conformism, TOTALITARIANISM and NOOGENETIC NEUROSES (the state of existential vacuum, absence of purpose and sense in life, desire to find it) with such symptoms as laziness or apathy may become aftereffects of the tendency. The object of the empirical research is the goals regulating the activity and behavior of the young people (students) and giving sense to their lives. In the course of the presented research, the authors revealed the inner structure of noetic goals and orientations and analyzed the level of functioning of vitality as personal disposition with three structural components – involvement, control and risk taking.