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Need for Meaning, Meaning Confusion, Meaning Anxiety, and Meaning Avoidance: Additional Dimensions of Meaning in Life

Author

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  • Hong Zhang

    (Nanjing University)

  • Zhiqin Sang

    (Nanjing University)

  • Changkai Chen

    (Nanjing University)

  • Jiawei Zhu

    (Nanjing University)

  • Weijing Deng

    (Nanjing University)

Abstract

Two aspects of meaning in life have drawn much attention in previous research: presence of meaning and search for meaning. We proposed four additional aspects concerning individuals’ thoughts and feelings about meaning in life: need for meaning, meaning confusion, meaning avoidance, and meaning anxiety. We developed items to measure these dimensions. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the data fit the factors well. Convergent and discriminant validities of the four dimensions were demonstrated though their distinct patterns of correlations with other variables, such as personality traits, need satisfaction, personal aspirations, life satisfaction, anxiety and depression. Moreover, cluster analysis revealed that individuals could be divided into meaningful groups according to these dimensions, with each group demonstrating unique psychological features. Implications for future studies on meaning in life are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Hong Zhang & Zhiqin Sang & Changkai Chen & Jiawei Zhu & Weijing Deng, 2018. "Need for Meaning, Meaning Confusion, Meaning Anxiety, and Meaning Avoidance: Additional Dimensions of Meaning in Life," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 19(1), pages 191-212, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:19:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1007_s10902-016-9815-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-016-9815-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Glenn Milligan & Martha Cooper, 1985. "An examination of procedures for determining the number of clusters in a data set," Psychometrika, Springer;The Psychometric Society, vol. 50(2), pages 159-179, June.
    2. Burroughs, James E & Rindfleisch, Aric, 2002. "Materialism and Well-Being: A Conflicting Values Perspective," Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Consumer Research Inc., vol. 29(3), pages 348-370, December.
    3. Michael Steger & Todd Kashdan, 2007. "Stability and specificity of meaning in life and life satisfaction over one year," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 8(2), pages 161-179, June.
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    1. Brodie C Dakin & Simon M Laham & Nicholas Poh-Jie Tan & Brock Bastian, 2021. "Searching for meaning is associated with costly prosociality," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(10), pages 1-25, October.

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