MEASURING THE PRESENCE AND SEARCH OF

MEANING IN LIFE

PSYC340
COMMUNITY AND HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY

Submitted By: Noopur Enrolment: A1506921426

Submitted To: DR. VIBHA YADAV Faculty Sign

 Table of Contents

1. Introduction. 1

2. Literature review 3

3. Methodology. 7

- Aim. 7

- Research Design 7

- Participants/ Sampling. 7

- Variables. 8

- Tools. 8

- Scoring and Interpretation. 10

- Data Collection Method. 12

4. Results and Discussion. 13

5. References. 15
 Introduction
The concept of meaning in life plays a significant role in the field of community psychology,
where the focus is on understanding and enhancing the well-being of individuals within their social
and environmental contexts. Meaning in life is a fundamental aspect of human experience that
influences how individuals perceive and interact with their surroundings, including their
communities. In the context of community psychology, the exploration of meaning in life can
provide valuable insights into the factors that contribute to individuals' overall well-being and
resilience within a community setting.

Understanding the presence and search for meaning in life among community members can help
community psychologists tailor interventions that address the specific needs and challenges faced
by different groups. By assessing individuals' sense of meaning, community psychologists can
identify those who may be at risk of experiencing a lack of purpose or fulfillment, allowing for
targeted support and resources to be provided. Moreover, promoting a sense of meaning in life
within a community can lead to increased social connectedness, resilience, and overall
psychological well-being among its members.

In essence, integrating the exploration of meaning in life within the framework of community
psychology can enhance the effectiveness of interventions aimed at fostering positive outcomes
and promoting the holistic well-being of individuals within diverse community settings. By
recognizing the importance of meaning in life within the context of community psychology,
practitioners can better address the multifaceted needs of individuals and communities, ultimately
contributing to the creation of more supportive and thriving social environments.

The MLQ can be used to assess the presence of meaning and the search for meaning in community
contexts. Community psychology is concerned with understanding and promoting the well-being
of individuals within their social and environmental contexts. The MLQ can be a valuable tool for
community psychologists to assess the impact of community interventions on individuals' sense of
meaning in life. For example, a community intervention aimed at promoting mental health might
be evaluated using the MLQ to assess whether it leads to an increase in the presence of meaning or
a decrease in the search for meaning in the lives of the participants.

Moreover, the MLQ can be used to identify individuals who may be at risk of experiencing a lack
of meaning in life, which could contribute to negative outcomes such as poor mental health,
substance abuse, and suicidal ideation[2]. Community psychologists can use this information to
target interventions towards these individuals, providing them with opportunities to find meaning
in their lives and thus promoting their overall well-being.

In summary, the Meaning in Life Questionnaire is a valuable tool for community psychologists to
assess the presence of meaning and the search for meaning in community contexts. It can be used
to evaluate the impact of community interventions on individuals' sense of meaning in life and to
identify individuals who may be at risk of experiencing a lack of meaning, allowing for targeted
interventions to promote their well-being.

Community Happiness: The Collective Pursuit of Well-Being Communities, like

individuals, strive for happiness and well-being. Community happiness transcends
individual contentment to encompass the collective welfare of its members. Factors
such as social cohesion, trust, and a sense of belonging contribute significantly to
community happiness. Research indicates that communities with higher levels of
social capital—such as strong social networks and shared norms—tend to be
happier and more resilient in the face of challenges.The Interplay Between
Meaning in Life and Community Happiness Meaning in life and community
happiness are intertwined in a complex relationship. Individuals who find meaning
in their lives often contribute positively to their communities, fostering a sense of
purpose and connectedness among members. Conversely, communities that
prioritize the well-being and fulfillment of their members are more likely to
cultivate an environment where individuals can find meaning in their lives.The Role
of Community in Creating Meaningful Lives Communities play a vital role in
creating conditions that facilitate meaning in life. By providing opportunities for
meaningful work, fostering social connections, and promoting shared values,
communities can enhance the overall sense of purpose and fulfillment experienced
by their members. Additionally, communities that prioritize inclusivity and diversity
are better equipped to address the diverse needs and aspirations of their members,
leading to a more inclusive and fulfilling community life.Practical Implications for
Enhancing Community Happiness To enhance community happiness, it is essential
to prioritize the creation of meaningful experiences and opportunities for members.
This can be achieved through initiatives that promote social cohesion, volunteerism,
and civic engagement. Additionally, fostering a culture of gratitude and appreciation
can strengthen social bonds and enhance overall community well-being. In
conclusion, meaning in life and community happiness are deeply interconnected,
each influencing and enriching the other. By understanding and fostering the
conditions that promote meaning in life and community happiness, we can create
more fulfilling and resilient communities where individuals thrive and contribute to
the greater good.
 Review of Literature

