Using a Technology-Based Meaning and Purpose Intervention to Improve Well-being: A Randomised Controlled Study

Joep Agteren (), Jonathan Bartholomaeus, Emma Steains, Laura Lo and Adam Gerace
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Joep Agteren: South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute
Jonathan Bartholomaeus: South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute
Emma Steains: South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute
Laura Lo: South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute
Adam Gerace: Central Queensland University

Journal of Happiness Studies, 2021, vol. 22, issue 8, No 12, 3591 pages

Abstract: Abstract Increasing the saliency of existing sources of meaning and purpose in life could be a practical focus area for innovative wellbeing interventions. This randomised controlled study aimed to assess the impact of a brief seven-day technology-based intervention on meaning in life, life satisfaction, and affect compared to a waitlist control group. A mobile phone application was used to deliver daily activities and momentary reflection questions. Significant improvements where observed in the presence of meaning in life (p = .02, η2 = .05), life satisfaction (p = .00, η2 = .08) and positive affect (p = .02, η2 = 0.05) for the intervention versus the control group. Ecological momentary assessment data found increases in life satisfaction and meaning in life (b = 0.044, p = .041) and shed insight into activities that fostered fulfillment. These findings pave the way for future meaning and purpose interventions to build mental health and well-being.

Keywords: Meaning in life; Purpose; Ecological momentary sampling; App-based Intervention; Well-being (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1007/s10902-021-00383-4

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