Exploring and Measuring the Multidimensional Structure of Meaning in Life.
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| Title: | Exploring and Measuring the Multidimensional Structure of Meaning in Life. |
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| Authors: | Wang, Liling1 (AUTHOR), Fu, Junjun2 (AUTHOR), Yang, Mengping1 (AUTHOR), Shi, Ying1 (AUTHOR), Song, Yunping1 (AUTHOR), Wang, Tao2 (AUTHOR), Chen, I-Jun1 (AUTHOR) herbchen66@163.com |
| Source: | Measurement & Evaluation in Counseling & Development. Jan-Mar2026, Vol. 59 Issue 1, p1-22. 22p. |
| Subject Terms: | *Research methodology evaluation, *Content analysis, *Experimental design, *Research methodology, *College students, *Factor analysis, Life, Self-esteem testing, Questionnaires, Descriptive statistics, Data analysis software |
| Abstract: | Objective: This study aimed to systematically examine and integrate different perspectives on existing multidimensional meaning in life (MIL) and develop and validate a new multidimensional MIL scale (MMILS). Method: A mixed-methods approach was used. Study one involved 111 Chinese college students, and data were analyzed by using directed content analysis. Study two collected four samples (n = 507, n = 369, n = 349, n = 74) for exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and validity and reliability testing. Results: Study one identified MIL as a four-dimensional construct: comprehension, purpose, mattering, and experience appreciation. Study two examined the psychometric properties of the developed MMILS, and the results indicated that the scale comprised 22 items, with the four-factor model demonstrating good fit, internal consistency, and adequate validity. Conclusions: MMILS is a reliable and valid tool that can be used to evaluate the MIL of college students in future research. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This study provides additional empirical evidence to clarify the meaning concept and extend the research findings of multi-dimensional MIL. Furthermore, MMILS also assists counselors and mental health providers in enhancing the accuracy of assessments and developing more targeted interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Education Research Complete |
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| Abstract: | Objective: This study aimed to systematically examine and integrate different perspectives on existing multidimensional meaning in life (MIL) and develop and validate a new multidimensional MIL scale (MMILS). Method: A mixed-methods approach was used. Study one involved 111 Chinese college students, and data were analyzed by using directed content analysis. Study two collected four samples (n = 507, n = 369, n = 349, n = 74) for exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and validity and reliability testing. Results: Study one identified MIL as a four-dimensional construct: comprehension, purpose, mattering, and experience appreciation. Study two examined the psychometric properties of the developed MMILS, and the results indicated that the scale comprised 22 items, with the four-factor model demonstrating good fit, internal consistency, and adequate validity. Conclusions: MMILS is a reliable and valid tool that can be used to evaluate the MIL of college students in future research. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This study provides additional empirical evidence to clarify the meaning concept and extend the research findings of multi-dimensional MIL. Furthermore, MMILS also assists counselors and mental health providers in enhancing the accuracy of assessments and developing more targeted interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 07481756 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/07481756.2025.2524617 |
