Developing a Quadripartite Existential Meaning Scale and Exploring the Internal Structure of Meaning in Life

Zhanhong Li (), Yanan Liu (), Kaiping Peng (), Joshua A. Hicks () and Xiaoming Gou
Additional contact information
Zhanhong Li: Tsinghua University
Yanan Liu: Zhengzhou University
Kaiping Peng: Tsinghua University
Joshua A. Hicks: Texas A&M University
Xiaoming Gou: Hebei Normal University for Nationalities

Journal of Happiness Studies, 2021, vol. 22, issue 2, No 18, 887-905

Abstract: Abstract Previous research has shown that meaning in life (MIL) includes feelings of coherence, purpose, and external value (i.e., significance or mattering). Our studies aim to contribute to this framework by testing whether internal value should also be considered a basic component of MIL. To meet this aim, we developed a quadripartite existential meaning scale (QEMS) that incorporates items assessing one’s perceived internal value of life, and examined its relationship with other relevant measures. Results from three samples of undergraduates showed that QEMS had sound psychometric properties (e.g., good factor structure and reliability) and could effectively differentiate four sub-constructs of MIL. Regression and relative importance analysis demonstrated that each QEMS subscale carried unique predictive utility for unidimensional meaning measures, relevant well-being variables, and exhibited differential associations with other theoretically related variables (e.g., self-reflection, commitment making, self-esteem, and self or other interest orientation). Finally, exploratory structural equation modelling analysis showed that the four MIL sub-constructs formed an association pattern where comprehension fosters purpose, and purpose, in turn, contributes to both external and internal value. Implications for considering internal value as a core component of meaning in life are discussed.

Keywords: Meaning in life; Comprehension; Purpose; External value; Internal value (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s10902-020-00256-2 Abstract (text/html)
Access to the full text of the articles in this series is restricted.

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:22:y:2021:i:2:d:10.1007_s10902-020-00256-2

Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from
http://www.springer. ... fe/journal/10902/PS2

DOI: 10.1007/s10902-020-00256-2

Access Statistics for this article

Journal of Happiness Studies is currently edited by Antonella Delle Fave

More articles in Journal of Happiness Studies from Springer
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Sonal Shukla () and Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing ().