The Science of Meaning in Life

Mediating roles of psychological entitlement and presence of meaning in the associations between parental measures (rejection and overprotection) and adolescent internet addiction

BACKGROUND

Although internet addiction has been related to negative parenting, few studies have investigated relationships involving parental rejection and parental overprotection and adolescent internet addiction. The present study examined the role of psychological entitlement and the presence of meaning in mediating relationships between parental rejection and overprotection and adolescent internet addiction.

METHODS

Self-reported data were drawn from a cross-sectional study involving a large-scale sample of 4091 secondary vocational schools students (45.9 % girls; Mage = 16.77 years, SD = 0.75) in China.

RESULTS

Both parental rejection and overprotection were positively related to internet addiction among vocational school students. Moreover, psychological entitlement and presence of meaning mediated the relationship between parental rejection and internet addiction, while psychological entitlement mediated the link between parental overprotection and internet addiction.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that parental rejection and overprotection may put adolescents at greater risk of social networking and internet game addictions by elevating their level of psychological entitlement and reducing the level of presence of meaning. Limitations and future research directions are also discussed.

Psychological empowerment after presbyopia correction: A narrative from Zanzibari women and men

Purpose

To explore the empowerment experiences of Zanzibari craftswomen (n = 19) who received presbyopia correction, as well as perspectives from their husbands (n = 5) and male community leaders (n = 4).

Design

Qualitative phenomenological approach.

Methods

Nineteen craftswomen who received presbyopia correction, five of their husbands and four community leaders were participated in the interviews. Craftswomen participants represented various crafts and locations across Zanzibar (Unguja n = 10, Pemba n = 9), with interviews conducted in Swahili. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews, and analysis employed both inductive and deductive thematic techniques.

Results

Craftswomen reported that wearing spectacles enhanced their ability to work, increased productivity, and improved confidence and independence. Psychological empowerment (PE) was evident in their decision-making and autonomy, as well as their capacity to support their families financially. Men observed the positive effects of spectacles on the women's self-reliance and community contributions. Participants noted that community attitudes toward wearing glasses were generally supportive, although some stigma persisted.

Conclusion

Presbyopia correction through spectacles facilitated significant PE among Zanzibari women, enhancing their independence, confidence, and productivity. A supportive community environment further bolstered empowerment, underscoring the importance of accessible eye care in improving quality of life and well-being.

Precis

We explored the empowerment experiences of 19 Zanzibari craftswomen following presbyopia correction, incorporating perspectives from their husbands and community leaders. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, semi-structured interviews revealed enhanced productivity, independence, confidence, and psychological empowerment among the women. Male participants observed increased self-reliance and community contributions. While community attitudes were supportive, some stigma persisted. This highlights the transformative impact of accessible eye care on women's quality of life and underscore its broader societal benefits.

Relationship between physical activity and eudaimonic well-being in college students based on Ryff's six-factor model of psychological well-being

Eudaimonic well-being, a key construct in positive psychology, is linked to both mental and physical health in college students. This study investigated how different intensities of physical activity (PA) correlate with multiple aspects of eudaimonic well-being among college students, using Ryff's six-factor model as a framework. A total of 1,131 undergraduate students (mean age = 19.74 years) completed questionnaires measuring different intensities of PA and various dimensions of eudaimonic well-being. Multiple regression analyses were performed to explore associations between varying PA intensities and the six dimensions of eudaimonic well-being, controlling for gender, age, and Body Mass Index. Moderate-intensity PA was the most consistent predictor of multiple dimensions of eudaimonic well-being, including environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relations with others, purpose in life, and self-acceptance (β = 0.09 to 0.14, p's < 0.01). Vigorous-intensity PA demonstrated positive associations with positive relations with others, purpose in life, and self-acceptance (β = 0.09 to 0.10, p's < 0.01), whereas light-intensity PA was not significantly related to any dimensions of eudaimonic well-being (p's > 0.05). Our findings suggest that the association between PA and eudaimonic well-being differs based on both the intensity of PA and the specific aspect of eudaimonic well-being. Future research should continue to explore why specific intensities of PA are associated with particular dimensions of eudaimonic well-being.

The impact of childhood trauma on meaning in life among middle school students: the chain-mediating roles of social support and core self-evaluations

BACKGROUND

The negative impact of childhood trauma on adolescence' meaning in life has become a widely concerned topic. The junior high school students are still at a critical stage of developing their meaning in life. This study aims to explore the impact of childhood trauma on meaning in life among junior high school students, as well as the mediating role of social support and core self-evaluations.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data were collected from 23 schools in South China. 2,273 junior high school students completed self-reported questionnaires on demographic variables, childhood trauma, meaning in life, social support, and core self-evaluations. Statistical analysis was conducted via SPSS 27.0 and SPSS PROCESS.

RESULTS

Childhood trauma negatively impacted junior high school students' meaning in life significantly. Both social support ( Indirect effect = -0.073, 95% CI, -0.112 ~ -0.034) and core self-evaluations ( Indirect effect = -0.044, 95% CI, -0.061 ~ -0.028) were significant partial mediators in the childhood trauma and meaning in life. A chain mediating role of social support and core self-evaluations in the relationship between childhood trauma and meaning in life was also supported (Indirect effect = -0.048, 95% CI, -0.066 ~ -0.031). Hierarchical regression results showed that social support and core self-evaluations both positively predict meaning in life. When social support and core self-evaluations were added separately, the impact of childhood trauma weakened. When social support (β = 0.113, t = 4.108, p < 0.001) and core self-evaluations (β = 0.165, t = 6.250, p < 0.001) were both present, childhood trauma has the least impact on meaning in life.

CONCLUSIONS

Strengthening the power of social support networks and fostering positive core self-evaluations may be important strategies for mitigating the negative effects of childhood trauma and enhancing meaning in life for junior high school students.

Adolescent mental time travel predicting meaning in life: The potential mediating role of self-continuity

INTRODUCTION

Knowing who we are and what we are living for helps us to better adjust in everyday life and confront negative life events, especially for adolescents who are going through critical developmental periods when changes in life could bring both psychopathology risk yet opportunity to achieve a better self. The current study focused on mental time travel, the mental visit to the past or future, and examined the impact on adolescents' perceived meaning in life, with the potential mediating factor of self-continuity.

METHODS

A total of 1543 high school students aged 12 to 18 years old (Mage = 15.02, SDage = 1.58, 52% girls) from Jiangsu Province, China were recruited in a two-wave longitudinal survey that separated by an interval of 6 months. Participants reported their proneness to engage in nostalgia or future prospection at T1 and sense of self-continuity at T2, while the perceived meaning in life were reported at both time points. The latent structural equation models were established with items as indicators for all study variables.

RESULTS

Mental time travel, including both nostalgia and future prospection, facilitated adolescent meaning in life via increased self-continuity, except that future prospection showed only positive indirect effect, while nostalgia demonstrated direct yet negative impact on meaning in life after accounting for the positive mediation effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings highlighted the distinct effects of the past- and future-oriented mental time travel on adolescent meaning in life, and provided insights for promoting adolescent psychological adjustment.

Experimental evidence that exerting effort increases meaning

Efficiency demands that we work smarter and not harder, but is this better for our wellbeing? Here, we ask if exerting effort on a task can increase feelings of meaning and purpose. In six studies (N = 2883), we manipulated how much effort participants exerted on a task and then assessed how meaningful they found those tasks. In Studies 1 and 2, we presented hypothetical scenarios whereby participants imagined themselves (or others) exerting more or less effort on a writing task, and then asked participants how much meaning they believed they (or others) would derive. In Study 3, we randomly assigned participants to complete inherently meaningless tasks that were harder or easier to complete, and again asked them how meaningful they found the tasks. Study 4 varied the difficulty of a writing assignment by involving or excluding ChatGPT assistance and evaluated its meaningfulness. Study 5 investigated cognitive dissonance as a potential explanatory mechanism. In Study 6, we tested the shape of the effort-meaning relationship. In all studies, the more effort participants exerted (or imagined exerting), the more meaning they derived (or imagined deriving), though the results of Study 6 show this is only up to a point. These studies suggest a causal link, whereby effort begets feelings of meaning. They also suggest that part of the reason this link exists is that effort begets feeling of competence and mastery, although the evidence is preliminary and inconsistent. We found no evidence the effects were caused by post-hoc effort justification (i.e., cognitive dissonance). Effort, beyond being a mere cost, is a source of personal meaning and value, fundamentally influencing how individuals and observers perceive and derive satisfaction from tasks.

