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Li Y, Wu D. Creativity and Well-Being Among College Students: The Mediating Role of Meaning in Life. THE JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38805664 DOI: 10.1080/00223980.2024.2354439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The effects of creativity on well-being have been supported by many studies, but the mechanisms involved have not been fully studied. This study used the Creative Conceptual Behavioral Scale, the Well-Being Scale, and the Meaning of Life Questionnaire to survey 1124 college students, in order to explore the mechanism of creativity's influence on well-being from the perspective of meaning in life. The results showed that: (1) There was a bipartite positive correlation between creativity, well-being and meaning of life; and (2) meaning in life played a partial mediating role between creativity and well-being, that is to say, creativity not only directedly influenced well-being but also indirectedly influenced well-being through meaning in life. This study reveals the effect of creativity on well-being and its mechanism theoretically, which has certain practical reference value for the education of meaning in life for college students.
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Chaaya R, Yakın E, Malaeb D, Hallit R, Obeid S, Fekih-Romdhane F, Hallit S. Psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the meaning in life scale in a sample of young adults. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:316. [PMID: 38658892 PMCID: PMC11044334 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05776-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young adults are in a constant phase of realizing their meaning in life while being in a constant pursuit of meaning. Meaning in life is a subjective, personal construct related to the perception of one's own life. Considering that there are no measures that study this construct within the Arab context, this study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ) in the Lebanese context with a sample of young adults. METHODS A sample of 684 Lebanese young adults was recruited for this study, having a mean age of 21.74 years, 65.6% of which were females. Through an online questionnaire, participants were requested to complete the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-8) and the Oviedo Grit Scale (EGO). RESULTS CFA indicated that fit of the original bi-dimensional model of MLQ scores was inadequate. Items 9 and 10 cross-loaded to both MLQ factors. After removal of those 2 items, the final model displayed good fit indices. Reliability was good for the Search (ω = 0.89 / α = 0.89) and Presence (ω = 0.88 / α = 0.87) subscales. Additionally, across three levels of gender invariance (Configural, Metric and Scalar), no significant gender-based distinctions were observed in the MLQ scores. The Search subscale was significantly and positively associated with higher GRIT but not psychological distress, whereas the Presence subscale was significantly associated with higher GRIT and lower psychological distress. CONCLUSION The results of this study contribute to the psychometric reliability and validity of the Arabic version of the MLQ and makes it available for dissemination among young adults within the Arab context. This allows for the implementation of new research that target construct of meaning in life, allowing for the accessibility of interventions that aim to foster the presence of and search for meaning in the lives of young adults within the Arab nations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roni Chaaya
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Ecem Yakın
- Centre d'Études et de Recherches en Psychopathologie et Psychologie de la Santé, Université de Toulouse-Jean Jaurès, UT2J, 5 allées Antonio Machado, Toulouse, 31058, France
| | - Diana Malaeb
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rabih Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon.
- Department of Infectious Disease, Notre Dame, Secours University Hospital Center, Street 93, Postal Code 3, Byblos, Lebanon.
- Department of Infectious Disease, Bellevue Medical Center, Mansourieh, Lebanon.
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Feten Fekih-Romdhane
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry "Ibn Omrane", Razi hospital, Manouba, 2010, Tunisia
- Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon.
- Psychology Department, College of Humanities, Effat University, Jeddah, 21478, Saudi Arabia.
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan.
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Peltomäki I, Ojalammi J, Palmi N, Saarelainen SM, Sørensen T. The Sources of Meaning and Meaning in Life (SoMe) questionnaire in Finnish: Sociodemographic findings of meaningfulness and crisis of meaning in the Finnish context. Scand J Psychol 2024. [PMID: 38590094 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.13019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychological research about meaningfulness is concerned with a subjective sense of meaning of one's own life, that is, meaning in life. Empirical research in this field is attracting interest, as meaning in life has wide-ranging positive implications for mental health and well-being. AIM The aim of this article is to test the validity of the Finnish translation of the Sources of Meaning and Meaning in Life (SoMe) questionnaire. In the article, meaningfulness and crisis of meaning are correlated with sources of meaning, and results are compared with other validation studies in Norway, Denmark, and Brazil as well as with the original German questionnaire. METHODS To meet our aim, 551 participants were recruited to answer the Finnish questionnaire. The internal and construct validity of the Finnish questionnaire were tested with reliability analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and analysis of intercorrelations of items in the questionnaire. RESULTS The analysis demonstrated similar reliability to other validation studies of the questionnaire and results highly comparable to the Norwegian study regarding the internal structure of the questionnaire. Results of intercorrelations of items within the questionnaire were also comparable to the other validation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Noora Palmi
- University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Torgeir Sørensen
- Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
- VID Specialized University, Oslo, Norway
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Lian C, Chen XX. The influence mechanism of self-transcendence on green consumption: The chain-mediating effect of construction of meaning in life and connectedness. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2024; 244:104180. [PMID: 38335811 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
A transition to a more sustainable society is occurring worldwide and necessitates a change in people's ways of consuming. Self-transcendence (ST) is recognized as a key predictor of green consumption. Thus, a multiple intermediary model was developed to clarify the psychological mechanisms underlying ST and its influence on consumption. The model was tested using data from a nationally representative sample of 428 Chinese participants. The results show that ST's overall positive effect on green consumption is realized via four indirect paths: (1) the simple mediating role of nature connectedness between ST and green consumption, (2) the simple mediating role of social connectedness between ST and green consumption; (3) the chain-mediating role of construction of meaning in life (CoMIL) and nature connectedness, and (4) the chain-mediating role of CoMIL and social connectedness. Among these paths, nature connectedness plays the most critical mediating role for the Chinese, accounting for the greatest proportion of the total indirect effect. The study advances understanding of the influence and path of ST on green consumption, and provides theoretical and practical support for guiding people toward sustainable lifestyles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Lian
- Xiamen University, School of Journalism and Communication, Siming South Road 422, Siming District, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, PR China.
| | - Xiao-Xia Chen
- Fujian Business University, College of Business Administration, Fuzhou, Fujian 350012, PR China.
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Mehmood K, Suhail A, Kautish P, Hakeem MM, Rashid M. Turning Lemons into Lemonade: Social Support as a Moderator of the Relationship Between Technostress and Quality of Life Among University Students. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2024; 17:989-1006. [PMID: 38495088 PMCID: PMC10941796 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s448989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The overuse of internet-based technologies as a means of coping with the stress they generate has resulted in an alarming level of addiction, adversely impacting the quality of life and overall health of younger individuals. This social detachment, in turn, contributes to both physical and mental health deterioration. The potential remedy for this predicament lies in the application of social support as an antidote to internet addiction. In this context, our present study employs the Stress-Strain-Outcome model to explore the indirect effects of internet addiction and the moderating role of social support in relation to the influence of technostress on the quality of life of adults. Methods We adopted a time-lagged design to collect data from university graduates and evaluated our study hypotheses using Mplus. Results Our empirical findings highlight the significant influence of technostress on internet addiction, with the latter significantly mediating the relationship between technostress and quality of life. Furthermore, our results reveal that social support effectively moderates the indirect effects of technostress on quality of life through its impact on internet addiction. Conclusion These findings can help researchers and educators better understand the underlying mechanisms between technostress and quality of life with social support as the silver lining. This form of social support holds the potential not only to alleviate internet addiction but also to positively enhance the quality of life and overall wellbeing of individuals facing these challenges. The implications of these findings and avenues for future research are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Mehmood
- Research Center of Hubei Micro & Small Enterprises Development, School of Economics and Management, Hubei Engineering University, Xiaogan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Aamir Suhail
- Department of Management and Leadership, Business School, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Pradeep Kautish
- Department of Marketing, Institute of Management, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, India
| | | | - Md Rashid
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India
