Experiential appreciation as a pathway to meaning in life

Jinhyung Kim, Patricia Holte, Frank Martela, Colin Shanahan, Zhanhong Li, Hong Zhang, Nikolett Eisenbeck, David F. Carreno, Rebecca J. Schlegel and Joshua A. Hicks ()
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Jinhyung Kim: Sogang University
Patricia Holte: Texas A&M University
Frank Martela: Aalto University
Colin Shanahan: Texas A&M University
Zhanhong Li: Tsinghua University
Hong Zhang: Nanjing University
Nikolett Eisenbeck: Universidad de Sevilla
David F. Carreno: Universidad de Almería
Rebecca J. Schlegel: Texas A&M University
Joshua A. Hicks: Texas A&M University

Nature Human Behaviour, 2022, vol. 6, issue 5, 677-690

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1038/s41562-021-01283-6

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