Purpose in Life, Satisfaction with Life, and Suicide Ideation in a Clinical Sample
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People considering suicide, and to a lesser extent those with emotional disturbances, frequently attribute their situation to a missing life purpose.
“people who are contemplating killing themselves and, to a lesser degree, people who experience emotional disturbances often attribute their current status to a lack of purpose in life”
From Commitment to a purpose in life: An antidote to the suffering by individuals with social anxiety disorder. (2013) · cites this paper as Heisel & Flett, 2004
Optimism, gratitude and other positive states have been associated with reductions in hopelessness, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, often independent of depression.
“Optimism, gratitude and other positive states have been associated with reductions in hopelessness, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, often independent of depression [10 -16].”
From Feasibility and utility of positive psychology exercises for suicidal inpatients (2014) · cites this paper as [15]
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The satisfaction with life scale and the emerging construct of life satisfaction
Pavot, W., & Diener, E. (2008) · The Journal of Positive Psychology · doi:10.1080/17439760701756946 · Cited by 2,396 · see citing works
“Other studies (Moum, 1996 ; Diener & Seligman, 2002 ; Heisel & Flett, 2004 ) found life satisfaction to be a significant negative predictor of suicidal ideation.”
BackgroundThe three meanings of meaning in life: Distinguishing coherence, purpose, and significance
Martela, F., & Steger, M. F. (2016) · The Journal of Positive Psychology · doi:10.1080/17439760.2015.1137623 · Cited by 1,401 · see citing works
“…ideation and lower lifetime odds of a suicide attempt, thus emphasizing the idea that meaningful life indeed is a life worth living (Harlow, Newcomb, & Bentler, 1986; Heisel & Flett, 2004; Henry et al., 2014; Kleiman, Adams, Kashdan, & Riskind, 2013; Kleiman & Beaver, 2013; Lester & Badro, 1992).”
Refining the relationship between personality and subjective well-being.
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“For example, Albee (1982) and Cowen (1994) pioneered primary prevention programs based on notions of wellness, and Hayes and colleagues (Blackledge & Hayes 2001, Hayes et al. 1999) pioneered a therapy designed to help clients clarify and enact their values.”
BackgroundReconsidering happiness: The costs of distinguishing between hedonics and eudaimonia
Kashdan, T. B., Biswas-Diener, R., & King, L. A. (2008) · The Journal of Positive Psychology · doi:10.1080/17439760802303044 · Cited by 1,027 · see citing works
“Similarly, for people with a strong purpose in life, extreme negative affect is not linked with suicidal ideations (Heisel & Flett, 2004).”
Purpose, hope, and life satisfaction in three age groups
Bronk, K. C., Hill, P. L., Lapsley, D. K., Talib, T. L., & Finch, H. (2009) · The Journal of Positive Psychology · doi:10.1080/17439760903271439 · Cited by 666 · see citing works
“The efficacy expectancy reflects one’s perception that he or she can act effectively, whereas the hope theory emphasizes one’s perception that he or she will act effectively.”
Heintzelman, S. J., & King, L. A. (2014) · American Psychologist · doi:10.1037/a0035049 · Cited by 615 · see citing works
“Meaning in life is associated with lower incidence of psychological disorders (Mascaro & Rosen, 2005; Owens, Steger, Whitesell, & Herrerra, 2009; Steger & Kashdan, 2009) and suicidal ideation, even within the context of depression (Heisel & Flett, 2004).”