Down the Digital Rabbit Hole: Objectification Increases Problematic Gaming

Objectification, being perceived and treated merely as an object with a denial of one's humanness, has been linked to numerous adverse outcomes in daily life. Despite this, its influence on online behaviors, particularly problematic gaming, remains underexplored. The current research (total N = 1,000) extends the literature on objectification by investigating the effect of objectification on problematic gaming. Study 1, with a correlational design (N = 300), established a significant association between objectification and problematic gaming. Subsequent experimental studies (Studies 2 and 3) demonstrated that objectification directly contributes to increased problematic gaming intentions. Study 2, with a measurement-of-mediation design (N = 300), also identified escapism as a mediating factor, suggesting that objectification intensifies the motive to escape from reality, thereby increasing problematic gaming intentions. Furthermore, Study 3, with a moderation design (N = 400), revealed that perceived meaning in life could mitigate the negative impact of objectification on problematic gaming intentions. Collectively, these findings advance our understanding of the detrimental effects of objectification, highlighting its role in problematic gaming and identifying the potential intervention.

How family support alleviates death anxiety in breast cancer patients: the mediating role of meaning in life

Previous studies have predominantly focused on the relationship between death anxiety and quality of life in breast cancer patients, with limited exploration on how to alleviate their death anxiety. To address this gap, we recruited 533 breast cancer patients and utilized structural equation modeling and Process Model 4 to analyze the internal mechanisms and boundary conditions between family support and death anxiety. The study results indicated that family support significantly negatively impacts death anxiety in breast cancer patients; similarly, meaning in life also significantly negatively impacts death anxiety. More importantly, we found that meaning in life plays a full mediating role between family support and death anxiety. This study suggests that by enhancing family support levels and strengthening patients' perception of meaning in life, we can significantly improve the psychological health status of breast cancer patients, thereby potentially improving their quality of life.

Effects of WeChat-based EPIC training on health-related quality of life, attribution and life attitude in women newly diagnosed with breast cancer: a clinical randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

When confronted with healthy functional impairments, the attribution of disease-induced distress plays a key role in the prognosis of health outcomes. This study examined the effects of an attribution-related intervention, namely WeChat-based EPIC (enter, practice, intensify, consolidate) training, on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), attribution, and life attitude in women newly diagnosed with breast cancer.

METHODS

Eligible patients were recruited using convenience sampling and randomly assigned to the intervention or control group via stratified block randomization. The former received WeChat-based EPIC training plus routine nursing care for 6 months. The latter received only routine nursing care. HRQoL (primary indicator), attribution and life attitude (secondary indicators) were measured using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast version 4.0 (FACT-Bv4.0), Attributional Style Questionnaire (ASQ) and Life Attitude Self-rating Questionnaire for Breast Cancer (LASQ-BC), respectively. A linear mixed model was used to examine the score fluctuations at the 1-, 3-, and 6-month intervals relative to the baseline.

RESULTS

After 6 months, the intervention group (n = 84) showed statistically significant higher total scores in the FACT-Bv4.0 [mean difference: - 15.01; 95% confidence interval: - 17.96, - 12.07; p < 0.001], ASQ [- 4.16 (- 4.45, - 3.86); p < 0.001], and LASQ-BC [- 6.77 (- 8.27, - 5.27); p < 0.001] than that of the control group (n = 82). The total scores of the three indicators also showed significant group, time, and group-by-time interaction effects (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The WeChat-based EPIC training was an effective intervention for improving HRQoL and psychological health in women newly diagnosed with breast cancer.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry www.chictr.org.cn , prospectively registered on 11 April 2020, ChiCTR2000031827.

Meaning in life: bidirectional relationship with depression, anxiety, and loneliness in a longitudinal cohort of older primary care patients with multimorbidity

BACKGROUND

Depression, anxiety and loneliness are common among older patients. As a potential psychological buffer against these challenges, meaning in life (MIL) remains underexplored in longitudinal studies within this population. This study aims to examine the longitudinal relationship of MIL with depression, anxiety, and loneliness among older adults with multimorbidity in Hong Kong.

METHODS

In a prospective cohort of 1077 primary care patients aged 60 or above with multimorbidity in Hong Kong, MIL was assessed using an item from the Chinese Purpose in Life test at baseline, the 1st follow-up (median: 1.3 years), and the 2nd follow-up (median: 3.1 years). Depression, anxiety, and loneliness were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and De Jong Gierveld Loneliness scales, respectively, at each time point. Cross-lagged relationships between MIL and these measures were examined using cross-lagged panel models.

RESULTS

Participants had an average age of 70.0 years, with 70.1% being female. Higher MIL predicted lower depression (β = -0.15), anxiety (β = -0.13), overall loneliness (β = -0.18), emotional loneliness (β = -0.15), and social loneliness (β = -0.16) at the 1st follow-up. Additionally, higher MIL predicted lower overall loneliness (β = -0.12), emotional loneliness (β = -0.11), and social loneliness (β = -0.10) at the 2nd follow-up. At baseline, higher depression (β = -0.21), overall loneliness (β = -0.15), emotional loneliness (β = -0.11), and social loneliness (β = -0.11), but not anxiety, predicted lower MIL at the 1st follow-up. At the 1st follow-up, depression (β = -0.23), anxiety (β = -0.16), overall loneliness (β = -0.10), and emotional loneliness (β = -0.11), but not social loneliness, predicted lower MIL at the 2nd follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest a bidirectional relationship between MIL and mental health outcomes in older patients with multimorbidity in Hong Kong. Emotional loneliness demonstrated a more consistent bidirectional association with MIL than social loneliness. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and develop targeted interventions addressing both MIL and mental health problems.

The mediating effect of community identity and the moderating effect of social comparison in the relationship between residential mobility and sense of meaning in life

Introduction

Numerous studies have documented the adverse effects of residential mobility; however, its relationship with the sense of meaning in life remains underexplored. This study examines the mechanisms by which residential mobility influences the subjective sense of meaning in life, focusing on the mediating role of community identity and the moderating role of social comparison.

Methods

We used the platform "Creator of Data and Model" to conduct an online survey. The sample of adult participants recruited were aged <35 years (85.0%).

Results

The results revealed that residential mobility negatively predicts a sense of meaning in life, particularly through reduced community identity. Social comparison moderated these effects, with high social comparison tendencies exacerbating negative outcomes in specific dimensions.

Discussion

These findings advance our understanding of the psychological consequences of residential mobility and provide practical insights into supporting the well-being of mobile populations.

Conclusion

Enhancing community identity can mitigate the adverse effects of mobility, whereas tailored interventions for socially comparable individuals may improve their well-being.

Meaning in life for migrant children in China: A latent profile analysis based on risks and resources

BACKGROUND

Meaning in life (MIL) can help safeguard the mental health of migrant children. However, most current studies employ variable-centered methodologies and frequently overlook population heterogeneity; they also fail to address how the combination of different risks and resources influences MIL.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the group heterogeneity of migrant children according to combinations of risks and resources and how the interaction of these factors affects their MIL.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

Participants included a sample of 567 children of migrants.

METHODS

Participants completed questionnaires enquiring about risk factors (academic pressure, perceived discrimination, and parent-child alienation) and resource factors (parent-child communication, parent-child trust, perceived social support, and resilience). Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify different groups according to the combinations of these risks and resources; we then identified the differences in MIL among these groups.