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Stripp TA, Cowden RG, Wehberg S, Ahrenfeldt LJ, Hvidt NC, Lee MT. Salutogenic health measures: Psychometric properties of the Danish versions of the Flourish Index and the Secure Flourish Index. Scand J Psychol 2024. [PMID: 38425084 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.13011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Measurement of human flourishing represents a salutogenic approach to epidemiological and behavioral research emphasizing factors contributing to "good lives" rather than pathology. The objective of this study was to translate and psychometrically test the 10-item Flourish Index (FI) and 12-item Secure Flourish Index (SFI) in a convenience sample of Danish adults. A total of 325 participants completed a cross-sectional survey, with 148 of those participants completing the survey a second time (retest). Confirmatory factor analysis in a structural equation modelling framework was used to establish structural validity by comparing four different pre-specified models of the indexes. Additionally, internal consistency, convergent and incremental validity, and retest reliability were examined. The FI models exhibited superior structural validity compared with similar models of the SFI, although all models had good fits. Internal consistencies with McDonald's omega were 0.89 and 0.87 for the FI and SFI, respectively. The five (FI) or six (SFI) domains were happiness & life satisfaction, mental & physical health, meaning & purpose, character & virtue, close social relationships, and financial & material stability (λ4 = 0.51-0.91). Convergent and incremental validity tests supported predefined hypotheses. Retest analyses with the FI and SFI showed a high degree of retest reliability. Based on the psychometric evidence reported in this study, the Danish Flourish Index and Secure Flourish Index seem suitable for use with healthy adult Danes. The authors hope that this psychometric evaluation of the FI and SFI will stimulate research on patterns, health and economic outcomes, and predictors of human flourishing in Denmark.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Anker Stripp
- Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Human Flourishing Program, Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Science and Faith, Faculty of Theology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Richard G Cowden
- Human Flourishing Program, Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sonja Wehberg
- Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Linda Juel Ahrenfeldt
- Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Unit for Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Niels Christian Hvidt
- Research Unit for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Academy for Geriatric Cancer Research (AgeCare), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Matthew T Lee
- Human Flourishing Program, Institute for Quantitative Social Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Institute for Studies of Religion, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
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Raunkiaer M, Joergensen DS, Rasmussen A, Johannesen G, Thuesen J, Elnegaard CM, Dupont SB. Experiences of improvement of everyday life following a rehabilitation programme for people with long-term cognitive effects of COVID-19: Qualitative study. J Clin Nurs 2024; 33:137-148. [PMID: 37222026 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
AIM AND OBJECTIVES To explore challenges in everyday life for people with long-term cognitive effects of COVID-19 and whether a rehabilitation programme contributed to the remedy thereof. BACKGROUND Healthcare systems around the world need knowledge about acute COVID-19 treatment, long-term effects exerting an impact on peoples' everyday lives, and how to remedy these. DESIGN This is a qualitative study with a phenomenological approach. METHODS Twelve people with long-term cognitive effects of COVID-19 participated in a multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme. Individual semi-structured interviews were made. Data were analysed thematically. RESULTS Three themes and eight sub-themes emerged with respect to everyday life challenges and experiences of the rehabilitation programme. The themes were (1) Personal insight and knowledge, (2) Changed daily routines at home and (3) Coping with working life. CONCLUSION Participants experienced long-term effects of COVID-19 as cognitive challenges, fatigue and headaches, which affected their everyday lives, that is inability to overcome daily tasks at home and at work, maintaining family roles and relations with relatives. The rehabilitation programme contributed to a vocabulary and insights related to the long-term effects of COVID-19 and the experience of being a different person. The programme contributed to changes in daily routines, organising breaks in everyday life and explaining challenges to family/relatives and the way in which they affected daily routines and their role in the family. In addition, the programme supported several of the participants in finding the right workload and working hours. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE We recommend multidisciplinary rehabilitation programmes inspired by cognitive remediation of long-term COVID-19 cognitive effects. Municipalities and organisations could collaborate in the development and completion of such programmes, possibly comprising both virtual and physical elements. This could facilitate access and reduce costs. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Patients contributed to the conduct of the study by participating in the data collection via interviews. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Data collection and processing of data are approved by the Region of Southern Denmark (journal number: 20/46585).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Raunkiaer
- REHPA, The Danish Knowledge Centre for Rehabilitation and Palliative Care, Nyborg, Denmark
| | | | - Annette Rasmussen
- REHPA, The Danish Knowledge Centre for Rehabilitation and Palliative Care, Nyborg, Denmark
| | - Gitte Johannesen
- Department of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, Zealand University Hospital, Koge, Denmark
| | - Jette Thuesen
- University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- University College Absalon, Slagelse, Denmark
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Yu X, Zhao J. How rumination influences meaning in life among Chinese high school students: the mediating effects of perceived chronic social adversity and coping style. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1280961. [PMID: 38106898 PMCID: PMC10722437 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1280961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Meaning in life can be affected by many factors during adolescence. This study explored the relationship between rumination and meaning in life among high school students, as well as the mediating effect of perceived chronic social adversity and coping style. A sample of 1,275 Chinese high school students were surveyed using four questionnaires. Data analysis was conducted using Harman's single-factor test, Pearson's correlation coefficient with confidence intervals (CI), and a structural equation model. We found that rumination significantly negatively affected meaning in life among high school students (β = -0.28, 95% CI = -0.33-0.23). Perceived chronic social adversity (β = -0.14, 95% CI = -0.29-0.02) and negative coping style (β = -0.09, 95% CI = -0.16-0.04) each had mediating effects between rumination and meaning in life. Further, perceived chronic social adversity and coping style had chain-mediating effects between rumination and meaning in life, with both positive (β = -0.11, 95% CI = -0.17-0.07) and negative (β = -0.08, 95% CI = -0.13-0.04) coping styles showing significant effects. To enhance the meaning in life among high school students, appropriate strategies to reduce the levels of rumination and perceived chronic social adversity are needed, while also fostering appropriate coping styles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Yu
- School of Education Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Timmermann C, Prinds C, Hvidt EA, Hvidt NC, Lau ME, Ammentorp J. Stimulating existential communication - first steps towards enhancing health professionals' reflective skills through blended learning. PEC INNOVATION 2023; 2:100121. [PMID: 37214506 PMCID: PMC10194158 DOI: 10.1016/j.pecinn.2023.100121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Talking about existential issues with patients is often experienced as challenging for healthcare professionals. This paper describes our first steps towards developing existential communication training with particular attention to reflective learning methods. Blended learning was chosen to support reflection and an easier transition to classroom conversations, and through Participatory Action Research (PAR), patients were involved in developing the curriculum. Method To develop the most valuable and relevant communication training, patients, relatives, healthcare professionals and researchers were involved in a PAR process including 1) three theatre workshops and 2) collaborative meetings to develop the blended learning curriculum and reflection videos. The evaluation of the communication training was based on semi-structured interviews with the healthcare professionals participating in the blended learning communication training. Discussion and innovation The results indicate that a blended learning format involving a high degree of reflection is valuable for developing skills related to existential communication. Engaging patients in the process may be essential to develop a training curriculum for healthcare professionals that accommodates the patient's needs. Conclusion Future communication training on existential communication may benefit from adopting a blended learning format, including reflective learning methods and the involvement of patients in curriculum development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connie Timmermann
- Centre for Research in Patient Communication, Odense University Hospital, Kløvervænget 12B, 5000 Odense C., Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløwparken A19, 5000 Odense C., Denmark
| | - Christina Prinds
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløwparken A19, 5000 Odense C., Denmark
- Hospital Sønderjylland, Kresten Philipsens Vej 15, 6200, Aabenraa
| | - Elisabeth Assing Hvidt
- Research Unit for General Practice and Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløwparken 19A, 5000 Odense C., Denmark
| | - Niels Christian Hvidt
- Research Unit for General Practice and Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløwparken 19A, 5000 Odense C., Denmark
| | | | - Jette Ammentorp
- Centre for Research in Patient Communication, Odense University Hospital, Kløvervænget 12B, 5000 Odense C., Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B. Winsløwparken A19, 5000 Odense C., Denmark
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Kim C, Lee MH, Kang KI. Sources of meaning in life among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study. Nurs Open 2023; 10:7178-7185. [PMID: 37608606 PMCID: PMC10563418 DOI: 10.1002/nop2.1962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM This study aims to explore the sources of meaning in life (MIL) and its impact on South Korean older adults during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. DESIGN This study had a qualitative descriptive study design. METHODS The study participants included 18 older adults. Six focus group interviews were conducted. Data were analysed using content analysis. RESULTS The subcategories 'Continued learning and growth', 'Self-transcending practices' and 'Efforts to maintain good health' were extracted under the category 'Sources of MIL for older adults'. Similarly, the subcategories 'Tremendous changes brought about by the virus' and 'Varying patterns of adjustment to the pandemic' were extracted under the category 'Changes in the sources of MIL since the COVID-19 outbreak'. PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Our study provides an in-depth understanding of the changed sources of MIL for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings serve as useful guidance for planning interventions for older adults to lead meaningful lives during the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanhee Kim
- Department of NursingChangwon National UniversityChangwonSouth Korea
| | - Min Hye Lee
- College of NursingDong‐A UniversityBusanSouth Korea
| | - Kyung Im Kang
- College of Nursing, Institute of Medical ScienceGyeongsang National UniversityJinjuSouth Korea