BackgroundThe Science of Meaning in Life
King, L. A., & Hicks, J. A. (2020) · Annual Review of Psychology · doi:10.1146/annurev-psych-072420-122921 · Cited by 526 · see citing works
Resilience to suicidality: The buffering hypothesis
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“Participant sample Self-related moderator variable Risk factor Measure of suicidality Significant interactions Remarks Lieberman et al., 2005 Israeli male soldiers, N=230 Self-esteem measured using the RSES General health (namely mental distress, perceived functioning, and perceived health) measured using a Hebrew ver…”
BackgroundMethodInfluentialMental Illness and Suicidality after Hurricane Katrina
Kessler, R. (2006) · Bulletin of the World Health Organization · doi:10.2471/blt.06.033019 · Cited by 395 · see citing works
Burrow, A. L., & Rainone, N. (2017) · Journal of Experimental Social Psychology · doi:10.1016/j.jesp.2016.09.005 · Cited by 385 · see citing works
The Black–White Paradox in Health: Flourishing in the Face of Social Inequality and Discrimination
Keyes, C. L. M. (2009) · Journal of Personality · doi:10.1111/j.1467-6494.2009.00597.x · Cited by 364 · see citing works
“Studies show that a lack of meaning and purpose in life is associated with increased psychopathology, suicidal ideation, and problems of adjustment to trauma ( Heisel & Flett, 2004; Thompson, Coker, Krause, & Henry, 2003), whereas higher levels of purpose and meaning in life are associated with more religious beliefs,…”
BackgroundA systematic review of elderly suicide prevention programs
Lapierre, S., Erlangsen, A., Waern, M., De Leo, D., Oyama, H., Scocco, P., Gallo, J., Szanto, K., Conwell, Y., Draper, B., et al. (2011) · Crisis · doi:10.1027/0227-5910/a000076 · Cited by 323 · see citing works
“…Bailey, & Van Der Horst, 2007), reasons for living (Malone et al., 2000), hope (Snyder & Rand, 2004), meaning in life (Edwards & Holden, 2001; Heisel & Flett, 2004), religion or spirituality (Dervic et al., 2004), and even humor (Richman, 1993) could be innovative and promising ways to…”
BackgroundA meaningful life is worth living: Meaning in life as a suicide resiliency factor
Kleiman, E. M., & Beaver, J. K. (2013) · Psychiatry Research · doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2013.08.002 · Cited by 305 · see citing works
“Finally, other studies find that purpose in life, a distinct but conceptually related factor to meaning in life, is associated with decreased suicidal ideation (Harlow et al., 1986; Heisel and Flett, 2004).”
BackgroundPurpose as a form of identity capital for positive youth adjustment.
Burrow, A. L., & Hill, P. L. (2011) · Developmental Psychology · doi:10.1037/a0023818 · Cited by 249 · see citing works
Sun, R. C. F., & Shek, D. T. L. (2009) · Social Indicators Research · doi:10.1007/s11205-009-9531-9 · Cited by 235 · see citing works
“…studies treated life satisfaction either as an outcome variable (e.g., Gebauer et al. 2008; Laudet and White 2008; Vecchio et al. 2007) or as a predictor (e.g., Heisel and Flett 2004; Swami et al. 2007), several studies examined the mediating influence of life satisfaction on problem behaviour.”
BackgroundThe Development and Initial Validation of the Geriatric Suicide Ideation Scale
Heisel, M. J., & Flett, G. L. (2006) · American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry · doi:10.1097/01.jgp.0000218699.27899.f9 · Cited by 214 · see citing works
Self-citationFeasibility and utility of positive psychology exercises for suicidal inpatients
Huffman, J. C., DuBois, C. M., Healy, B. C., Boehm, J. K., Kashdan, T. B., Celano, C. M., Denninger, J. W., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2014) · General Hospital Psychiatry · doi:10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2013.10.006 · Cited by 209 · see citing works
Encounters With Objective Coherence and the Experience of Meaning in Life
Heintzelman, S. J., Trent, J., & King, L. A. (2013) · Psychological Science · doi:10.1177/0956797612465878 · Cited by 177 · see citing works
“…of psychological disorders (Mascaro & Rosen, 2005; Owens, Steger, Whitesell, & Herrera, 2009; Steger & Kashdan, 2009) and suicidal ideation (Heisel & Flett, 2004), slower age-related cognitive decline (Boyle, Buchman, Barnes, & Bennett, 2010), and decreased mortality (Boyle, Barnes,…”
King, L. A., Heintzelman, S. J., & Ward, S. J. (2016) · Current Directions in Psychological Science · doi:10.1177/0963721416656354 · Cited by 173 · see citing works
“Many tragedies—suicides, mass shootings, terrorist bombings—more likely result from feeling that one does not matter or that one’s existence has no purpose (e.g., Heisel & Flett, 2004; Kruglanski, Chen, Dechesne, Fishman, & Orehek, 2009).”