RESULTS

Four groups were identified: low-resource group (26 %), high-risk/low-endogenous-resource group (8 %), balanced group (43 %), and low-risk/high-resource group (23 %). MIL was highest among the low-risk/high-resource group and lowest among the low-resource group. The high-risk/low-endogenous-resource and balanced groups were in the middle.

CONCLUSIONS

Risks and resources associated with migrant children are combined in different ways; LPA revealed clear categorization trends. There were significant differences in MIL among the four categories we identified. Attention should be paid to increasing resources for migrant children, as these may have a stronger impact on their MIL than risks.

Reliability, validity, and sensitivity of the Chinese Life Attitude Self-rating Questionnaire for Breast Cancer

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Psychometrics of the Chinese Life Attitude Self-rating Questionnaire for Breast Cancer (LASQ-BC) has not yet been conducted in a larger sample of women with breast cancer. This study aimed to examine the reliability, validity, and sensitivity of the LASQ-BC in Chinese mainland female breast cancer patients.

METHOD

This is a cross-sectional study. Reliability was determined by Cronbach's α and Guttman split-half coefficient. Convergent and discriminant validity were evaluated via item-subscale and item-total score correlations. Factorial validity was estimated using a principal component analysis with varimax rotation. Sensitivity was identified via Cohen's effect size (ES) and an independent sample t-test between the new and recurrent cases. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to further examine sensitivity of the LASQ-BC under the influence of newly diagnosed breast cancer (yes vs. no).

RESULTS

A total of 429 patients completed the questionnaire. Cronbach's α of the LASQ-BC was 0.96, ranging from 0.86 to 0.92 for the four subscales (i.e., choice and responsibility, life meaning, benevolence, and life experiences). The Guttman split-half coefficient was 0.90. The hypothesised item-subscale and item-total score correlations were higher than the critical value of 0.50. Four factors were extracted from the 23 items, explaining 69.29% of the total variance. Eligible ES (range: 0.38-0.48) was found in the four subscales and total score between the new and recurrent cases (independent sample t-test), and under the influence of newly diagnosed breast cancer (yes vs. no; multiple linear regression analysis).

CONCLUSION

The Chinese LASQ-BC has acceptable reliability, validity, and sensitivity in women with breast cancer of mainland China. It can be used to female breast cancer patients as an invaluable metric and a crucial instrument for assessing and discerning those grappling with a suboptimal life attitude, and in gauging the efficacy of psychological interventions tailored to enhance this perspective.

How Self-Belief in Creativity and Well-Being Is Associated with Life Satisfaction, Meaning in Life, and Psychological Richness: The Mediating Effect of Creative Self-Efficacy

This study aimed to validate the Chinese version of the self-beliefs in creativity and well-being (SBCWs) and probe its associations with life satisfaction, meaning in life, and psychological richness. Additionally, it explored the mediating role of creative self-efficacy between SBCWs and well-being. Evidence of the reliability and validity of the Chinese SBCWs were provided, with their correlation to well-being measures offering further validity support. Mediation analyses showed that creative self-efficacy mediated the links between SBCW and life satisfaction, psychological richness, and presence of meaning, but not between SBCW and the search for meaning. Differential SBCW predictions for short- and long-term well-being were confirmed, suggesting SBCW's split of short-term and long-term focus. The study highlights creativity and creative self-efficacy's importance in well-being.

Demystifying death: a qualitative study using the behavior change wheel framework to explore the palliative care education experiences of doctors, nurses, and community residents

Objective

To explore the palliative care education experiences of doctors, nurses, and community residents.

Methods

A semi-structured interview was conducted with 2 doctors, 8 nurses and 9 community residents in Jinan. Content analysis and behavior change wheel theory were used to analyze the interview content.

Results

Motivation: The road to be taken; Emotional touch of personal experiences; Prepare early; Not now. Capability: Multiple cognition; Need for a topic catalyst; Trust bias; Disconnect between learning and application; Treading on thin ice. Opportunity: Willing but unable; The Need for a larger voice and greater participation.

Conclusion

Community palliative care education requires greater attention. Community residents exhibit diverse perceptions and attitudes toward palliative care, reflecting the influence of personal experiences and sociocultural factors. Innovating the content and format of educational resources and enhancing education for community residents and medical staff will facilitate palliative care.

Network analysis of meaning in life, perceived social support, and depressive symptoms among vocational undergraduate students

Background

Depression poses a considerable personal and public health problem, particularly in the post-epidemic era. The present study aimed to investigate the association between meaning in life (MIL) and perceived social support (PSS) with depressive symptoms among vocational undergraduate students, employing a network analysis approach to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying pathways and to prevent the progression of depressive symptoms into disorders.

Methods

A total of 1367 Chinese vocational undergraduates (M age = 20.1, SD = 1.6; 44.7% female) were recruited and were asked to complete a series of questionnaires, including the meaning in life questionnaire, perceived social support scale, and patient health questionnaire. The regularized partial correlation network was estimated. The partial correlations between nodes were calculated as edges. Moreover, network comparison tests were conducted to compare three subnetworks based on different levels of depression (minimal, subthreshold, and moderate/severe).

Results

The top strength nodes within each network were identified as sleep and motor in minimal group, anhedonia and concentration in subthreshold group, and anhedonia and sleep in moderate/severe group. Additionally, the bridge strength nodes were determined as MIL-3, MIL-4, sleep, guilt, and school in minimal group; MIL-4, anhedonia, suicide, and friend in subthreshold group; MIL-9, MIL-7, anhedonia, sleep, and family in moderate/severe group. Furthermore, network comparison tests showed significant differences in centrality (all p < 0.05), while network invariance remained constant across groups. Notably, the accuracy and stability coefficients for all network structures were greater than 0.5, indicating stable and reliable results.

Conclusion

These findings elucidate specific pathways and potential central nodes for interactions of MIL or PSS with depressive symptoms at different levels of depression, providing valuable insights for targeted prevention and intervention strategies.

Meaning in Life as an Outcome of Inpatient or Day-Hospital Psychotherapy for Personality Disorder

Psychotherapy may contribute to the experience of meaning in life. This study investigated meaning in life among patients with personality disorders during inpatient or day-hospital psychotherapy. Meaning in life was approached from two conceptual perspectives: personality functioning with an emphasis on self-direction and existential psychology. We investigated changes in the sense of meaning in life and accounted for changes in depressive symptoms and identity and interpersonal pathology. Using pre-post measures, Livesley's General Assessment of Personality Disorder, especially, the Lack-of-Meaning-Purpose-and-Direction subscale and Steger's Meaning-in-Life Presence subscale were administered to 75 patients with personality disorders during inpatient or day-hospital psychotherapy for 8-12 months. Regression models showed that levels of the lack and presence of meaning decreased and increased during treatment, respectively, controlled for changes in depressive symptoms. Decreased identity pathology was significantly associated with changes in the lack or presence of meaning. Meaning in life may act as an outcome variable in intensive psychotherapy for personality disorders. The development of identity and self-direction may restore or create the ability to give life meaning.

Purpose in life and posttraumatic stress symptoms among military veterans: A network analysis

Researchers have begun to explore factors that might promote better adjustment following exposure to traumatic events, including the extent to which individuals have a strong sense of meaning in their lives. Given that studies have shown the potential benefits of cultivating meaning in alleviating posttraumatic stress reactions, it is important to pinpoint specific aspects of meaning that may better inform individualized trauma-focused treatments. One aspect of meaning that may be particularly relevant to trauma survivors is reflected in perceptions of purpose in life. The current study explored concurrent associations among elements of purpose and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in a sample of 423 combat-deployed veterans through the lens of network analysis. We investigated the network structure of purpose and PTSS, as well as which aspects of purpose were negatively associated with PTSS, to identify their connections with resilience and recovery. Most notably, results revealed that having multiple reasons for living and a sense of importance and connection related to everyday pursuits were most strongly linked to lower PTSS. Specific aspects of purpose related to satisfaction and fulfillment were also linked to lower PTSS, though more modestly. Although these findings will need to be confirmed in longitudinal research, they suggest that attending to sense of purpose in veterans and other high-risk populations may facilitate treatment planning in service of fostering greater resiliency to the effects of trauma exposure.