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Aagesen M, la Cour K, Hauken MA, Pilegaard MS. The 'Young Adult Taking Action' programme for young adult cancer survivors: A study protocol for a feasibility study. Scand J Occup Ther 2023; 30:1472-1488. [PMID: 37557906 DOI: 10.1080/11038128.2023.2244563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young adult cancer survivors (YACS) aged 18-39 report age-specific multifactorial challenges with self-care, leisure, work and education requiring multicomponent rehabilitation intervention. Therefore, the 'Young Adult Taking Action' (YATAC) programme was developed. AIMS/OBJECTIVES To present a protocol for a feasibility study evaluating the acceptability of the YATAC programme and exploring implementation, mechanisms of impact and outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS A mixed-method feasibility study with a convergent research design will be conducted. The programme is an age-specific, multicomponent, goal-oriented, and peer-based rehabilitation programme delivered by an interdisciplinary staff consisting of nine components: 1) Goal setting, 2) Everyday life, 3) Physical activity, 4) Psychological issues, 5) Work and study, 6) Sexuality and relationship, 7) Rights and finance, 8) Peer-to-peer support and 9) Individual consultation. Quantitative and qualitative data about acceptability, implementation, mechanisms of impact and outcomes will be collected. RESULTS The results will provide essential knowledge about the programme's acceptability, implementation, mechanisms of impact and outcomes. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE The study will inform adjustment of the programme and will provide knowledge of whether and how to deliver age-specific rehabilitation to YACS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Aagesen
- Occupational Science, User Perspectives and Community-based Interventions, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- REHPA, The Danish Knowledge Centre for Rehabilitation and Palliative Care, Odense University Hospital, Nyborg, Denmark; Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Karen la Cour
- Occupational Science, User Perspectives and Community-based Interventions, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - May Aasebø Hauken
- Centre for Crisis Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Marc Sampedro Pilegaard
- Occupational Science, User Perspectives and Community-based Interventions, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- DEFACTUM, Central Region Denmark, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Social Medicine and Rehabilitation, Regional Hospital Gødstrup, Herning, Denmark
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Seidel-Koulaxis LJ, Daniels JK, Ostafin BD. Psychosocial predictors of distress in East and West Germans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychol Health 2023:1-23. [PMID: 37861064 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2023.2265929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychological (meaning in life, science attitude, internal locus of control, religiosity), and social factors (social support, cohesion) can counteract stressor-related distress. We investigated these factors' links with peri-pandemic distress (depression, anxiety, intrusions) and whether they weakened the impact of being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We compared prior East and West Germans on predictors and distress to investigate if their different backgrounds created lasting differences. METHODS A population-representative German sample aged 45 to 70 (N = 380) in terms of age, sex, and school education completed online questionnaires in May-July 2020 and June-July 2021. We examined the predictive relations with correlation, forward inclusion regression, and moderation analyses. RESULTS Social support predicted lower distress, also prospectively. Meaning in life predicted lower distress cross-sectionally. Religiosity predicted greater distress. Life meaning and social support partly weakened the link between being affected by the pandemic and distress, religiosity and science attitude strengthened this link. The only significant East/West difference was in religiosity, which was higher in the West. CONCLUSION Social resources appeared particularly important in adjusting to the pandemic. The identified predictors may inform interventions. East and West Germans' similarity might indicate that their post-war separation did not create lasting differences in the investigated factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Jasmin Seidel-Koulaxis
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Judith K Daniels
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Brian D Ostafin
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Fischer IC, Davis LW, Cyders MA, Salyers MP, Rand KL. Posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms and symptom clusters in a sample of treatment-seeking US veterans: Longitudinal associations with meaning in life and general self-efficacy. J Affect Disord 2023; 339:781-787. [PMID: 37479042 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.07.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To quantify the associations between general self-efficacy, subjective meaning in life, and posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms and symptom clusters in US veterans, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. METHODS Data from a Veteran Affairs (VA) funded intervention study (n = 191) were examined. Self-report measures of depressive symptoms, general self-efficacy, and meaning in life were collected, along with clinician-rated symptoms of PTSD. RESULTS Meaning in life was consistently inversely associated with posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms and symptom clusters cross-sectionally, whereas general self-efficacy was only inversely associated with some aspects of depressive symptoms. Longitudinal analyses further revealed that meaning in life was inversely associated with the cluster D symptoms of PTSD and the cognitive-affective symptoms of depression. CONCLUSIONS Higher meaning in life is associated with less severe symptoms of posttraumatic stress and depressive symptoms, particularly those related to mood. Additional research is needed to determine whether interventions designed to increase meaning in life attenuate these symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian C Fischer
- Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI), Indianapolis, IN, USA.
| | - Louanne W Davis
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Melissa A Cyders
- Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI), Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Michelle P Salyers
- Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI), Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Kevin L Rand
- Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI), Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Herr RM, Brokmeier L, Baron BN, Mauss D, Fischer JE. The longitudinal directional associations of meaningful work with mental well-being - initial findings from an exploratory investigation. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:325. [PMID: 37817198 PMCID: PMC10566042 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01308-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing number of studies reveal that more meaning in life is positively related to mental well-being. Meaning in life can be derived from different sources, including the workplace. The aim of this study was to explore the longitudinal directional association of meaningful work with mental well-being. METHODS Prospective data from 292 persons at two timepoints (two-week interval) were used to estimate the cross-lagged relationship and directionality of meaningful work with mental well-being. RESULTS The cross-lagged panel model had a good fit to the data (Chi2 ms(90) = 150.9; p < 0.001; RMSEA = 0.048; p = 0.576; CFI = 0.984; TLI = 0.979; SRMR = 0.040) and showed that levels of meaningful work at t1 had a positive effect on mental well-being at t2 (β = 0.15, p = 0.010). But mental well-being at t1 did not affect meaningful work at t2 (β = 0.02, p = 0.652). Sub-analyses revealed the effects to be mainly driven by women (as opposed to men) and white-collar workers (as opposed to blue-collar workers). CONCLUSION This study confirmed a directional association of meaningful work on mental well-being, indicating that more meaningful work has beneficial mental well-being effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael M Herr
- Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health (CPD), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
- Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Professorship of Epidemiology and Public Health, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Luisa Brokmeier
- Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health (CPD), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Professorship of Epidemiology and Public Health, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bertil N Baron
- Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health (CPD), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Daniel Mauss
- Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health (CPD), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Joachim E Fischer
- Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health (CPD), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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Schnell T, Danbolt LJ. The Meaning and Purpose Scales (MAPS): development and multi-study validation of short measures of meaningfulness, crisis of meaning, and sources of purpose. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:304. [PMID: 37789417 PMCID: PMC10548553 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01319-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meaning in life is multidimensional. It encompasses different qualities of meaning, such as meaningfulness, crisis of meaning, or existential indifference, as well as the sources from which people draw meaning, or purpose. For both research and practice, it is of high value to know not only the extent of meaningfulness, or its absence, but also its sources. How do these relate to meaningfulness and mental health? Are they accessible to people of different sociodemographic and economic backgrounds alike? For therapeutic and counseling practice, knowledge of experiences and sources of meaning is needed to support a clearer self-understanding in patients or clients and to encourage them to make authentic life choices. The Meaning and Purpose Scales (MAPS) presented here enable researchers and practitioners to gain insights into these dimensions of meaning in life, and, with only 23 items, to do so in a short time. METHODS Using five independent and two follow-up samples with a total N of 7,500, this paper examined the MAPS' internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent, divergent, criterion, factorial, and predictive validity. RESULTS Principal axis factoring identified two meaning scales, Meaningfulness and Crisis of Meaning, and five purpose scales, Sustainability, Faith, Security, Community, and Personal Growth. The scales proved consistent, stable over four weeks and two months, and valid in multiple respects. In a representative German population sample, Personal Growth, Sustainability, and Community exhibited large, Faith and Security medium positive relationships with Meaningfulness, whereas Crisis of Meaning showed small to moderate negative correlations. Meaningfulness was positively, and Crisis of Meaning negatively predicted by age, partnership, parenthood, and religious affiliation. Financial hardship correlated positively with Crisis of Meaning and negatively with Meaningfulness, Community, and Personal Growth. Meaningfulness and Crisis of Meaning explained 21%, the sources of purpose 6% of additional variance in general mental distress (PHQ-4), beyond sociodemographics. Except for Faith (unrelated), all sources exhibited moderate negative correlations with the PHQ-4. CONCLUSION As this series of studies demonstrates, the MAPS provide a highly economic and valid assessment of two qualities of meaning, Meaningfulness and Crisis of Meaning, and five sources of purpose: Sustainability, Faith, Security, Community, and Personal Growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Schnell
- MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society, Oslo, Norway.