A new 8-item Meaning in Life Measure (MILM) was created to address existing measure limitations. It consists of
two subscales: Experience (MILM-E) and Reflectivity (MILM-R). Both showed high reliability and validity,
correlating positively with well-being and personality traits, and negatively with depression. Demographically,
older, female, higher-income, and married participants with children scored slightly higher on MILM-E, while
women scored slightly higher on MILM-R. This suggests MILM is a reliable measure, revealing meaning in life
comprises two factors.

The study examined the relationship between age and the search for meaning in life, along with their impact on
physical and mental well-being, and cognitive function in adults. Data from 1,042 adults in the Successful Aging
Evaluation (SAGE) study were analyzed, revealing an inverted U-shaped relationship between age and the presence
of meaning, and a U-shaped relationship with the search for meaning (peaking around age 60). Physical well-being
correlated negatively with age and positively with the presence of meaning, especially in those over 60, while
mental well-being positively correlated with age and presence, and negatively with the search for meaning.
Cognitive function declined with age and was negatively associated with the search for meaning. The study
underscores the importance of meaning in life for health and well-being, highlighting differing relationships in
adults younger and older than 60, suggesting the need for interventions to enhance meaning and improve health
outcomes.

The study aimed to investigate the impact of a gratitude intervention on the sense of meaning in life, psychological
well-being, general health, and perceived stress among young adults. Eighty participants were randomly assigned to
either an experimental group, which engaged in a gratitude diary activity for a week, or a control group. Results
showed significant improvements in psychological well-being, particularly in environmental mastery, relationships
with others, and purpose in life, along with reductions in anxiety, depression symptoms, and perceived stress in the
experimental group. However, the intervention did not significantly affect the level of meaning in life. Expressing
gratitude was found to be positively associated with both meaning in life and psychological well-being. Overall, the
gratitude intervention demonstrated potential in enhancing psychological well-being among young adults, although
its effectiveness in bolstering meaning in life was limited.

The study examined the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), a widely used 10-item self-report measure assessing
the perceived presence of and search for meaning in life. Despite its common use, the study highlighted the lack of
examination regarding the questionnaire's reliability across different samples. By synthesizing evidence from 232
articles, the study found that the average reliabilities for both subscales of the MLQ were above .85. While the MLQ
demonstrated high reliability overall, the study revealed variability in reliability based on sample characteristics and
some evidence of reporting bias. This analysis sheds light on the importance of understanding the reliability of
measures like the MLQ across diverse samples and the potential for underreporting low reliability estimates.

The Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ) is a self-report inventory designed to measure life meaning, consisting of
two dimensions: Presence of Meaning and Search for Meaning[1][4]. The MLQ has good internal consistency and is
used to assess how much individuals feel their lives have meaning and how much they strive to find meaning and
understanding in their lives[1][4]. Studies have shown that meaning in life is linked to well-being, with meaning
mediating the relationship between religiousness and psychological health, life satisfaction, self-esteem, and
optimism[1][4]. Additionally, expressed gratitude interventions have been found to increase happiness, life
satisfaction, and positive affect, regardless of intervention length, highlighting their positive impact on
psychological well-being[2].
 Methodology

Aim:

using the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ) developed by Steger et al. (2006).

Research Design:

This study employs a quantitative research methodology combined with the use of
a survey method to systematically evaluate and measure meaning in life by using

structured and objective approach to gathering numerical data to address research

inquiries and test hypotheses. Researchers meticulously design studies, select
representative samples, employ standardized scales to measure variables, and

phenomena.
Participants/Sampling:

across various sectors, job roles, and demographic characteristics (e.g., age, gender,

educational background). The sample size is 60 and was determined based on statistical
power calculations to achieve adequate representation and generalizability of findings.

Inclusion Criteria:

Participants must be above 18

All genders are included.

