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The Mediating Effect of Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction between Future Socio-Economic Status and Undergraduates’ Sense of Meaning in Life

Author

Listed:
  • Feng Zhang

    (Jing Hengyi School of Education, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
    Chinese Education Modernization Research Institute, Hangzhou Normal University (Zhejiang Provincial Key Think Tank), Hangzhou 311121, China)

  • Li Su

    (Jing Hengyi School of Education, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China)

  • Xiaowei Geng

    (Jing Hengyi School of Education, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
    Zhejiang Philosophy and Social Science Laboratory for Research in Early Development and Childcare, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China)

Abstract

Finding meaning in life helps improve undergraduates’ well-being, hope, and adaptation to life. To investigate the relationship between future socioeconomic status (future SES) and undergraduates’ sense of meaning in life, 333 undergraduates were surveyed using the Meaning in Life Scale, Basic Psychological Needs Scales, and Social Ladder Scale. Results showed that (1) undergraduates’ sense of meaning in life was at the middle level, their current SES was low, but their future SES was high. (2) The sense of meaning in life was significantly predicted by future SES, with sex, age, objective SES, and current SES controlled. (3) Basic psychological needs satisfaction mediated the influence of future SES on sense of meaning in life. Thus, undergraduates expected future SES influenced their sense of meaning in life through satisfying their basic psychological needs, i.e., relatedness need, autonomy need, and competence need.

Suggested Citation

  • Feng Zhang & Li Su & Xiaowei Geng, 2023. "The Mediating Effect of Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction between Future Socio-Economic Status and Undergraduates’ Sense of Meaning in Life," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-11, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:12:y:2023:i:4:p:229-:d:1121532
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wijnand A. P. Tilburg & Eric R. Igou, 2019. "Dreaming of a Brighter Future: Anticipating Happiness Instills Meaning in Life," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 20(2), pages 541-559, February.
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