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How the COVID-19 Pandemic and its Consequences Affect the Presence of and Search for Meaning of Life: A Longitudinal Study

Author

Listed:
  • Rosa Mª Baños

    (University of Valencia
    Instituto de Salud Carlos III
    University of Valencia)

  • Lorena Desdentado

    (University of Valencia
    Instituto de Salud Carlos III
    University of Valencia)

  • Mª Dolores Vara

    (University of Valencia
    Instituto de Salud Carlos III)

  • Tamara Escrivá-Martínez

    (University of Valencia
    Instituto de Salud Carlos III
    University of Valencia)

  • Rocío Herrero

    (Instituto de Salud Carlos III
    Universidad de Zaragoza)

  • Marta Miragall

    (Instituto de Salud Carlos III
    University of Valencia)

  • José M. Tomás

    (University of Valencia)

Abstract

The presence of meaning in life (PML) and the search for meaning in life (SML) are crucial when facing difficult times. Although several theoretical frameworks have tried to explain the dynamics of meaning in life during adversity, empirical evidence about interactions among both constructs using longitudinal designs is scarce. This study examined the trajectories of both PML and SML during the COVID-19 lockdown period in Spain. In total, 220 adults fulfilled an online survey during two periods: a strict and a relaxed lockdown period. Latent growth models showed that both PML and SML declined slightly during the strict lockdown, but they reached a plateau during the relaxed lockdown. Results also showed that age and having a partner predicted higher PML and lower SML at baseline, whereas being male predicted higher scores on PML. PML and SML were negatively associated at baseline, higher SML at baseline was related to a steeper decreasing PML slope during the strict lockdown, and the PML and SML slopes in the relaxed lockdown period were negatively related. This study contributes to better understanding longitudinal fluctuations of meaning in life in situations of adversity.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:24:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1007_s10902-022-00592-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-022-00592-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. Jian-Bin Li & Kai Dou & Yue Liang, 2021. "The Relationship Between Presence of Meaning, Search for Meaning, and Subjective Well-Being: A Three-Level Meta-Analysis Based on the Meaning in Life Questionnaire," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 22(1), pages 467-489, January.
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