- Institute of Psychology, Existential Psychology Lab, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Lars Johan Danbolt
- MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society, Oslo, Norway
- Research Centre for Existential Health, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
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Plesa P, Petranker R. Psychedelics and neonihilism: connectedness in a meaningless world. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1125780. [PMID: 37621941 PMCID: PMC10445489 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1125780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The resurgence of psychedelic research explicitly targets treating mental health conditions largely through psychedelics-assisted psychotherapy. Current theories about mechanisms of change in psychedelics-assisted psychotherapy focus on mystical experiences as the main driver of symptom improvement. During these mystical experiences, participants report an enhanced sense of salience, connectedness, and meaning. Simultaneously, a growing psychedelic culture is also cultivating the use of psychedelics as medicine for relieving symptoms of anxiety and depression and promoting cognitive functions. We argue that an integral part of the excitement around the resurgence in psychedelics is in response to a meaning and alienation crisis that correlates with rising rates of anxiety and depression. Framing the absence of meaning as neonihilism, a contemporary correlate to the 19th-century phenomenon with unique features present in a neoliberal cultural context, we explore whether psychedelics combined with group therapy can provide answers to modern experiences of meaninglessness. Based on this exploration, we suggest concrete next steps both in the theory and practice of psychedelic psychotherapy toward what we are calling neonihilistic psychedelic group psychotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patric Plesa
- Department of Psychology, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, Slippery Rock, PA, United States
| | - Rotem Petranker
- Department of Psychology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Valdés-Stauber J, Böttinger J, Kramer S, Kämmerle H. Differences in life attitudes between general population and hospitalized psychosomatic patients: a comparative cross-sectional study. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2023; 28:1729-1740. [PMID: 36052986 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2022.2120624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
To compare the extent to which value-based life attitudes measured by means of the Life Attitude Profile (LAP-R) could differ between the general population and people suffering from mental disorders hospitalized in a psychosomatic ward. Cross-sectional comparative study between a sample of general population (n = 409) and a sample of unselected patients (n = 147) at admission in a psychosomatic ward. Comparisons were carried out by means of Cronbach's alpha, correlation matrix, t-tests, robust multivariate linear regression models (MLRM), and using propensity scores. The internal consistency of LAP-R is good (alpha = 0.90). Divergent validity with BFI dimensions is widely given. In MLRM general population scored higher for the indexes 'personal meaning' and 'existential transcendence', whereas psychosomatic patients for the dimensions 'responsibleness', 'death acceptance', 'goal seeking' and especially 'existential vacuum'. Sex, partnership and schooling display few associations. Neuroticism is negatively and agreeableness positively associated with life attitudes considered as protective. Norm values and differences were stratified by age ranges. This study demonstrates that basic human attitudes like personal transcendence, personal meaning, having a biographically supported mission in life, and belief in a reason for existence are so fundamental for individuals that they are to some degree given independently of having a mental disorder or not. Neuroticism is a risk trait and agreeableness a protective trait facing life attitudes. The findings of this study indicate that people suffering from mental disorders treated in a specialized psychosomatic unit in a general hospital have important value-based resources and simultaneously higher levels of existential vacuum that have to be considered in treatment planning but should also be embedded in a therapeutic alliance. The existential vacuum deserves special consideration in the treatment of patients, especially facing risk of suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Valdés-Stauber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy I, University of Ulm Germany, Zentrum Für Psychiatrie Südwürttemberg, Ravensburg, Germany
| | | | - Sarah Kramer
- Doctoral candidate, University of Munich, Germany
| | - Helen Kämmerle
- Psychologist, Vinzenz von Paul Hospital, Rottweil, Germany
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18
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Passmore HA, Krause AN. The Beyond-Human Natural World: Providing Meaning and Making Meaning. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6170. [PMID: 37372757 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20126170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Much academic and media attention has been focused on how nature contributes to psychological health, yet, most of this focus has been on happiness or hedonic well-being. Although numerous writers and researchers have linked connecting with nature as a pathway to meaning in life, an integrated overview has not yet (to our knowledge) been offered. Our manuscript is thus of both theoretical and practical importance with respect to finding meaning in life. In this hybrid commentary/review paper, we examine the link between meaning in life and relating to the beyond-human natural world. Through presenting supportive empirical research and interdisciplinary insights, we make the case that connecting with the natural world provides us with meaning in various ways. We discuss how nature is a common source of meaning in people's lives and how connecting with nature helps to provide meaning by addressing our need to find coherence, significance/mattering, and purpose (the three aspects comprising the tripartite model of meaning life). We also consider how connecting with nature enhances our experiential appreciation for life, a fourth aspect of meaning in life recently proposed. Our discussion then expands to examining nature as a place of attachment. Going beyond how nature provides us with meaning, we consider how engaging in nature-based activities provides an avenue for many people to build meaningful lives. We close by considering how threats to nature are a threat to meaning in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holli-Anne Passmore
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University of Edmonton, AW 236, Allan Wachowich Centre for Science, Research, and Innovation, 7128 Ada Boulevard, Edmonton, AB T5B 4E4, Canada
| | - Ashley N Krause
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, 945 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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Han J, Wang Y, Qian J, Shi M. Delving into the role of creativity on meaning in life: A multiple mediation model. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16566. [PMID: 37274645 PMCID: PMC10238719 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
How to enhance the sense of meaning in life is a topic deserving of extensive research. The impact of creativity on finding meaning in life, however, has not been thoroughly explored in empirical research. This paper studies the relationship between creativity and meaning in life, and the cognitive and emotional factors underlying this relationship. The participants of this study were 359 Chinese college students (38 males and 321 females; aged from 17 to 41 years) in learning English as a foreign language (EFL). Four instruments were utilized in the survey, namely, the Kaufman Domains of Creativity Scale (K-DOCS), the Positive Affect Scale, the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ). The correlation analysis shows that creativity, positive affect, general self-efficacy, and meaning in life are all positively correlated. According to a bootstrap method to assess the significance of the indirect effect, general self-efficacy and positive affect play multiple mediating roles in the relationship between creativity and meaning in life via three mediating pathways: general self-efficacy alone, positive affect alone, and the effect of general self-efficacy on positive affect. The mediating effect accounts for nearly half (44.18%) of the total effect. This study examines the theoretical connection between creativity and meaning in life, and uncovers the psychological process that underlies this connection. On a practical level, these results indicate that stimulating Chinese college students to engage in creative activities in various fields can enhance their sense of meaning in life.
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Carreno DF, Eisenbeck N, Greville J, Wong PTP. Cross-Cultural Psychometric Analysis of the Mature Happiness Scale-Revised: Mature Happiness, Psychological Inflexibility, and the PERMA Model. JOURNAL OF HAPPINESS STUDIES 2023; 24:1075-1099. [PMID: 36820217 PMCID: PMC9932412 DOI: 10.1007/s10902-023-00633-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Mature Happiness Scale, a measure focused on inner harmony. Mature happiness is achieved when a person can live in balance between both positive and negative aspects of their life. A total sample of 2,130 participants from five countries (Canada: n = 390, United States: n = 223, United Kingdom: n = 512, Spain: n = 724, and Hungary: n = 281) responded to an online survey including the original Mature Happiness Scale, the PERMA-Profiler, and the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses yielded a one-factor solution with seven positive items (non-reversed). We called this new version of the questionnaire the Mature Happiness Scale-Revised (MHS-R). Measurement invariance was found across countries, age groups, gender, and mental disorder diagnosis. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were high. Older people, males, and people without a mental disorder diagnosis scored higher in mature happiness than younger ones, females, and those with a mental health disorder diagnosis, respectively. Mature happiness showed strong positive associations with various subscales of the PERMA-Profiler, specifically with positive emotions and meaning in life. In addition, mature happiness was strongly correlated with less negative affect and inner conflict and lower psychological inflexibility, whereas it was moderately correlated with lower loneliness. This validity evidence supports the cross-cultural use of the MHS-R in the aforementioned countries to reliably measure happiness among adults. With its holistic approach, the MHS-R may be a unique complement to other well-being measures, particularly to better predict mental health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- David F. Carreno
- Department of Psychology, University of Almeria, Carr. Sacramento, s/n, 04120 La Cañada, Almería Spain
| | - Nikolett Eisenbeck
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, Faculty of Psychology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Paul T. P. Wong
- Meaning-Centered Counselling Institute Inc., North York, ON Canada
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21
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Quadripartite existential meaning among Chinese: Internal conceptual structure and reciprocating relationship with psychological flexibility and inflexibility. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2022.111961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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22
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Pedersen HF, Lamm TT, Fink P, Ørnbøl E, Frostholm L. Internet-delivered treatment for patients suffering from severe functional somatic disorders: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2023; 32:101069. [PMID: 36698746 PMCID: PMC9868341 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2023.101069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Functional somatic disorders (FSDs) with symptoms from multiple organs, i.e., multi-system type, are common in the general population and may lead to disability and reduced quality of life. Evidence for efficient treatment programs has been established, however, there is a need for making treatments accessible to a larger group of patients. Internet-delivered therapy has become prevalent and has proven as effective as face-to-face therapy, while providing a flexible and easily accessible treatment alternative. The aim of the current study is to compare the efficacy of the therapist-assisted internet-delivered treatment program One step at a time (OneStep) with the internet-delivered self-help program Get started (GetStarted). Methods A total of 166 participants aged 18-60 years diagnosed with multi-system FSD will be assessed and randomized to either 1) OneStep: a 14-week program consisting of 11 treatment modules based on principles from cognitive behavioural therapy or 2) GetStarted consisting of 1 module on psychoeducation. The primary outcome is physical health, assessed by a Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) aggregate score of the subscales vitality, physical functioning, and bodily pain 3 months after end-of-treatment and self-reported improvement assessed by the Clinical Global Improvement Scale. Secondary outcomes include symptom load, depression, anxiety, and illness worry. Process measures include emotional distress, illness perception, illness behaviour, and symptom interference. Conclusions This study is the first study to test an internet-delivered treatment program for FSD, multi-system type and has the potential to show the importance of making evidence-based internet-delivered treatment for FSD more accessible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Frølund Pedersen
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark,Corresponding author. Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul Jensens Boulevard 11, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.
| | - Thomas Tandrup Lamm
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Per Fink
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Eva Ørnbøl
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lisbeth Frostholm
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Aleksić D, Černe M, Batistič S. Understanding meaningful work in the context of technostress, COVID-19, frustration, and corporate social responsibility. HUMAN RELATIONS; STUDIES TOWARDS THE INTEGRATION OF THE SOCIAL SCIENCES 2023; 77:00187267221139776. [PMCID: PMC9829508 DOI: 10.1177/00187267221139776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19 and digitalization represent important sources of many employees’ frustrations. In this article, we address the question of how employees can achieve meaningful work in such a challenging and frustrating context. Specifically, we investigate whether employees’ negative experiences related to technology use—that is, techno-invasion—leads to frustration and in turn reduces employee perceptions of meaningful work. In addition, we examine corporate social responsibility as a potential remedy that could mitigate these negative effects. The results of our four-wave longitudinal study of 198 working professionals collected during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic did not find support for a proposed negative direct effect of techno-invasion on meaningful work. However, we did find support that perceived corporate social responsibility moderates the indirect relationship between techno-invasion and meaningful work, mediated by frustration: for low levels of corporate social responsibility, techno-invasion results in higher levels of frustration, in turn reducing meaningful work. High levels of corporate social responsibility buffer this negative indirect effect. Implications for research and practice dealing with digitalization, meaningful work, and corporate social responsibility are discussed.