Meaning-making following loss among bereaved spouses during the COVID-19 pandemic (the CO-LIVE study)

This study investigates how individuals construe, understand, and make sense of experiences during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted with bereaved spouses focusing on meaning attribution to the death of their partner. The interviewees were lacking adequate information, personalized care, and physical or emotional proximity; these challenges complicated their experience of a meaningful death of their partner. Concomitantly, many interviewees appreciated the exchange of experiences with others and any last moments together with their partner. Bereaved spouses actively sought valuable moments, during and after bereavement, that contributed to the perceived meaning.

Conquering diabetes by overcoming psychological barriers and embracing health

Living with chronic conditions like diabetes mellitus (DM) or insulin resistance (IR) requires significant self-management, adding to daily life stressors. This stress, known as diabetes distress, along with health empowerment from proper diet and lifestyle, and motivation to eat healthily, greatly impacts quality of life and disease outcomes. Different patient subgroups (type 1 diabetic (T1DM), type 2 diabetic (T2DM), and insulin resistant (IR) individuals) face these challenges differently. This research aims to compare people with IR and DM to those without, and to compare IR, T1DM and T2DM subgroups on psychological factors. Data was collected via an online questionnaire from 746 participants (average age 37.5 years). Among them, 405 had IR (N = 177) or DM (Type 1: N = 116; Type 2: N = 112), and 341 were controls. Results showed that T2DM individuals scored lower than controls on Identified Regulation, Interoceptive Awareness, and Search for Meaning in Life, while the IR group had higher body-mind disconnection. T1DM individuals experienced the highest emotional distress due to the disease but the lowest distress from regular check-ups compared to T2DM and IR groups. The gradient boosting classification model indicated that IR and T1DM groups are homogeneous, whereas T2DM is heterogeneous, with significant within-group variation in disease experience and management. Despite similarities in daily life challenges, significant differences exist in disease experience among the groups. Individual characteristics of T2DM individuals further diversify their attitudes towards disease management.

The Meaning in Life Questionnaire: Revisiting the Evidence of Validity and Measurement Invariance Using the Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling

The Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ) assesses two distinct dimensions of meaning in life: presence of meaning and search for meaning. The MLQ is the most widely used instrument for measuring meaning in life, yet there is a limited variety of validity evidence on the originally proposed two-factor confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) solution. In this light, the present research examined, across five studies (total N = 3,205), several aspects of the MLQ's validity and tested cross-gender and cross-national measurement invariance. We also examined the usefulness of the exploratory structural equation model (ESEM) of the MLQ as an alternative to the standard CFA model. The results obtained provide evidence for: (a) the validity (structural, convergent, concurrent, and incremental) of the MLQ ESEM factors; (b) full scalar invariance of the MLQ ESEM model across gender and partial measurement invariance across four countries; and (c) similar cross-national relationships between MLQ ESEM factors and measures of depression and life satisfaction. The present research provides support for the value of applying the ESEM framework in overcoming limitations of the CFA model when examining evidence on the MLQ's validity.

How do some nurses achieve post-traumatic growth in stressful situations? Analysis of the role of hope, meaning of life, and resilience with the mediating role of coping self-efficacy

Background

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hope, the meaning of life, resilience, and post-traumatic growth (PTG), with coping self-efficacy as a mediating factor among nurses working in COVID-19 care departments.

Methods

This was a quantitative cross-sectional study involving 263 nurses from three university hospitals in Zanjan, Iran, in 2022. Data were collected using Connor and Davidson's Resilience Questionnaire, Schneider's Hope scale, Steger's Meaning in Life questionnaire, Tedeschi and Calhoun's PTG inventory, and Chesney's coping self-efficacy scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS-26 and LISREL-10.2 software.

Results

Path analysis was used to analyze the causal model, which demonstrated a good fit with the data., the results showed. The results revealed direct and significant effects of resilience (ƿ<0.05, β = 0.14), hope (ƿ<0.05), β = 0.16), the meaning of life (ƿ<0.05, β = 0.13), and coping self-efficacy (ƿ<0.05, β = 0.20) on PTG among nurses. Additionally, the mediation of coping self-efficacy in the relationship between resilience, hope, meaning of life, and PTG in nurses was confirmed through the analysis of multiple mediators.

Conclusion

The study revealed that the combination of resilience, hope, and the meaning of life, mediated by coping self-efficacy, has significant predictive power for PTG in nurses.

Research on the Effect Mechanism of Career-Specific Parental Support Promoting Meaning in Life of Chinese Higher Vocational College Students

Adolescent students' meaning in life is an important topic of research in positive psychology and educational psychology. Meaning in life is of outstanding value to the whole career development of Chinese higher vocational college students (CHVCS), and parental behaviors have a profound impact on CHVCS' meaning in life. In order to explore the mechanism of the role of career-specific parental support in promoting CHVCS' meaning in life from the perspective of career, this study was based on career construction theory (CCT) and investigated 2498 CHVCS. The results showed that (1) career-specific parental support could directly and positively influence meaning in life; (2) core self-evaluations, career exploration, and career adaptability individually played a partially mediating effect in the relationship between career-specific parental support and meaning in life; (3) "core self-evaluations + career exploration", "core self-evaluations + career adaptability", "career exploration + career adaptability", and "core self-evaluations + career exploration + career adaptability" play a partial chain mediating effect in the relationship between career-specific parental support and meaning in life. This study contributes to meaning in life in CHVCS, enriches career-related research based on CCT, and has important implications for career counseling from a construct perspective.

Exploring meaning in life as a potential target for early intervention - results from a randomized trauma analogue study

Background: Previous studies in individuals exposed to stressors, including traumatic ones, have shown inverse relations between life meaning and distress. Furthermore, meaning-related treatments can benefit (traumatic) stressor-exposed individuals. However, the evidence regarding the effect of life meaning interventions on PTSD symptoms is limited. Moreover, early post-stressor interventions preventing distress are needed. This study investigated the effects of a short, online life meaning intervention after an analogue traumatic stressor on intrusions and anxiety following the intervention, intrusions over a week, and explored distress and life meaning differences after a week.Method: Following an analogue traumatic stressor (i.e. an aversive film), N = 237 participants were randomized to a life meaning intervention, an active or inactive control condition. Participants completed questionnaires in the laboratory, in an online seven-day diary, and at one-week follow-up.Results: The intervention resulted in significantly lower post-intervention state anxiety and higher life meaning, but not significantly less severe wait-period intrusions than the control conditions. Intrusions in the subsequent week as well as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and life meaning after a week did not significantly differ between the conditions.Conclusion: This intervention showed promising temporary effects on anxiety and life meaning after a trauma analogue, but no significant longer-term effects and no effects on PTSD symptoms including intrusions. Meaning-related interventions for PTSD target stressor-related meaning-making rather than life meaning. Thus, future studies may benefit from implementing more intense interventions to extend effects on general distress, as well as stressor-addressing meaning interventions to elicit stressor-related meaning-making.