Participants should be willing to complete the Meaning in Life questionnaire and provide
informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

Individuals who are under 18

Those unwilling or unable to provide informed consent will be excluded from the study

Variables:

Independent Variable: Meaning in life, assessed using the MLQ.

Dependent Variable: Community happiness, measured using a validated scale.

Tools:

The Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ) is a widely used instrument designed to assess
the presence of and search for meaning in life. Developed by Steger et al. (2006), the
MLQ is a ten-item self-report inventory that measures two dimensions of meaning: the
Presence of Meaning (MLQ-P) and the Search for Meaning (MLQ-S). Each dimension is
measured by five items rated on a 7-point Likert scale, with higher scores indicating a
greater presence or search for meaning in life. The MLQ has demonstrated good
reliability, test-retest stability, and convergent validity with other measures of meaning in
life. It has been validated in various populations, including patients with life-threatening
illnesses, Greek samples, and Australian adolescents. Research has shown that the MLQ is
positively related to well-being, intrinsic religiosity, and extraversion, while it is
negatively related to anxiety, depression, and neuroticism. The MLQ is also related to
personal growth self-appraisals, altruistic and spiritual behaviors, and daily diary reports
of eudaimonic self-appraisals and behaviors. The MLQ takes about 5 minutes to complete.
Scoring and Interpretation:

Scoring the MLQ involves summing up the responses to the items within each
subscale. Higher scores on the Presence of Meaning subscale indicate a stronger
sense of meaning in life, while higher scores on the Search for Meaning subscale
suggest a greater pursuit of meaning. The MLQ-P and MLQ-S are scored on a
7-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (absolutely untrue) to 7 (absolutely true).
Higher scores indicate a greater presence of meaning or a stronger search for
meaning. The total score for each subscale is calculated by averaging the item
scores, with higher scores indicating a higher level of meaning or search for
meaning.For the MLQ-P, scores can range from 1 to 7, with higher scores
indicating a greater presence of meaning in life. For the MLQ-S, scores can also
range from 1 to 7, with higher scores indicating a stronger search for meaning in
life.The relationship between meaning in life (MLQ scores) and community
happiness will be analyzed using correlation analysis to determine the strength and
direction of the relationship between the two variables. Interpretation of the MLQ
scores involves comparing an individual's scores on the Presence of Meaning and
Search for Meaning subscales. Different combinations of scores may indicate
various levels of existential well-being and overall sense of meaning in life.

The MLQ (Meaning in Life Questionnaire) developed by Steger et al. (2006)

consists of two main subscales: the Presence of Meaning (MLQ-P) and the Search
for Meaning (MLQ-S). These subscales assess different aspects of meaning in life
and are used to categorize individuals into four different groups: A, B, C, and D.
Here’s a brief overview of each category:
Category A: High Presence of Meaning, Low Search for Meaning

Individuals in this category perceive their lives as highly meaningful and do not
feel a strong need to actively search for additional meaning. They have a strong
sense of purpose and direction in life.

Category B: High Presence of Meaning, High Search for Meaning

Individuals in this category perceive their lives as highly meaningful but also
actively search for additional meaning. They are introspective and seek deeper
meaning and purpose in their lives.

Category C: Low Presence of Meaning, High Search for Meaning

Individuals in this category do not perceive their lives as particularly meaningful

but actively search for meaning. They may feel a sense of emptiness or lack of
direction and are actively seeking to find meaning and purpose.

Category D: Low Presence of Meaning, Low Search for Meaning

Individuals in this category perceive their lives as lacking in meaning and do not
feel a strong need to actively search for additional meaning. They may feel a sense
of emptiness or aimlessness in their lives.