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Seidel LJ, Daniels JK, Ostafin BD. The role of meaning in life in psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. ANXIETY, STRESS, AND COPING 2023; 36:67-82. [PMID: 36062483 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2022.2113993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Meaning in life may function as a protective factor in the context of potentially traumatic experiences, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated the associations between meaning and psychological distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, COVID-19-related PTSD) prospectively and cross-sectionally. We hypothesized that meaning inversely predicts peri-pandemic distress and that meaning moderates the association between being negatively affected by the pandemic and distress. We additionally explored cross-sectional associations between meaning subcomponents and distress and a meaning violations perspective. METHODS Undergraduate students (N = 109) completed questionnaires before (October 2019 to March 2020; meaning, anxiety) and during the pandemic (April to June 2020; meaning, meaning subcomponents, depression, anxiety, PTSD). RESULTS Correcting for family-wise errors, meaning prospectively predicted less depression and anxiety, but not PTSD. Correcting for family-wise errors, peri-pandemic meaning was consistently related with peri-pandemic distress. Meaning did not moderate the link between being affected by the pandemic and distress. The meaning subcomponent comprehension was most strongly related with distress and a meaning violations perspective was partly supported. CONCLUSION Meaning emerged as a significant correlate of peri-pandemic distress. Current findings should be replicated longitudinally and experimentally to establish their robustness and to examine the causal influence of meaning on distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Jasmin Seidel
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Judith K Daniels
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Brian D Ostafin
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Astleitner H, Bains A, Hörmann S. The effects of personality and social media experiences on mental health: Examining the mediating role of fear of missing out, ghosting, and vaguebooking. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2022.107436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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Greenblatt-Kimron L, Kagan M, Zychlinski E. Meaning in Life among Older Adults: An Integrative Model. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192416762. [PMID: 36554641 PMCID: PMC9779067 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Meaning in life (MIL) among older adults has a significant physical and mental health impact. This study aimed to present an integrative model of factors that contribute to variability in MIL among older adults, including background characteristics (gender, age, employment status, religiosity), personality characteristics (locus of control, self-efficacy, optimism), and psycho-social factors (psychological distress and loneliness). Participants (751 older adults, Mage = 72.27, SD = 6.28; 446 female, 305 male) responded to a questionnaire in-person or online. Measures included: demographic variables, Short Scale for the Assessment of Locus of Control, New General Self-Efficacy Scale, Life Orientation Test-Revised, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, and Hughes Short Scale for Measuring Loneliness. Hierarchical regression revealed that younger and religious older adults reported higher MIL levels than older and non-religious older adults. Internal locus of control, higher self-efficacy, and higher optimism were linked to higher MIL levels. Higher psychological distress and loneliness were associated with lower MIL levels, with psychological distress contributing the most of all variables in the study model to explain the variance in MIL among older adults. Employed older old adults reported lower MIL levels than those unemployed. The study emphasizes the importance of an integrative approach in the examination of MIL among older adults.
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Zhang D, Xu Z, Yang Z, Zhou W, Cheung PMH, Kam-pui Lee E, Zhong B, Xu D, Li X, Xie Y, Yang G, Xiao S, Wong SYS. Association of meaning in life with preventive healthcare use among Chinese adults: are there age and gender differences? BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2308. [PMID: 36494639 PMCID: PMC9733181 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14699-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meaning in life could be of clinical importance in stimulating healthy and preventive behaviors. The study aimed to investigate the association between meaning in life and preventive healthcare use among Chinese adults, and to assess their age and gender differences in the association. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 1444 adults aged 18-64 years in February 2020 in China. Logistic regression models were employed to examine the association of meaning in life with preventive health checkups and assess their age and gender differences. RESULTS The mean score of meaning in life was 5.801 (Standard Deviation = 1.349) out of 7. Each unit increase on the level of meaning in life was associated with 12.2% higher likelihood of using preventive health checkups (any type) (adjusted odds ratio 1.122, 95% confidence interval 1.015-1.241) after adjustment for sociodemographic factors, comorbidity and other psychological health factors. Meaning in life was significantly associated with the uses of X-ray (1.125, 1.010-1.253), B-ultrasound (1.176, 1.058-1.306), and blood testing (1.152, 1.042-1.274). The associations between meaning in life and these types of preventive healthcare increased with age, but there were no gender differences in these associations. CONCLUSION Higher meaning in life was independently related to more preventive health checkups. Strategies to strengthen health education and interventions to improve experience of meaning in life might be an important component to increase preventive healthcare use in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dexing Zhang
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China ,grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482CUHK Thomas Jing Mindfulness Centre for Research and Training, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zijun Xu
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zuyao Yang
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Weiju Zhou
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Peter Man-hin Cheung
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Eric Kam-pui Lee
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China ,grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482CUHK Thomas Jing Mindfulness Centre for Research and Training, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Baoliang Zhong
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Wuhan Mental Health Center, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dong Xu
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471School of Health Management, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue Li
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China ,grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yaojie Xie
- grid.194645.b0000000121742757School of Nursing, The Polytechnic University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gao Yang
- grid.221309.b0000 0004 1764 5980Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shuiyuan Xiao
- grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Samuel Yeung-shan Wong
- grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China ,grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482CUHK Thomas Jing Mindfulness Centre for Research and Training, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Schnell T, Spitzenstätter D, Krampe H. Compliance with COVID-19 public health guidelines: an attitude-behaviour gap bridged by personal concern and distance to conspiracy ideation. Psychol Health 2022; 37:1680-1701. [PMID: 34583589 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2021.1974861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined predictors of compliance with public health guidelines to curb transmission of COVID-19. DESIGN Applying an exploratory longitudinal design, participants (N = 431) from Germany and Austria completed surveys in April/May 2020 (T1) and July/August 2020 (T2). MEASURES Three outcome measures operationalised compliance with public health guidelines at T2: self-reported adherence (behavioural), agreement and opposition (attitudinal). At T1, demographics, perceived distress (PHQ-4, crisis of meaning), resources (self-control, meaningfulness), locus of control, conspiracy mentality and social media use were assessed. At T2, situational variables were added (person at risk, infection of close person, fear of infection, COVID-19 stress). Temporal shifts from T1 to T2 were examined as complementary information. RESULTS An attitude-behaviour gap at T2 was identified, as agreement with and opposition to the guidelines were only modestly correlated with adherence to them. Measures of personal concern (fear of infection, person at risk) were associated with both adherence and positive attitudes towards the measures. COVID-19 stress and conspiracy mentality predicted negative attitudes, but not adherence. Age predicted adherence positively, social media use negatively. CONCLUSION The findings support the significance of personal concern for compliance with public health guidelines and suggest a critical impact of social media use and conspiracy mentality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Schnell
- Social Sciences, MF Specialized University, Oslo, Norway.,Existential Psychology Lab, Institute of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Daniel Spitzenstätter
- Existential Psychology Lab, Institute of Psychology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Henning Krampe
- Department of Anesthesiology and Operative Intensive Care Medicine (CCM, CVK), Charité - Universitätsmedizin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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Svensson NH, Larrabee Sonderlund A, Wehberg S, Hvidt NC, Søndergaard J, Thilsing T. The Association Between Individualised Religiosity and Health Behaviour in Denmark: Are Social Networks a Mediating Factor? JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2022; 61:4738-4757. [PMID: 36083523 PMCID: PMC9569303 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-022-01650-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigates whether social networks mediate the well-established positive association between religiosity and health behaviour. Most research has focused on traditional public religiosity (e.g. regular church attendance). This study, however, focuses on the Danish population in which non-traditional and private religiosity is common. We utilise data from the Danish population-based project, Early Detection and Prevention. Our results suggest that religiosity is linked to health behaviour; however, this association is not mediated by social network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanna Herning Svensson
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit of General Practice, University of Southern Denmark, J. B. Winsløws Vej 9A, 5000, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Anders Larrabee Sonderlund
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit of General Practice, University of Southern Denmark, J. B. Winsløws Vej 9A, 5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Sonja Wehberg
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit of General Practice, University of Southern Denmark, J. B. Winsløws Vej 9A, 5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Niels Christian Hvidt
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit of General Practice, University of Southern Denmark, J. B. Winsløws Vej 9A, 5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jens Søndergaard
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit of General Practice, University of Southern Denmark, J. B. Winsløws Vej 9A, 5000, Odense, Denmark
| | - Trine Thilsing
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit of General Practice, University of Southern Denmark, J. B. Winsløws Vej 9A, 5000, Odense, Denmark
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Cheung CK. Radicalism and Life Meaningfulness Among Hong Kong Youth. APPLIED RESEARCH IN QUALITY OF LIFE 2022; 18:997-1013. [PMID: 36466126 PMCID: PMC9708503 DOI: 10.1007/s11482-022-10129-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
According to significance quest theory, radicalism arises from a deficit in life meaningfulness. However, radicalism springs from life meaningfulness, according to meaning maintenance and other principles in existentialist How life meaningfulness predicts radicalism is thus a research question. This study addresses the question with a survey of 4,385 youths in Hong Kong, China. Results indicate that life meaningfulness positively predicted radicalism, slightly more positively when radicalism in the previous year had been higher. Meanwhile, education, employment, and native status positively predicted radicalism and life meaningfulness, showing their homology in meaning sources. These results imply that radicalism prevention needs to reform the meaning basis for life meaningfulness to be socially desirable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chau-kiu Cheung
- Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
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Kreiss C, Schnell T. Have a good day! An experience-sampling study of daily meaningful and pleasant activities. Front Psychol 2022; 13:977687. [DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.977687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We organize our daily lives with a relatively high degree of freedom. Some things must be done; others are optional. Some we find meaningful, some pleasant, some both, and some neither. The present study looks at such evaluations of daily activities and how they relate to perceived meaning in life. Sixty-two students from an Austrian university first completed the meaningfulness scale from the Sources of Meaning and Meaning in Life Questionnaire (SoMe). They then participated in a 1-week experience-sampling assessment, wherein they completed a short questionnaire at five random time-points per day. They indicated their current activity and then reported, on a 6-point Likert scale, how pleasant and meaningful they perceived it to be. Activities could thus be categorized as meaningful, pleasant, both, or neither. Results reflected that activities grouped under culture/music, communication, intimacy, and sports are experienced as both highly meaningful and pleasant. A two-level hierarchical linear regression suggested that people with high trait meaningfulness experience their daily activities as more meaningful than people with lower trait meaningfulness if they also enjoy what they are doing. People with low trait meaningfulness, however, tended to experience their daily activities as rather meaningless, even if they enjoyed them very much. Thus, when looking for advice on how to have a good day, clarifying one’s meaning in life seems to represent the best starting point.
