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

Rosa Mª Baños, Lorena Desdentado (), Dolores Vara Mª, Tamara Escrivá-Martínez, Rocío Herrero, Marta Miragall and José M. Tomás
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Rosa Mª Baños: University of Valencia
Lorena Desdentado: University of Valencia
Dolores Vara Mª: University of Valencia
Tamara Escrivá-Martínez: University of Valencia
Rocío Herrero: Instituto de Salud Carlos III
Marta Miragall: Instituto de Salud Carlos III
José M. Tomás: University of Valencia

Journal of Happiness Studies, 2023, vol. 24, issue 1, No 2, 17-33

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; Lockdown; Presence of meaning in life; Search for meaning in life; Latent growth models (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1007/s10902-022-00592-5

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