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Is the Search for Meaning Related to the Presence of Meaning? Moderators of the Longitudinal Relationship

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  • Steven Tsun-Wai Chu

    (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

  • Helene Hoi-Lam Fung

    (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)

Abstract

Meaning in life is an important element of psychological well-being. Intuitively, the search for meaning is associated with greater presence of meaning, but whether the relationship exists is met with mixed findings in the literature. The present studies aim to investigate the moderators of this relationship. Two studies, a one-month longitudinal study (N = 166, retention rate = 100%) and a six-month longitudinal study (N = 181, retention rate = 83%) were carried out. Participants completed measures on meaning in life, personality variables, and psychological needs in the baseline survey, and meaning in life in the follow-up survey. Multiple regression analysis showed that optimism, BIS, and psychological needs emerged to be significant moderators of the longitudinal relationship. Search for meaning at baseline was positively associated with presence of meaning at follow-up only for those with greater maladaptive traits. The search for meaning in adverse circumstances appears to be more effective than in benign conditions. Deficiency search is functional.

Suggested Citation

  • Steven Tsun-Wai Chu & Helene Hoi-Lam Fung, 2021. "Is the Search for Meaning Related to the Presence of Meaning? Moderators of the Longitudinal Relationship," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 22(1), pages 127-145, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:22:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1007_s10902-020-00222-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-020-00222-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Karen Cohen & David Cairns, 2012. "Is Searching for Meaning in Life Associated With Reduced Subjective Well-Being? Confirmation and Possible Moderators," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 13(2), pages 313-331, April.
    2. 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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    Cited by:

    1. Li Lin & Daniel T. L. Shek, 2021. "Meaning-in-Life Profiles among Chinese Late Adolescents: Associations with Readiness for Political Participation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-16, May.
    2. Kyuri Baek & Yunseon Choe & Seungjae Lee & Gyehee Lee & Tae-Il Pae, 2022. "The Effects of Pilgrimage on the Meaning in Life and Life Satisfaction as Moderated by the Tourist’s Faith Maturity," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-20, March.
    3. Rosa Mª Baños & Lorena Desdentado & Mª Dolores Vara & Tamara Escrivá-Martínez & Rocío Herrero & Marta Miragall & José M. Tomás, 2023. "How the COVID-19 Pandemic and its Consequences Affect the Presence of and Search for Meaning of Life: A Longitudinal Study," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 24(1), pages 17-33, January.
    4. Jian-Bin Li & Ying-Shuang Wang & Kai Dou & Ya-Fei Shang, 2022. "On the Development of Meaning in Life Among College Freshmen: Social Relationship Antecedents and Adjustment Consequences," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 23(4), pages 1709-1735, April.
    5. Małgorzata Szcześniak & Adam Falewicz & Klaudia Strochalska & Radosław Rybarski, 2022. "Anxiety and Depression in a Non-Clinical Sample of Young Polish Adults: Presence of Meaning in Life as a Mediator," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-14, May.

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