The role of meaning in life in the association between loneliness and depression: a mediation study among older adults from 26 European countries

Loneliness and depression are serious public mental health problems. Meaning in life (MIL) is associated with reduced loneliness and depression. This study aimed to: (1) investigate associations between loneliness, MIL, and depression, differentiated by sex in individuals aged ≥ 50 years, residing in 26 European countries and Israel, and (2) to examine in men and women separately whether MIL mediated the relationship between loneliness and depression. We included 41,372 individuals (23,789 women) who responded to wave 8 of the SHARE project. The variables analyzed were loneliness (UCLA), depression (EURO-D scale), and MIL (CASP-19). The analytical procedures included regression analysis and exploratory mediation analysis. Among men and women, the odds of loneliness increasing depression were 3.6 and 3.3 times higher, respectively. Among men, feeling MIL sometimes or often had odds for reducing depression by 0.53 and 0.21, respectively. In women, feeling MIL sometimes or frequently reduced the odds of depression by 0.37 and 0.19, respectively. Regardless of sex, mediation analyses showed a positive association between loneliness and depression, while MIL was negatively associated with loneliness and depression. MIL partially mediated the association between LON and depression in male and female models by approximately 83.2% and 80.7%, respectively. No differences were found between men's and women's mediation models. Regardless of sex, high levels of MIL seem to be effective in benefiting the mental health of Europeans aged 50 and over. MIL proved to be a significant mediator of the relationship between loneliness and depression, while loneliness and depression strengthened each other.

Theranostics, Advanced Cancer, and The Meaning of Life

There is an unmet need to recognize and address the psychosocial and spiritual support of the rapidly growing population of cancer survivors living with advanced metastatic disease which is essentially incurable. Palliative chemotherapy may do more harm than good. The role of the physician in the provision of a supportive, compassionate relationship of mutual trust is critical in the exploration of spirituality and the meaning of life for each individual patient. The objective must be to enhance quality of life rather than prolong it at any cost. Nuclear physicians are now equipped to offer effective control of advanced metastatic cancer of prostate and neuroendocrine neoplasms without clinically evident toxicity. They also now have the potential to practice phronesis, and in so doing, to significantly ameliorate the quality of life of patients afflicted with these specific advanced cancers. During the time of prolonged symptom-free survival, these patients may be encouraged to find life's meaning and a peaceful acceptance of their inevitable demise.

Interaction Effects Between Low Self-Control and Meaning in Life on Internet Gaming Disorder Symptoms and Functioning in Chinese Adolescents: Cross-Sectional Latent Moderated Structural Equation Modeling Study

BACKGROUND

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is an emerging behavioral addiction with mental health implications among adolescents. Low self-control is an established risk factor of IGD. Few studies have, however, examined the moderating role of meaning in life (MIL) on the relationships between low self-control and IGD symptoms and functioning.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the effects of low self-control and MIL and their interaction effects on IGD symptoms and family and school functioning in a structural equation model.

METHODS

A sample of 2064 adolescents (967, 46.9% male; mean age 14.6 years) was recruited by multistage cluster random sampling from 5 middle schools in Sichuan, China, in 2022. The participants completed a self-report questionnaire with validated measures on low self-control, presence of MIL, search for MIL, IGD symptoms, school commitment, and family functioning. Construct validity, measurement invariance, and structural invariance of the measures were evaluated by confirmatory factor analysis across sex. Structural equation modeling was conducted to examine the indirect effects of low self-control and MIL on family and school functioning through IGD symptoms. Latent moderated structural equation modeling was performed to examine the interaction effects between low self-control and MIL on IGD symptoms, school commitment, and family functioning.

RESULTS

All scales showed satisfactory model fit and scalar measurement invariance by sex. Males showed significantly greater IGD symptoms and lower levels of self-control (Cohen d=0.25-1.20, P<.001) than females. IGD symptoms were significantly and positively associated with impulsivity (β=.20, P=.01), temper (β=.25, P<.001), and search for meaning (β=.11, P=.048) and significantly and negatively associated with presence of meaning (β=-.21, P<.001). Presence of MIL and impulsivity showed a significant and negative interaction effect (β=-.11, SE .05; P=.03) on IGD symptoms. The positive effect of impulsivity on IGD symptoms was stronger among adolescents with low presence of MIL than those with high presence of MIL. Temper showed significant and positive interaction effects with presence of MIL (β=.08, SE .04; P=.03) and search for MIL (β=.08, SE .04; P=.04) on family functioning. The negative effects of temper on family functioning were stronger among adolescents with low levels of MIL than among those with high levels of MIL.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides the first findings on the interaction effects between low self-control and presence of MIL and search for MIL on IGD symptoms and functioning among a large sample of adolescents in rural China. The results have implications for targeted interventions to help male adolescents with lower self-control and presence of meaning.

Antidote or poison: The relationship between "lying flat" tendency and mental health

Although "lying flat" has become a new youth subculture phenomenon, it is unclear whether "lying flat" is an antidote or a poison for the youth's mental health. Here, we explored the effect of "lying flat" tendency on mental health using the cross-sectional (Study 1a) and longitudinal designs (Study 1b) as well as the intervention design (Study 2). In Study 1a, we found that the youth's "lying flat" tendency was negatively correlated with their mental health. Importantly, cross-lagged analyses (Study 1b) found that "lying flat" tendency negatively predicted mental health 1 month later, suggesting the temporal directionality between "lying flat" tendency and mental health. In Study 2, we sought to examine whether a longitudinal video intervention could promote the youth's mental health by reducing "lying flat" tendency. The results showed that the eight-day inspirational video intervention significantly reduced the youth's "lying flat" tendency and promoted their mental health. Importantly, "lying flat" tendency mediated the relationship between the inspirational video intervention and mental health. Our study is the first to demonstrate the negatively predictive effect of the "lying flat" tendency on the youth's mental health and provides an economical, convenient, and effective intervention aimed at reducing the "lying flat" tendency to promote the youth's mental health.

Being as Having, Loving, and Doing: A Theory of Human Well-Being

ACADEMIC ABSTRACT

Stronger theory on the nature of human well-being is needed, especially as well-being indicators are increasingly utilized in policy contexts. Building on Erik Allardt, who argued that a theory of well-being is, in essence, a theory of human nature, I propose four modes of existence each capturing one dimension central to human well-being: Having recognizes humans as biological creatures requiring certain material resources for survival. Loving captures human social nature and our dependence on others for well-being. Doing highlights the active and agentic nature of human existence. Being acknowledges humans as experiencing their existence. Each mode of existence gives rise to a few more specific needs, and a full assessment of human well-being requires both subjective and objective indicators tapping into these needs. The proposed theory integrates psychological well-being research with sociological and philosophical traditions and contributes to debates about how the progress of nations and sustainability should be measured.

PUBLIC ABSTRACT

Well-being is something we all value individually, and it is also a key political goal. Accordingly, how we define and measure well-being influences what physicians, managers, policy-makers, politicians, and international organizations aim to improve through their work. Better theories of well-being make better measurement of well-being possible, which makes possible more effective and evidence-based advancement of human well-being. In this spirit, the present article argues that there are four fundamental dimensions to human well-being: Having highlights that as biological creatures, we have physical needs, loving highlights human social needs, doing highlights that we are active and agentic beings with goals and strivings, and being highlights that we feel and evaluate our lives. To assess well-being, we need measures tapping into all four of these dimensions. And to assess the sustainability of well-being, we need to examine how to provide well-being for all humanity while remaining within planetary boundaries.

"What it is like to be human": The existential dimension of care as perceived by professionals caring for people approaching death

OBJECTIVES

Existential/spiritual questions often arise when a person suffers from a serious and/or life-threatening illness. "Existential" can be seen as a broad inclusive term for issues surrounding people's experience and way of thinking about life. To be able to meet patients' existential needs, knowledge is needed about what the existential dimension includes. The aim of this study was to investigate how professionals caring for people with life-threatening disease perceive the existential dimension of care.

METHODS

This study is based on a mixed method design utilizing a digital survey with open- and closed-ended questions. Descriptive statistics were applied to closed-ended questions and a qualitative descriptive approach was used for the responses to the open-ended questions. Healthcare professionals at specialized palliative care units, an oncology clinic and municipal healthcare within home care and a nursing home in Sweden answered the survey.

