This study examines the relationship between students’ perceived meaning in life, life plans, life goals, and their self-worth. Grounded in Self-Determination Theory and Positive Psychology, the research investigates these constructs and their implications for psychological well-being and resilience among university students in Shaanxi and Henan provinces. Employing an explanatory, cross-sectional research design, the study utilised a purposive sample of 150 university students. Data were collected via self-administered online questionnaires measuring meaning in life, perceived subjective significance of life, perceived life goals, and self-worth. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression through SPSS. The findings indicate that self-worth is positively associated with a sense of purpose, perceived life significance, and perceived life goals. The overall analysis demonstrates that these constructs collectively predict self-worth with approximately 79 per cent accuracy. The results highlight the importance of fostering a sense of purpose and life goals to enhance students’ self-worth and resilience. This study contributes to the existing literature by emphasising the role of meaning-making in students’ psychological development. The findings offer valuable implications for educational practices and interventions aimed at promoting academic engagement, psychological well-being, and a sense of purpose in life.