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Wu D, Ye B, Tang C, Xue J, Yang Q, Xia F. Self-Compassion and Authentic-Durable Happiness During COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediating Role of Meaning of Life and the Moderating Role of COVID-19 Burnout. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2022; 15:3243-3255. [PMID: 36387037 PMCID: PMC9642803 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s380874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS AND AIMS Self-compassion is important for authentic-durable happiness, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. To better understand the potential complexity of effects, this study sought to explore (a) the mediating role of meaning of life in the association between self-compassion and authentic-durable happiness and (b) the moderating role of COVID-19 burnout in the relationship between self-compassion and meaning of life. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional online survey study in China from February 1 to 14, 2021. Online survey questionnaire technique and convenience sampling method were used for data collection. Participants anonymously completed the measures of self-compassion scale short form, COVID-19 burnout scale, meaning in life questionnaire, and subjective authentic-durable happiness scale. The data were examined utilizing Pearson's r correlations and moderated mediation analysis. RESULTS This study included 1165 Chinese college students (Mage = 19.68 years, SD = 1.37). Self-compassion (M = 3.39, SD = 0.49) was significantly positively associated with authentic-durable happiness (M = 3.82, SD = 0.66) (r = 0.45, p < 0.001), and mediation analyses indicated that meaning of life (M = 4.65, SD = 0.86) partially mediated this association (indirect effect = 0.103, SE = 0.016, 95% CI = [0.073, 0.135]). Moderated mediation analysis further revealed that COVID-19 burnout (M = 1.87, SD = 0.72) buffered the relation between self-compassion and meaning of life (β = -0.05, p < 0.033). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Findings of this study shed light on a correlation between self-compassion and authentic-durable happiness. In addition, this study underlines the importance of intervening in COVID-19 burnout among college students and enhancing the meaning of life in order to promote and safeguard authentic-durable happiness in the setting of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dehua Wu
- School of Psychology, School of Education, Center of Mental Health Education and Research, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Baojuan Ye
- School of Psychology, School of Education, Center of Mental Health Education and Research, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunyan Tang
- Health Education and Counseling Center, Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
- Health Education and Counseling Center, Jiangxi Health Vocational College, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Xue
- Health Education and Counseling Center, Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
- Health Education and Counseling Center, Jiangxi Health Vocational College, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiang Yang
- School of Psychology, School of Education, Center of Mental Health Education and Research, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fei Xia
- School of Psychology, School of Education, Center of Mental Health Education and Research, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
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Baños RM, Desdentado L, Vara MD, Escrivá-Martínez T, Herrero R, Miragall M, Tomás JM. 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 2022; 24:17-33. [PMID: 36312909 PMCID: PMC9595083 DOI: 10.1007/s10902-022-00592-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Mª Baños
- Polibienestar Research Institute, University of Valencia, Valencia, Comunidad Valenciana Spain
- CIBER of Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Personality, Evaluation, and Psychological Treatments, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lorena Desdentado
- Polibienestar Research Institute, University of Valencia, Valencia, Comunidad Valenciana Spain
- CIBER of Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Personality, Evaluation, and Psychological Treatments, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mª Dolores Vara
- Polibienestar Research Institute, University of Valencia, Valencia, Comunidad Valenciana Spain
- CIBER of Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tamara Escrivá-Martínez
- Polibienestar Research Institute, University of Valencia, Valencia, Comunidad Valenciana Spain
- CIBER of Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Personality, Evaluation, and Psychological Treatments, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Rocío Herrero
- CIBER of Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, Universidad de Zaragoza, Teruel, Spain
| | - Marta Miragall
- CIBER of Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Personality, Evaluation, and Psychological Treatments, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - José M. Tomás
- Department of Methodology for the Behavioral Sciences, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Kalashnikova O, Leontiev D, Rasskazova E, Taranenko O. Meaning of life as a resource for coping with psychological crisis: Comparisons of suicidal and non-suicidal patients. Front Psychol 2022; 13:957782. [PMID: 36248541 PMCID: PMC9561895 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.957782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Meaning is an important psychological resource both in situations of accomplishment and in situations of ongoing adversity and psychological crisis. Meaning in life underlies the reasons for staying alive both in everyday and in critical circumstances, fulfilling a buffering function with respect to life adversities. Aim The aim of the present study was to reveal the role of both meaningfulness, including specific sources of meaning and reasons for living, and meaninglessness (alienation) in patients suffering from profound crisis situations with or without suicidal intentions and behavior. Methods The sample included 148 patients (all Caucasian) who were referred to a crisis center in Moscow, Russia. Seventy-seven patients (54 females, mean age 32.00 ± 11.98 years) reported a current crisis situation in their life but denied suicidal thoughts or behavior. Twenty-nine patients (21 females, mean age 31.55 ± 13.76 years) reported suicidal ideations but denied suicidal attempts or self-harming behavior. Forty-two patients (31 females, mean age 30.64 ± 11.38 years) had episodes of suicidal attempts or self-harming behavior accompanied by suicidal intentions. There were no significant gender or age differences between groups. Participants completed a number of measures of different aspects of meaning and meaninglessness, well-being, ill-being and psychological resources. For some patients (N = 74), a clinical checklist was completed by their doctors assessing 28 various characteristics associated with the patient’s clinical status. Results and discussion Meaningfulness and reasons for living were more helpful in distinguishing between reactions to profound crisis situations (suicidal intentions versus non-suicidal behavior) than were measures of well-being, ill-being, meaning crisis or personality resources. In both suicidal and non-suicidal crisis patients meaningfulness predicted more positive reasons for living. The relationship between meaningfulness and most reasons for living remained significant after controlling for clinically appraised suicidal “readiness,” acute stress and lack of social support. Self-transcendence was the major specific source of meaning predicting higher reasons for living after adjusting for general meaningfulness. Conclusion The data cast some light on the psychological meaning of suicide. It follows that prevention efforts are to be focused not on eliminating the factors “pushing” one to suicidal behavior, but rather on supporting inner strengths conducive of a positive decision, to be, through enhancing meaningfulness and reasons for living.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Kalashnikova
- Crisis Department, Eramishantsev Moscow City Clinical Hospital, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry Leontiev
- International Laboratory of Positive Psychology of Personality and Motivation, HSE University, Moscow, Russia
- *Correspondence: Dmitry Leontiev,
| | - Elena Rasskazova
- International Laboratory of Positive Psychology of Personality and Motivation, HSE University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga Taranenko
- International Laboratory of Positive Psychology of Personality and Motivation, HSE University, Moscow, Russia
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Baumann D, Ruch W. What constitutes a fulfilled life? A mixed methods study on lay perspectives across the lifespan. Front Psychol 2022; 13:982782. [PMID: 36248492 PMCID: PMC9563392 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.982782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, we initiated a new research line on fulfillment in life by developing a conceptual framework and a self-report measure. To enhance conceptual clarity and complement theoretical considerations and empirical findings, we investigated lay conceptions of a fulfilled life in German-speaking participants at different life stages. First, we selected a qualitative approach using an open-ended question asking participants to describe a fulfilled life. Second, for a more comprehensive understanding, quantitative data were collected about the relevance of sources in providing fulfillment and ratings on a fulfilling life in the present and a fulfilled life in retrospect. Qualitative content analysis was used to assess the responses to the open-ended question. One-fifth of the data was double coded, and intercoder reliability was high (Kappa = 0.89). Responses comprised a variety of descriptions, and we grouped them into seven themes, three of which overlapped with the prior conceptualization, namely the core elements of (a) general description, (b) cognitive appraisals, and (c) affective appraisals. Cognitive evaluations related to intrapersonal aspects, particularly having lived life fully, attained personally significant goals, and developed oneself, as well as interpersonal, generative aspects, such as having made a contribution and been able to leave something of value. These categories are mostly in line with what the Fulfilled Life Scale (FLS) measures. Further themes referred to correlates—including (d) sources—and antecedents, including (e) resources, (f) personal characteristics, and (g) quality of life, all considered worthy to be the subject of empirical investigation but which were not included in the conceptual model. Qualitative and quantitative results suggest that individuals derive fulfillment from different sources. Fulfillment from a profession and having a life task was strongly associated with longer-term fulfillment. Only a few age and sex differences were found. The overarching framework developed from the qualitative results can stimulate further investigation. Our findings underscore that a fulfilled life as a distinct construct should be measured directly rather than via a proxy. Insights into the constituents, sources, and antecedents of a fulfilled life can inform practice to promote a life well lived.