RESULTS

Responses from 77 professionals expressed a broad perspective on existential questions such as thoughts about life and death. Identifying existential needs and performing existential care was considered a matter of attitude and responsiveness and thus a possible task for any professional. Existential needs centered around the opportunity to communicate, share thoughts and experiences, and be seen and heard. Existential care was connected to communication, sharing moments in the present without doing anything and was sometimes described as embedded in professionals' ordinary care interventions. The existential dimension was considered important by the majority of respondents.

SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS

This study indicates that with the right attitude and responsiveness, all professionals can potentially contribute to existential care, and that existential care can be embedded in all care. The existential dimension of care can also be considered very important by health professionals in a country that is considered secular.

Insights into the meaning of medical students' studies. An online survey at two medical faculties

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate how medical students' deal with their own questions of meaning during their studies, how they cope with patients' questions of meaning or crises of meaning, to what extent their experience of meaning changes during their studies, and what role medical studies play in this.

Methods

In 2022, we conducted an exploratory cross-sectional study in the form of an online survey at two German universities with students in the clinical part of their studies. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, and group differences were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U tests. Free-text comments were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Of the 111 participants (response rate 12%), 92% had addressed questions of meaning. 64% of the students felt that their studies were meaningful, and 45% felt that their clinical internships were meaningful. 59% reported that they had been confronted with questions of meaning in their contact with patients, although many of them felt that they had been inadequately prepared for this (56%). This impression was stronger among respondents at the beginning of the clinical phase compared to respondents at the end (U(56,34)=660, p=0.012). According to the students, strategies for dealing with questions of meaning were active engagement with topics of meaning, tolerance of uncertainties, or avoidance. In addition to the basic requirement of openness to all topics of meaning, students expressed the wish to be better prepared for professional questions of meaning and for follow-up work on stressful events. A wide range of critical experiences with training and the healthcare system had an inhibiting effect on the experience of meaning.

Conclusion

Since a higher sense of purpose can be associated with improved health and motivation, university programs might have the potential to support students' sense of purpose and, in the long term, improve their capacities to support patients who grapple with questions of meaning.

Progress Toward Meaning-as-Goal and Its Association with Pain, Functioning, and Global Meaning and Purpose Among Veterans with Co-occurring Chronic Pain and PTSD

BACKGROUND

Co-occurring chronic pain and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with poorer physical and mental functioning and well-being. Treatments often incorporate goal-setting around personally meaningful behaviors; however, it is unclear whether intentionally focusing on improving meaning and purpose in life (i.e., meaning-as-goal) may also serve as a helpful treatment target. The objective of the current study is to determine whether reported progress toward meaning-as-goal at 6 months is associated with pain severity and interference, physical and mental health functioning, and global meaning and purpose at 6- and 12-months.

METHODS

Data were collected as part of an evaluation effort focused on VA's Whole Health System implementation efforts. VA electronic health records were linked to survey data across three time points (baseline, 6 months, and 12 months) from Veterans with both chronic pain and PTSD across 18 VA sites. A total of 1341 Veterans met inclusion criteria (mean age = 62, SD = 11.7).

RESULTS

Regression analyses showed that progress toward meaning-as-goal was significantly associated with all 6-month variables, with standardized coefficients ranging from - 0.14 (pain severity and interference) to .37 (global meaning and purpose), in addition to all 12-month variables, with standardized coefficients ranging from - .13 (pain severity and interference) to .31 (global meaning and purpose).

CONCLUSIONS

Efforts to intentionally promote meaning and purpose as part of evidence-based treatment for chronic pain and PTSD may lead to decreased pain and improved physical and mental health functioning and global meaning and purpose. With coefficients ranging from small to moderate effect sizes, more work is needed to better understand how best to maximize meaning-related goals.

Meaning in life of elite athletes: A person-oriented study

People's subjective sense of meaning in life is a flourishing research topic in psychology but remains underexplored in sport psychology. This study uses a person-oriented method to shed light on meaning in the lives of elite athletes (i.e., latent profile analysis) to identify distinct profiles of sources of meaning in life, and compare the extent to which these profiles differ in relation to athletic identity, life satisfaction, and self-esteem. A sample of 593 Swiss elite athletes (50.4% women, 49.6% men; Mage = 24.78 years, SD = 4.93) participated in the study. The Meaning and Purpose Scales (MAPS) were used to assess athletes' perceptions of meaningfulness, crisis of meaning, and sources of meaning. Athletes demonstrated higher overall meaningfulness, lower crisis of meaning, and prioritized different sources of meaning compared to the general population. Latent profile analysis revealed three distinct meaning profiles: (1) athletes with multiple meanings (n = 351), (2) athletes with low meaning (n = 126), and (3) faith-based athletes (n = 110). Notably, the athletes in the first and last profile exhibited higher life satisfaction and self-esteem. The identified profiles demonstrate that athletes differ both in the degree and the types of meaning in life. The findings align with studies outside of sport that suggest that meaning in life, in addition to being an end-value in itself, is also related to enhanced life satisfaction and self-esteem. Personalized meaning-focused interventions can be valuable for applied practice with elite athletes.

Longitudinal Associations of Experiential and Reflective Dimensions of Meaning in Life With Psychopathological Symptoms

Background

Rather than being rooted in deliberate reflection, the experience of meaning has been shown to evolve from intuitive processes (Heintzelman & King, 2013b, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6527-6_7). Accordingly, experiential and reflective dimensions of meaning in life can be distinguished (Hill et al., 2019, https://doi.org/10.1080/09515070.2018.1434483). In this preregistered study, we explored how these dimensions are longitudinally associated with psychopathological symptoms. We expected that experiencing more meaning would predict fewer depressive symptoms and fewer personality functioning impairments six months later, whereas reflecting about meaning would predict more psychopathological symptoms.

Method

A German-speaking sample of N = 388 completed self-report measures assessing meaning in life, depression, and personality functioning at baseline and six months later.

Results

Controlling for depression at baseline, elevated levels of experiencing meaning in life predicted a decrease in depressive symptoms. Experiencing meaning did not predict personality functioning impairments six months later. However, exploratory analyses with a larger sample tentatively showed that experiencing meaning in life predicted less impairments in personality functioning. Evidence supporting the hypothesized association between reflection and future depression as well as future personality functioning impairments was discerned through exploratory analyses. Generalizability of results to clinical care settings is limited due to the studied non-clinical sample. No causal conclusions can be drawn from the data because the study employed an observational design with two assessment points.

Conclusion

Experiencing meaning in life emerged as a potential protective factor against future psychopathological symptoms, whereas exploratory analyses pointed to an opposite relationship for reflection about meaning in life. Results are discussed with regard to clinical implications and directions for future research.

"It doesn't Always Have to Be an Expert": Professionals' Perceptions of Practical Aspects of the Existential Dimension of Care for People Approaching Death

'Existential' can be seen as a broad term for issues surrounding people's experiences and way of thinking about life. This study examined availability of existential care and found that many different staff categories performed existential care. Existential care is associated with conversations and experienced as both easy and difficult; several factors were cited, e.g. insufficient time, stress and the difficulty of addressing existential questions for oneself. Respondents reported need for education, guidance and reflection around existential issues and care. Existential care is described as a natural part of patient care that all professional categories have a responsibility to offer.

Strengthening the meaning in life among college students: the role of self-acceptance and social support - evidence from a network analysis

Meaning in life, which has two possible sources: self-acceptance and social support, is essential to the mental health and development of college students. The current study aims to further clarify the symptom-level relations between meaning in life, self-acceptance, and social support, finding possible ways to improve meaning in the life of college students. Thousand three hundred and forty-eight Chinese college students completed the online questionnaire, including Self-acceptance Questionnaire, Social Support Rating Scale, and Meaning in Life Questionnaire and the data from 1,263 participants was used. Cross-sectional network analysis was used to examine the relation between self-acceptance and social support. We also explored the relation between dimensions of self-acceptance and social support and meaning in life using the flow network. The results show symptom "SlA" (self-acceptance) is the bridge symptom linking self-acceptance and social support. In the flow diagrams, "SlA" is directly and positively associated with the presence of meaning. Objective Support shares the strongest positive association with the search for meaning. The symptom "SIA" may be an important targeting symptom when trying to improve the meaning in life of college students. Additionally, social support is essential for college students to develop meaning in life.

