Meaning in life and life satisfaction are both important variables in well-being research. Whereas an appreciable body of work suggests that life satisfaction is fairly stable over long periods of time, little research has investigated the stability of meaning in life ratings. In addition, it is unknown whether these highly correlated variables change independent of each other over time. Eighty-two participants (mean age = 19.3 years, SD 1.4; 76% female; 84% European-American) com- pleted measures of the presence of meaning in life, the search for meaning in life, and life satisfaction an average of 13 months apart (SD = 2.3 months). Moderate stability was found for presence of mean- ing in life, search for meaning in life, and life satisfaction. Multiple regressions demonstrated specificity in predicting change among these measures. Support for validity and reliability of these variables is discussed.

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Stability and specificity of meaning in life and life satisfaction over one year

Plato observed that humans are beings in search of meaning; people automatically coax meaning from their experiences, including the experience of life 
itself. Meaning is the web of connections, understandings, and interpretations 
that help us comprehend our experience and formulate plans directing our 
energies to the achievement of our desired future. Meaning provides us with 
the sense that our lives matter, that they make sense, and that they are more 
than the sum of our seconds, days, and years. Comprehending our experience 
in this way builds the cognitive component of meaning in life. e cognitive component of meaning in life thus refers to the understandings that we 
develop of who we are, what the world is like, and how we t in with and relate 
to the grand scheme of things (Heine, Proulx, & Vohs, 2006; Steger, 2009).

Experiencing meaning in life: Optimal functioning at the nexus of well-being, psychopathology, and spirituality.

Background Searching for a coherent meaning in life has long been proposed to be a protective factor in adolescent development. Purpose The present study aimed to examine meaning in life as a protective factor in a largely unstudied population: Romanian adolescents. Additionally, we sought to provide a novel, multidimensional assessment of several healthrelated variables (substance abuse, health risk behaviors, psychological health). Potential gender differences were explored regarding the role of life meaning in adolescent health. Method Data were collected in 2006 from students enrolled in the secondary schools of the Middle Transylvanian Region, Romania (n=1,977). Self-administered questionnaires were used as a method of data collection including items of life meaning and psychological health. Results Meaning in life played a protective role with regard to health risk behaviors except smoking and binge drinking. Among males, meaning in life was found to be correlated only to illicit drug and sedative use, whereas among females, meaning in life was associated with binge drinking, unsafe sex, and lack of exercise and diet control. Psychological health was strongly related to meaning in life.

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Meaning in life: Is it a protective factor for adolescents' psychological health?

Meaning in life, anxiety, depression, and general health among smoking cessation patients.

Purpose/objectives To examine the effects of spirituality (meaning in life and prayer) on a sense of well-being among women who have had breast cancer. Design Descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional. Setting Rural and urban communities in central Texas. Sample Convenience sample of 84 women, 34-80 years of age diagnosed less than one year previously (36%), within the previous one to five years (38%), and more than five years previously (26%). Methods The study approach consisted of completing a questionnaire assessing personal and cancer characteristics, aspects of spirituality (meaning in life and prayer), and physical and psychological responses to breast cancer. Main research variables Meaning in life, prayer, and physical and psychological responses to breast cancer. Findings Meaning in life was positively related to psychological responses and negatively related to physical responses. Prayer was positively related to psychological well-being. Women with higher prayer scale scores reported lower education levels, less income to meet their needs, and closer relationships with God. Meaning in life mediated the impact of breast cancer on physical and psychological well-being. Conclusions Strong relationships exist among spirituality and personal and cancer characteristics. Meaning in life mediated the effects of breast cancer on well-being in breast cancer survivors. Implications for nursing The findings support healthcare providers encouraging women diagnosed with breast cancer to explore their spirituality as an effective resource for dealing with the physical and psychological responses to cancer.

Susan James

Papers

The relation between meaning in life and the occurrence of drug abuse: A retrospective study.