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Making sense of work: finding meaning in work narratives. JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT & ORGANIZATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1017/jmo.2019.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThis study examined how individuals make sense of their work narratives – autobiographical stories about their work lives – and the implications for individual well-being. A mixed methods approach was used to investigate relationships between meaning making, pathways to meaningfulness, job characteristics, job involvement, and psychological well-being. Survey responses and narrative themes from life story interviews were collected from 119 adults. A narrative coding scheme was developed to identify pathways to meaningful work. Results show that people made sense of their work lives most often by constructing themes about personal agency. The findings support prior research suggesting that socioeconomic factors, access to resources, and working conditions increase the likelihood of finding and benefiting from meaningful work. For individuals wishing to find meaning in their work, job design characteristics (e.g., decision authority, skill discretion), and developing a sense of agency can be levers for fostering meaning and well-being.
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Caycho-Rodríguez T, Vilca LW, Cervigni M, Gallegos M, Martino P, Calandra M, Anacona CAR, López-Calle C, Moreta-Herrera R, Chacón-Andrade ER, Lobos-Rivera ME, del Carpio P, Quintero Y, Robles E, Lombardo MP, Recalde OG, Figares AB, White M, Videla CB, Carbajal-León C. Cross-cultural measurement invariance of the purpose in life test - Short form (PIL-SF) in seven Latin American countries. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-16. [PMID: 35915774 PMCID: PMC9331043 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03465-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim was to test the cross-cultural measurement invariance of the PIL-SF in a sample of people from seven Latin American countries. Additionally, the characteristics of the PIL-SF items were evaluated and to assess the relationship between purpose in life, as measured by the PIL-SF, and fear of COVID-19. A total of 4306 people from seven Latin American countries participated in the study. The results indicated that the PIL-SF is invariant in the seven participating countries and, therefore, there is evidence that the items reflect the purpose of life in the same way in all countries. This allows comparisons of purpose in life between countries that are free of bias, reflecting the true differences in how countries respond to items. From IRT, the discrimination parameters are adequate and indicate that the items cover a wide range of the purpose in life construct. The difficulty parameters are adequate and increase monotonically. This indicates that people would need a higher level of purpose in life to respond to the higher response categories. Thus, the PIL-SF items would be useful in determining people with a relatively high degree of purpose in life. Identifying people with different levels of purpose in life would allow them to be part of intervention programs, either to support those with low levels or to maintain and reinforce their purpose in life. The evidence of cross-country measurement invariance of the PIL-SF provides a measure to be used in cross-cultural studies about the meaning of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomás Caycho-Rodríguez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Privada del Norte, Av. Alfredo Mendiola 6062, Los Olivos, Lima Peru
| | - Lindsey W. Vilca
- South American Center for Education and Research in Public Health, Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima, Peru
| | - Mauricio Cervigni
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
- Centro de Investigación en Neurociencias de Rosario, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Cognición y Emoción, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Miguel Gallegos
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Mendoza, Argentina
- Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
- Pontificia Universidade Catolica de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Pablo Martino
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
- Centro de Investigación en Neurociencias de Rosario, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Cognición y Emoción, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Manuel Calandra
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
- Centro de Investigación en Neurociencias de Rosario, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Cognición y Emoción, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Rosario, Argentina
| | | | | | | | - Edgardo René Chacón-Andrade
- Escuela de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Tecnológica de El Salvador, San Salvador, El Salvador
| | - Marlon Elías Lobos-Rivera
- Escuela de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Tecnológica de El Salvador, San Salvador, El Salvador
| | | | | | - Erika Robles
- Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Mexico, Toluca, Mexico
| | | | | | | | - Michael White
- Facultad de Ciencias Humanas y Educación, Universidad Peruana Unión, Lima, Peru
| | - Carmen Burgos Videla
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Sociales y Educación, Universidad de Atacama, Copiapó, Chile
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Zhu C, Su R, Huang F, Liu Y. Existential Isolation and Suicide Ideation Among Chinese College Students: A Moderated Mediation Model. JOURNAL OF HUMANISTIC PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/00221678221106916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although previous studies have preliminarily explored the link between existential isolation (EI) and suicidal ideation, their relationship is not well understood. Drawing upon the state trait EI model and terror management theory, the present study proposes that EI could predict suicidal ideation owing to a crisis of meaning, speculating that self-esteem and perceived social support can alleviate the negative effects of EI. Most research on EI has come from individualistic cultures; no prior studies have explored this theme in China, which is widely considered to be a representative collectivist culture. The present study aims to close this gap in the literature by exploring two hypotheses using a sample of Chinese college students ( N = 480). The results showed that participants who identified as men had higher EI than participants who identified as women. Moreover, individuals living in rural areas with a lower subjective economic status or the experience of being left behind have higher levels of EI. EI can predict suicidal ideation, both directly and indirectly, through a crisis of meaning. However, self-esteem and perceived social support can alleviate the negative influence of EI, and their moderating roles were also discussed.
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Wang KYH, Kealy D, Cox DW. A Pathway to Meaning in Life: Early Parental Support, Attachment, and the Moderating Role of Alexithymia. JOURNAL OF ADULT DEVELOPMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10804-022-09418-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Zhu X, Chai W, Shek DTL, Lin L. Promotion of Meaning in Life and Wellbeing Among University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic via a Service-Learning Subject. Front Public Health 2022; 10:924711. [PMID: 35801238 PMCID: PMC9253398 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.924711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Utilizing the principle of “learning by doing,” service-learning (SL) course provides a platform for university students to apply academic knowledge in serving the community, reflecting on the serving experiences, deepening their understanding of the knowledge, and further improving their competence, responsibility, wellbeing, and meaning in life (MIL). This study reported university students' changes in psychological wellbeing (positive youth development attributes), subjective wellbeing (life satisfaction), and MIL after taking a SL subject during the COVID-19 pandemic through a one-group pretest-posttest design. Based on the data collected from 229 students (mean age = 20.86 ± 1.56 years, 48.0% females), repeated-measures multivariate general linear model (GLM) analyses revealed that students showed significant positive changes in wellbeing and MIL. In addition, pretest MIL scores positively predicted posttest scores of the two wellbeing measures but not vice versa. As predicted, improvement in MIL among students was closely associated with the positive changes in both psychological and subjective wellbeing measures. These findings suggest that SL participation during the pandemic may promote students' life meaning and foster their wellbeing. Furthermore, MIL and wellbeing may improve simultaneously, and MIL enhancement may further contribute to improvement in psychological and subjective wellbeing. The findings further prove that SL is an effective pedagogy in higher education settings in promoting youth positive development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Zhu
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wenyu Chai
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Daniel T. L. Shek
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
- *Correspondence: Daniel T. L. Shek
| | - Li Lin
- Department of Applied Psychology, Lingnan University, Hong Kong, China
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Graham MA, Eloff I. Comparing Mental Health, Wellbeing and Flourishing in Undergraduate Students Pre- and during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127438. [PMID: 35742686 PMCID: PMC9224479 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
There has been a preponderance of studies on student mental health, wellbeing and flourishing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Few studies have compared data on student mental health and wellbeing before and during the pandemic. The purpose of the current study was to compare mental health and wellbeing in undergraduate students before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Survey research was conducted with three groups of undergraduate students (n = 905) from diverse scientific fields at a large, urban university in South Africa. Data was collected by means of electronic surveys, combining full-scale items from three instruments, the Mental Health Continuum Short Form, the Flourishing Scale and the Fragility of Happiness Scale. Data was analysed by the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), the Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) and R software. The results indicate that while the mental health and wellbeing of students declined during the pandemic concerning their perceived ability to contribute to society, having supportive and rewarding social relationships and them being engaged and interested in their daily activities, it also improved in terms of their perceived ability to manage their daily lives (environmental mastery), being challenged to grow (personal growth) and in terms of their views that society was becoming better (social growth/actualisation).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marien Alet Graham
- Department of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +27-(0)-12-420-6637
| | - Irma Eloff
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa;
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Jarosz E. What makes life enjoyable at an older age? Experiential wellbeing, daily activities, and satisfaction with life in general. Aging Ment Health 2022; 26:1242-1252. [PMID: 33908290 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2021.1916879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study uses a broad range of activities to examine how the type of activity, its social context, associated stress, importance, and the level of effort required are linked with activity enjoyment. Using aggregated data from all activities, it analyses the association between the experiential wellbeing of individuals and their satisfaction with life in general. METHOD The data set included 1809 activities, reported by 200 non-institutionalised adults, aged 65 and above, living in Poland. Activity data were collected using the experience sampling method. Multilevel mixed effects models examined what makes an activity enjoyable for older adults. Linear regression models examined the relationship between aggregated subjective activity characteristics and satisfaction with life in general. RESULTS The most enjoyable activities were religious practice, childcare, and socialising. Enjoyment was positively associated with perceived activity importance, inversely associated with stress, and formed a U-shaped association with effort. On the aggregated level, a higher mean enjoyment predicted a higher satisfaction with life in general, whereas the opposite was the case for the mean importance. However, having greater variance in importance was associated with higher satisfaction with life. CONCLUSIONS Enjoyable daily activities may boost the global wellbeing of older adults. Balancing high-effort and low-effort activities may provide additional benefits. This study points to new directions for research and shows that activities rarely studied in the existing literature have significant effects on the wellbeing of older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Jarosz
- Institute of Philosophy and Sociology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.,SYNYO, Vienna, Austria
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Significance of Self-Transcendence for Rehabilitation and Relapse Prevention among Patients with Substance Use Disorder: A Qualitative Study. RELIGIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/rel13060491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
A complex variety of restrictive and promoting factors are in play when people with substance use disorder face challenges concerning rehabilitation and relapse prevention. Self-transcendence sources are strongly associated with meaningfulness, and meaningfulness is found to be associated with less alcohol and drug use severity and relapse prevention. The aim of the present qualitative study was to investigate self-transcendence among patients with substance use disorders and to discuss its significance for treatment and relapse prevention. An exploratory qualitative research design was employed, with individual interviews in a strategic sample of four patients with substance use disorder recruited from a religiously founded rehabilitation clinic in Southeast Norway. The transcribed material was analysed through systematic text condensation. A search for objects beyond immediate needs through self-transcendence was revealed, related to generativity and an unselfish prosocial commitment to family and the surroundings, strengthening the participants’ self-efficacy, confidence, and safety. Spirituality and confidence in a higher power or destiny generated order in life. The use of rituals contributed to tranquillity. Values gave new directions, and private confession helped to start over in life. For patients in rehabilitation aiming at relapse prevention, self-transcendence seems to be significant as part of the recovery process. Possible implications for rehabilitation and relapse prevention are discussed.