The mediating roles of optimism, loneliness, and psychological distress in the association between a sense of community and meaning in life among older adults

A sense of community is known to be a protective factor for the well-being of older adults and meaning in life associated with positive mental outcomes. Nevertheless, there is a need to expand the knowledge of the role of a sense of community in meaning in life, particularly among older adults. Intending to broaden the empirical understanding from this perspective, the current study examined the mediating roles of optimism, loneliness, and psychological distress in the association between a sense of community and meaning in life. Participants included 740 community dwelling Israeli older adults (M = 71.96; SD = 5.81). Participants completed questionnaires on a sense of community, optimism, loneliness, psychological distress, meaning in life, and sociodemographic characteristics. A positive association was found between a sense of community with optimism, and a negative association with loneliness. A negative association between optimism with psychological distress and a positive link between loneliness with psychological distress was found, while a higher level of psychological distress was associated with a lower level of meaning in life. Practitioners should focus interventions with older adults on developing a sense of community, with the aim to promote optimism and, at the same time, reduce loneliness and thus decrease psychological distress while strengthening meaning in life.

Routineness of Social Interactions Is Associated With Higher Affective Well-Being in Older Adults

OBJECTIVES

Some research conceptualizes routineness of daily life as an indicator of cognitive vulnerability that would lead to lower well-being in older age, whereas other research expects routineness to give rise to more meaning and stability in life and thus to higher well-being. Further research is needed to understand routineness in older adults in relation to cognitive abilities and well-being. This study examined routineness of social interactions.

METHODS

We examined data from an event-contingent experience sampling study with 103 Swiss community-dwelling older adults (aged 65 to 84 years). Participants completed in-lab cognitive assessments (reasoning, episodic memory, speed, and vocabulary) and reported their well-being (positive affect, negative affect, and life satisfaction). For more than 21 days, participants reported the time and context of their social interactions (including modality, partner type, and location). Routineness of social interactions was defined as social interactions that occurred at the same time of day over the study period. It was calculated using recurrence quantification analysis.

RESULTS

Linear regressions showed that higher routineness of social interaction in general, of social interaction through the same modality, and of social interaction with the same partner type were associated with higher positive affect. Higher routineness of social interaction in general was associated with lower negative affect. Routineness of social interactions was not associated with life satisfaction or cognitive abilities.

DISCUSSION

A routine social life may increase older adults' affective well-being. Results are discussed in the context of activity engagement and time use in older age.

Based on the relationship between anxiety of existential meaninglessness, hope level, and fear of progression, explored the effect of preoperative nursing with Orem theory in the senile cataract population

Background

Cataracts, characterized by a decrease in vision due to the clouding of the lens, can progress to blindness in advanced stages. The rising incidence of cataract cases has led to a significant number of patients experiencing negative emotions associated with vision loss, thereby diminishing their quality of life. In clinical practice, it is imperative for healthcare professionals to consider the psychological well-being of cataract patients. Currently, there is a scarcity of research focusing on psychological evaluations, such as assessing feelings of meaninglessness among individuals with cataracts.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the factors influencing the anxiety of existential meaninglessness and to explore the relationships among existential anxiety, Herth hope index levels and fear of progression in the elderly cataract-affected population. Additionally, it evaluates the effectiveness of Orem's nursing care strategies.

Methods

Utilizing a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Existential Meaninglessness Anxiety Scale (EM-A), Herth Hope Index Level Scale, and the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF), this research employed convenience sampling for a cross-sectional and intervention study. The retrospective study sample comprised 1,029 individuals, while the intervention study included 317. The intervention design assessed psychological changes in existential meaninglessness following Orem's preoperative nursing interventions. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to ascertain the determinants of EM-A within the population of elderly patients with senile cataracts. Pearson correlation analysis elucidated the relationship between EM-A, levels of hope, and the FoP-Q-SF among this demographic. Subsequent investigations, utilizing a t-test, evaluated the effects by comparing the data before and after the implementation of the interventions.

Results

The correlation between EM-A, hope levels, and FoP-Q-SF was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Factors such as age, education level, alcohol consumption habits, hope levels, and FoP-Q-SF scores significantly affected EM-A scores (p < 0.05). Orem's nursing framework significantly reduced existential anxiety (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Among elderly patients with cataracts, existential anxiety was generally moderate. Hope levels and fear of progression were closely associated with the EM-A. The novel Orem preoperative care model effectively addresses clinical issues. In clinical practice, it is crucial to address psychological problems and enhance patients' quality of life.

Bored to death: Artificial Intelligence research reveals the role of boredom in suicide behavior

Background

Recent advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) contributed significantly to suicide assessment, however, our theoretical understanding of this complex behavior is still limited.

Objective

This study aimed to harness AI methodologies to uncover hidden risk factors that trigger or aggravate suicide behaviors.

Methods

The primary dataset included 228,052 Facebook postings by 1,006 users who completed the gold-standard Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale. This dataset was analyzed using a bottom-up research pipeline without a-priory hypotheses and its findings were validated using a top-down analysis of a new dataset. This secondary dataset included responses by 1,062 participants to the same suicide scale as well as to well-validated scales measuring depression and boredom.

Results

An almost fully automated, AI-guided research pipeline resulted in four Facebook topics that predicted the risk of suicide, of which the strongest predictor was boredom. A comprehensive literature review using APA PsycInfo revealed that boredom is rarely perceived as a unique risk factor of suicide. A complementing top-down path analysis of the secondary dataset uncovered an indirect relationship between boredom and suicide, which was mediated by depression. An equivalent mediated relationship was observed in the primary Facebook dataset as well. However, here, a direct relationship between boredom and suicide risk was also observed.

Conclusion

Integrating AI methods allowed the discovery of an under-researched risk factor of suicide. The study signals boredom as a maladaptive 'ingredient' that might trigger suicide behaviors, regardless of depression. Further studies are recommended to direct clinicians' attention to this burdening, and sometimes existential experience.

The Impact of Awe on Existential Isolation: Evidence for Contrasting Pathways

We propose that awe has multifaceted relations with existential isolation, a feeling of separation between the self and others or the world. Three studies examined the relation between awe and existential isolation via feelings of small self (vastness, self-size, self-perspectives) and a sense of connectedness. Awe (vs. a control topic) was induced either using virtual reality (Study 1) or a recall task (Studies 2 and 3) and was indirectly associated with higher and lower levels of existential isolation through differing pathways. Awe was associated with lower feelings of existential isolation via an increased sense of vastness, which in turn predicted greater connectedness; whereas awe was associated with higher feelings of existential isolation via increased sense of feeling small, which in turn predicted lower connectedness. This work advances understanding of the complex nature of awe-revealing its competing effects on the self and the social connectedness pathways through which awe can influence existential isolation.

Meaning in life following service among post-9/11 military veterans: A latent growth mixture model analysis

Meaning in life refers to the "sense made of, and significance felt regarding, the nature of one's being and existence." Meaningful living promotes well-being, resilience, and personal growth. Yet, much remains unknown about how meaning changes over time and determinants of meaning, particularly during major life transitions. We identified distinct trajectories of meaning using latent growth mixture models and examined prospective predictors of class membership in a military veteran cohort assessed at multiple time points throughout the first 3 years after leaving service. Three trajectories were identified: consistently high meaning (89.5%; n = 7025), diminishing meaning (6.1%; n = 479), and strengthening meaning (4.4%; n = 348). Veterans with greater posttraumatic stress symptoms, depression symptoms, and moral injury experienced increased odds of a less adaptive trajectory (i.e. diminishing and/or strengthening vs. consistently high meaning), whereas veterans who reported greater psychological resilience, community relationship satisfaction, and intimate relationship satisfaction experienced lower odds of a less adaptive trajectory. Several gender differences were also observed. Results provide insight into veteran subgroups that are more likely to experience lower meaning after leaving military service and thus may benefit from additional support to reduce their risk for poor longer-term health and well-being outcomes.