These categories provide insight into how individuals perceive and approach
meaning in life, which can have implications for their well-being and
psychological functioning.
Data Collection Method:

The research was conducted using an online survey format administered through
Google Forms. The procedure consisted of the following steps:

a. Informed Consent: Prior to participation, all respondents were presented

with a detailed informed consent form explaining the purpose and scope of the
study. Participants were required to provide their consent before proceeding with
the survey.

b. Introduction and Instructions: Participants were given a clear introduction

to the research study and instructions on how to complete the survey. This included
information on the anonymous nature of their responses and the importance of
honest and accurate input.

c. Meaning in Life Questionnaire: The "Meaning in Life Questionnaire"

(MLQ) is a psychological assessment tool designed to measure an individual's
sense of meaning and purpose in life. It was developed by Michael F. Steger and
colleagues in 2006 and has since been widely used in research and clinical settings.
The MLQ typically consists of two main subscales:

1. Presence of Meaning: This subscale measures the extent to which

individuals feel their lives are meaningful, purposeful, and significant.
2. Search for Meaning: This subscale assesses the degree to which individuals
are actively seeking meaning and purpose in their lives

d. Data Analysis: Collected data was analysed to examine the correlations

between commuting habits, stress levels, and work-related rumination.
 Results and Discussion

Using the Meaning in Life questionnaire, this study aimed to assess the presence
and search for meaning in life among a sample of 60 participants, comprising 26
males and 34 females.

The results revealed that the majority of participants fell into Category 'C',
characterized by a low presence of meaning but a high search for meaning.
Individuals in this category may experience a sense of emptiness or lack of
direction, prompting an active search for meaning and purpose in their lives.

Conversely, the smallest number of participants were categorized as Category 'D',

indicating a low presence of meaning and a low search for meaning. Individuals in
this category perceive their lives as lacking in meaning without actively seeking
additional meaning. This may result in feelings of emptiness or aimlessness.

CATEGORY NO OF PARTICIPANTS

A 15

B 11

C 24

D 10

Result table showing number of participants falling in each category

 Discussion

Based on the data collected using the Meaning in Life questionnaire, the study
included 60 participants, with 26 males and 34 females. The results indicated that
the majority of participants fell into Category 'C', with 24 individuals in this group.
Category 'C' represents individuals with a low presence of meaning but a high
search for meaning in life. This suggests that a significant proportion of the
participants feel a sense of emptiness or lack of direction and are actively seeking
to find meaning and purpose.

Following Category 'C', the next largest group was Category 'A', which included
15 participants. Category 'A' represents individuals with a high presence of
meaning and a low search for meaning. These individuals perceive their lives as
highly meaningful and do not feel a strong need to actively search for additional
meaning.

The third category, Category 'B', included 11 participants. Category 'B' represents
individuals with a high presence of meaning and a high search for meaning. These
individuals perceive their lives as highly meaningful but also actively search for
additional meaning, indicating introspection and a desire for deeper meaning and
purpose.

The smallest group was Category 'D', which included 10 participants. Category 'D'
represents individuals with a low presence of meaning and a low search for
meaning. These individuals perceive their lives as lacking in meaning and do not
feel a strong need to actively search for additional meaning, possibly leading to
feelings of emptiness or aimlessness.
Dezutter et al.,(2013) This study investigates the role of meaning in life in the
psychological well-being of chronically ill patients. The researchers examined the
relationship between meaning in life and various aspects of well-being, including
depressive symptoms, quality of life, and illness intrusiveness, in a sample of 180
chronically ill patients. The results indicate that meaning in life is positively
associated with psychological well-being, suggesting that finding meaning in their
illness experience can help patients cope better with their condition. The study
highlights the importance of addressing existential concerns in the care of
chronically ill patients to improve their overall well-being.
Overall, these results suggest that while a significant proportion of individuals
actively seek meaning and purpose in their lives, there is also a diversity of
perspectives and approaches to meaning in life among the study participants. These
findings highlight the complexity of the human experience and underscore the
importance of addressing existential questions in promoting well-being and
psychological health.
 References

Yuen, M., & Datu, J. A. D. (2021). Meaning in life, connectedness, academic

self-efficacy, and personal self-efficacy: A winning combination. Journal of
Research in Personality, 42(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/0143034320973370

Routledge, C., & FioRito, T. A. (2021). Why Meaning in Life Matters for Societal

https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.601899

Glaw, X., Kable, A., Hazelton, M., & Inder, K. (2017). Meaning in life and
meaning of life in mental health care: An integrative literature review. Issues in
Mental Health Nursing, 38(3), 243-252.

Dezutter, J., Casalin, S., Wachholtz, A., Luyckx, K., Hekking, J., & Vandewiele,

W. (2013). Meaning in Life: An Important Factor for the Psychological Well-Being

of Chronically Ill Patients. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 20(2),
235-243.