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The Beneficial Role of Involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous for Existential and Subjective Well-Being of Alcohol-Dependent Individuals? The Model Verification. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095173. [PMID: 35564567 PMCID: PMC9104992 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an important psychosocial factor for the recovery of alcohol-dependent individuals. Recent studies have confirmed the beneficial role of involvement in AA for abstinence and reduction in drinking alcohol. Little is known about the mechanism underlying the relationship between involvement in AA and subjective well-being. This study aims to verify whether in a sample of Polish AA participants involvement in AA is indirectly related to subjective well-being through existential well-being consisting of hope and meaning in life. The achieved results have confirmed that involvement in AA is positively related to existential well-being, which in turn positively predicts subjective well-being including life satisfaction as well as positive and negative affect. It was confirmed that AA involvement in self-help groups indirectly via existential well-being is related to subjective well-being. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed.
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Schnell T, Krampe H. Meaningfulness protects from and crisis of meaning exacerbates general mental distress longitudinally. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:285. [PMID: 35448989 PMCID: PMC9023037 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03921-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic are diverse, and both mental distress and existential crises can arise. The identification of protective and exacerbating factors and their progress over time is therefore highly relevant. The current study examined longitudinal protective effects of meaningfulness and exacerbating effects of crisis of meaning on general mental distress. METHODS N = 431 participants from Germany and Austria (mean age: 42 years) completed an online survey in both April/May (T1) and July/August 2020 (T2). After determining temporal stability or changes in meaningfulness, crisis of meaning, and general mental distress (PHQ-4), we examined whether (i) meaningfulness and (ii) crisis of meaning, measured at T1, incrementally predicted PHQ-4 at T2, beyond baseline levels of PHQ-4. We further tested (iii) a within-subject mediation of temporal changes in PHQ-4 by changes in crisis of meaning. RESULTS Meaningfulness prospectively predicted lower PHQ-4, and crisis of meaning predicted higher PHQ-4. From the first wave of the pandemic until a slowdown three months later, meaningfulness was stable, and crisis of meaning and PHQ-4 decreased. Changes in crisis of meaning mediated the changes in PHQ-4. CONCLUSIONS Meaningfulness appears to have a protective, and crisis of meaning an exacerbating effect on psychological distress, as shown here for the time of the first pandemic wave until three months later. Attention to existential experiences of meaningfulness and loss of meaning thus proves relevant to the clinical and public health context. Measures that support meaningfulness will help coping with crises of meaning, which in turn supports overcoming general mental distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Schnell
- Psychology of Religion and Existential Psychology, Social Sciences, MF Specialized University, Gydas vei 4, 0363, Oslo, Norway. .,Institute of Psychology, Existential Psychology Lab, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 52, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Henning Krampe
- Department of Anesthesiology and Operative Intensive Care Medicine (CCM, CVK), Charité - Universitätsmedizin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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Busby DM, Hanna-Walker VR, Leavitt CE, Carroll JS. The sexual wholeness model: An initial evaluation with two samples. JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2022; 48:643-664. [PMID: 34003492 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Based upon the psychological needs delimited in self-determination theory, we created the sexual wholeness model to encapsulate the different dimensions (physical, emotional, and meaning) that create couple sexuality. We evaluated the model with data from two national samples (Sample 1, n = 610; Sample 2, n = 884), by examining the association between sexual, relationship, and life satisfaction, and attachment with the different elements of the sexual wholeness model using harmonious sexual passion as an intermediate variable. The emotional dimension had the strongest associations in both samples with harmonious sexual passion and all other outcomes except attachment. The physical dimension of sexuality had a surprisingly strong association with attachment and sexual satisfaction. In addition, couples' self-evaluation of the degree of sexual wholeness in their relationship was strongly associated with harmonious passion and all other outcomes, providing another level of validity to the dimensions of the model and the potential utility for using this model to assist in couple therapy.
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Carreno DF, Eisenbeck N. Existential Insights in Cancer: Meaning in Life Adaptability. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:461. [PMID: 35454300 PMCID: PMC9029503 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58040461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Previous research demonstrated that the cancer diagnosis and treatment evoke existential concerns, especially ones related to meaning in life and meaning-making processes. The cancer experience is a vital challenge that often entails changes in what is personally important in life. Firstly, this paper collects evidence supporting that meaning adaptability, the way people adapt their meaning in life to the cancer experience, is a central element in the mental health of cancer patients. Various theories that could account for this meaning adaptability are introduced. Secondly, the paper provides a compilation of studies showing how people change what is significant in their lives within the course of cancer. Finally, the paper presents the available psychological therapies directed to facilitate meaning adaptability in this population. Meaning-centered interventions have been demonstrated to be effective in alleviating the suffering related to the cancer experience and promoting personal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- David F. Carreno
- Department of Psychology, University of Almería, 04120 Almeria, Spain;
| | - Nikolett Eisenbeck
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, University of Seville, 14004 Seville, Spain
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Fuhrer J, Cova F. What makes a life meaningful? Folk intuitions about the content and shape of meaningful lives. PHILOSOPHICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/09515089.2022.2046262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joffrey Fuhrer
- Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Florian Cova
- Department of Philosophy, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Nel C, Burnell B, Fouché PJP, van Niekerk R. Meaning and Wellness: A Comparative Psychobiography on Helen Suzman and Beyers Naudé. EUROPES JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 17:186-197. [PMID: 35136439 PMCID: PMC8763225 DOI: 10.5964/ejop.5391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This comparative psychobiographical study provides an in-depth exploration of meaning in the lives of two extraordinary individuals, Helen Suzman and Beyers Naudé. A comparison of the construction of meaning, as an important aspect of wellness within the holistic wellness model, is given for these South African anti-apartheid activists. Suzman (1917-2009) dedicated her career to opposing apartheid policy as a parliamentary politician. Naudé (1915-2004) was a renowned public figure dedicated to social justice in his role as a theologian. The holistic wellness model views the Neo-Adlerian life task of spirituality as crucial to ascribing meaning to life events, acknowledging multiple potential sources of meaning. The differences and similarities pertaining to the domains of meaning-making of these two subjects are explored. The subjects, who differed regarding biographical variables, were found to share a common sense of purpose within the same socio-political milieu. The study findings confirm that commitment to diverse sources of meaning and generativity are central to meaningfulness. This comparative psychobiographical study contributes to the eugraphic exploration of the meaning-making processes of these exemplary individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Nel
- Department of Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | | | - Paul J P Fouché
- Department of Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Roelf van Niekerk
- Department of Industrial and Organisational Psychology, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
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Kim J, Holte P, Martela F, Shanahan C, Li Z, Zhang H, Eisenbeck N, Carreno DF, Schlegel RJ, Hicks JA. Experiential appreciation as a pathway to meaning in life. Nat Hum Behav 2022; 6:677-690. [PMID: 35145278 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-021-01283-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A key research program within the meaning in life (MIL) literature aims to identify the key contributors to MIL. The experience of existential mattering, purpose in life and a sense of coherence are currently posited as three primary contributors to MIL. However, it is unclear whether they encompass all information people consider when judging MIL. Based on the ideas of classic and contemporary MIL scholars, the current research examines whether valuing one's life experiences, or experiential appreciation, constitutes another unique contributor to MIL. Across seven studies, we find support for the idea that experiential appreciation uniquely predicts subjective judgements of MIL, even after accounting for the contribution of mattering, purpose and coherence to these types of evaluations. Overall, these findings support the hypothesis that valuing one's experiences is uniquely tied to perceptions of meaning. Implications for the incorporation of experiential appreciation as a fundamental antecedent of MIL are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhyung Kim
- Department of Psychology, Sogang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Patricia Holte
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Frank Martela
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Colin Shanahan
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Zhanhong Li
- Department of Psychology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | | | - David F Carreno
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Rebecca J Schlegel
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Joshua A Hicks
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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