Activating values intervention: an integrative pathway to well-being

Introduction

The present study expands the existing knowledge base regarding positive psychology interventions (PPIs), by employing an integrative approach to explore the potential benefits of translating values into action.

Methods

Participants (n = 476) were randomly assigned to the Activating Values intervention, the affirmation-only, or the control (no treatment) group. The intervention involved participants choosing a life area they valued, affirming its importance, identifying a specific action related to that valued area, and then planning and carrying out that chosen action within the following week. Data was collected at baseline and three follow-up points: one, two, and three weeks after the intervention.

Results

Results suggest that the intervention contributes to the participants' well-being, including increased self-insight, sense of coherence, and prioritizing meaning, and decreased symptoms of psychopathology. Exploratory content analyses provide a deeper understanding of the content and frequency of activities chosen and the enabling conditions.

Discussion

The discussion explores the findings within this intersection as well as ramifications for brief, scalable interventions to support and promote well-being.

Developing and Validating the Senior Meaning in Life Evaluation (SMiLE) Scale

The Senior Meaning in Life Evaluation scale encompasses not only older adults' personal motivation and growth but also the meaning for them in society and in their relationships: With this scale, we aimed to present their voices. A three-phase process was followed: The scale's items were developed empirically from interviews of older adults; exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to test convergent and concurrent validity; and finally, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed. EFA resulted in 18 items grouped into 4 factors (i.e., proactive on life, overcoming emptiness, acceptance in life, and social contribution), which was supported by the CFA.

On Creating Deeper Relationship Bonds: Felt Understanding Enhances Relationship Identification

Relational experiences play a critical role in shaping how individuals see themselves. In four studies (N=945) using person-perception, longitudinal, and experimental designs, we demonstrate that feeling understood changes individuals' self-concept by increasing the centrality of a specific relationship (relationship identification). Study 1 showed that participants perceived an individual to be more identified with their relationship when their partner was high (vs. low) in understanding. Study 2 extended these results by examining individuals in romantic relationships longitudinally. The results of Studies 1 and 2 were distinct for understanding compared to acceptance and caring. Studies 3 and 4 manipulated felt understanding. Recalling many versus few understanding instances (Study 3) and imagining a close other being low versus high in understanding (Study 4) led individuals to feel less understood, which reduced identification in their friendships and romantic relationships. Furthermore, Study 4 suggests that coherence may be one mechanism through which felt understanding increases relationship identification.

The impact of social support for older adults in nursing homes on successful aging: a moderated mediation model

Objective

To investigate the connection between social support (SS) and successful aging (SA) in older adults residing in nursing homes, examining the mediating role of meaning in life (MIL). Additionally, this study aims to assess whether frailty moderates the mediation model.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey approach was employed to recruit older adults from six nursing homes in Sichuan Province between August 2022 and December 2022. Questionnaires, including the General Information Questionnaire, Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), Tilburg Frailty Indicator (TFI), and Successful Aging Inventory (SAI), were administered. Data obtained from the completed questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS and its macro program PROCESS.

Results

SS emerged as a noteworthy positive predictor of SA in older adults of nursing homes. MIL was identified as a partial mediator in the link between SS and SA. Furthermore, frailty attenuated the positive predictive impact of MIL on SA and moderated the latter part of the mediation model, wherein SS influences SA through MIL. The influence of MIL on SA was more pronounced in older adults with lower frailty levels in nursing homes, while it was diminished in those with higher levels of frailty.

Conclusion

Apart from ensuring the availability of essential medical resources in long-term care for older adults, workers in nursing homes should also recognize the significance of "spiritual aging" to cultivate a sense of MIL among older adults. Simultaneously, attention must be directed toward screening for frailty indicators in older adults. Psychological care and physical exercise programs should be intensified for older adults with a high level of frailty, aiming to decelerate the progression of frailty in nursing home residents. This approach leverages the mediating role of MIL and the moderating influence of frailty, ultimately enhancing SA and promoting healthy aging in older adults within nursing home settings.

Social contributions to meaning in life: the role of romantic relationship quality, parenting, and gender

Introduction

The present study tests the association between romantic relationship quality and number of children on meaning in life (i.e., sense of purpose, coherence, and significance) and considers interactions between these constructs and gender.

Methods

A survey was conducted approximately one year into the pandemic among 473 individuals in the United States.

Results

Models demonstrated that relationship quality and number of children are positively associated with meaning, though relationship quality was more strongly related to meaning for men than women. We showed that for women there was an equally positive link between relationship quality and meaning regardless of number of children. However, for men, the positive association between relationship quality and meaning was strongest for those with more than one child, decreased in magnitude for those with one child, and was no longer significant for men with more than one child.

Discussion

These findings provide empirical evidence that social relationships benefit meaning in life and underscore the complexity of these associations. Results have implications for theoretical perspectives on meaning in life, as well as for policies that encourage family wellbeing.

"It was the first time someone had died before my eyes…": A qualitative study on the first death experiences of nursing students

BACKGROUND

Accompanying a person at their death is a common experience in nurse education. In addition to all death experiences that are a meaningful part of the nursing profession, the first death experience is very important. However, there is limited understanding of nursing students' first death experiences.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore nursing students' experiences of the death of a person for the first time during clinical practice.

DESIGN

This study was conducted as a qualitative study using a phenomenological design.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 17 nursing students participated in this study.

METHODS

Data were collected through online individual in-depth interviews and were analyzed using content analysis.

RESULTS

Four main themes and eleven sub-themes emerged. The themes were meaning of death (first death, a part of life), process management (death information, physical environment, bad news), after death (empty bed, questioning, death with dignity) and education (curriculum, support, professional perception).

CONCLUSIONS

While the first experience of death provides an opportunity for students to learn, this experience reveals various negative emotions and the need for support.

Relationships Between Meaning in Life and Positive and Negative Spirituality in a Field Setting in Japan

This study examined the relationships between positive/negative spirituality and meaning in life at two religious sites in Japan. Participants reported greater sadness and less meaning in life at Koyasan Okunoin, a temple with graves surrounded by nature, than at Nachi Kumano Taisha, a shrine with a waterfall. However, greater feelings of happiness protected meaning in life in the presence of sadness at Koyasan. Additionally, participants who felt a sense of awe reported greater meaning in life through self-liberation, regardless of the sites. The results provide new insights into meaning in life from the two sides of spirituality.

Development and Validation of the "Lying Flat" Tendency Scale for the Youth

In recent years, "lying flat" has been enthusiastically pursued by young people in China, and it is worth studying its cause and social impact. However, there is still a lack of measurement tools that can scientifically evaluate an individual's tendency for "lying flat." In this study, a 6-item "Lying Flat" Tendency Scale was developed and cross-validated for reliability and validity in different samples from China. The findings demonstrated that the scale showed good internal consistency in three different samples; both exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis supported the single dimension model of the scale, indicating good construct validity; the LFTS total score was negatively correlated with the satisfaction of basic psychological needs, happiness index, and positive emotions, and was positively correlated with negative emotions; simultaneously, the LFTS total score was also significantly positively correlated with the choice of "lying flat" behavior in the simulated situation. These results show that the scale has good validity and reliability, and can be used as a measuring tool for subsequent empirical research. It will help to promote the development of empirical research on the phenomenon of "lying flat", help to understand the causes and consequences of "lying flat" more deeply, and also help to find effective ways to help young people break out of the "lying flat" dilemma.