BackgroundFlett, G. L., Hewitt, P. L., & Heisel, M. J. (2014) · Review of General Psychology · doi:10.1037/gpr0000011 · Cited by 155 · see citing works
“A key consideration is whether the potentially vulnerable perfectionist has established a sense of personal meaning; personal meaning is a protective factor, especially among older people (e.g., Heisel & Flett, 2004, 2006, 2014; Moore, 1997).”
BackgroundSelf-citationThe Experience of Meaning in Life
Hicks, J. A., & Routledge, C. D. (2013) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-94-007-6527-6 · Cited by 156 · see citing works
Meaning in Life, Psychological Well-Being and Depressive Symptomatology: A Comparative Study
Kleftaras, G., & Psarra, E. (2012) · Psychology · doi:10.4236/psych.2012.34048 · Cited by 155 · see citing works
“…adjustment and well-being (Chou, 2000; Compton, 2000; Desormeaux, 2000; Labelle et al., 2001; Moomal, 1999; Smith & Zautra, 2004; Thompson, Coker, & Krause, 2003), while according to others it acts as a mediator (Harlow, Newcomb, & Bentler, 1986; Heisel & Flett, 2004; Newcomb & Harlow, 1986).”
BackgroundSun, R. C. F., & Shek, D. T. L. (2011) · Social Indicators Research · doi:10.1007/s11205-011-9786-9 · Cited by 150 · see citing works
“In the existing literature, many studies treated life satisfaction either as an outcome variable (e.g., Gebauer et al. 2008) or as a predictor (e.g., Heisel and Flett 2004), while several studies examined the mediating influence of life satisfaction on problem behaviour (McKnight et al. 2002; Suldo…”
BackgroundResilience and suicidality among homeless youth
Cleverley, K., & Kidd, S. A. (2010) · Journal of Adolescence · doi:10.1016/j.adolescence.2010.11.003 · Cited by 141 · see citing works
The relationship between purpose in life and depression and anxiety: A meta-analysis.
Boreham, I. D., & Schutte, N. (2023) · Journal of Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1002/jclp.23576 · Cited by 139 · see citing works
Panagioti, M., Gooding, P. A., Taylor, P. J., & Tarrier, N. (2013) · Comprehensive Psychiatry · doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2013.06.004 · Cited by 138 · see citing works
“Consistent with this, the concept of psychological resilience has received a growing attention lately [21–25].”
BackgroundMeaning in Life as a Subjective Judgment and a Lived Experience
Hicks, J. A., & King, L. A. (2009) · Social and Personality Psychology Compass · doi:10.1111/j.1751-9004.2009.00193.x · Cited by 136 · see citing works
“…Mascaro & Rosen, 2005), hope (Feldman & Snyder, 2005), alcohol and drug use (e.g., Lecci, MacLean, & Croteau, 2002), coping with physical illness ( Jim & Anderson, 2007), suicidal ideation (e.g., Heisel & Flett, 2004), and many other aspects of physical and psychological health (Steger, in press).”
BackgroundWang, M., Lightsey, O. R., Pietruszka, T., Uruk, A. C., & Wells, A. G. (2007) · The Journal of Positive Psychology · doi:10.1080/17439760701228920 · Cited by 133 · see citing works
“Similarly, among psychiatric patients, Heisel and Flett ( 2004 ) found that purpose in life and satisfaction with life accounted for variance in suicide ideation above and beyond the variance accounted for by negative psychological factors including neuroticism, depression, and social hopelessness.”
BackgroundPsychological resources in spinal cord injury: a systematic literature review
Peter, C., Müller, R., Cieza, A., & Geyh, S. (2011) · Spinal Cord · doi:10.1038/sc.2011.125 · Cited by 134 · see citing works
Martela, F., Gómez, M. E., Unanue, W., Araya, S., Bravo, D., & Espejo, Á. (2021) · Journal of Vocational Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.jvb.2021.103631 · Cited by 146 · see citing works
Heisel, M. J., Neufeld, E., & Flett, G. L. (2015) · Aging & Mental Health · doi:10.1080/13607863.2015.1078279 · Cited by 132 · see citing works
“We found specifically that older adults who endorse significantly greater MIL report better health, more life satisfaction, psychological wellbeing, social support, and PIL, and less depression, hopelessness, and suicide ideation (Heisel & Flett, 2006, 2008, 2014).”
BackgroundInfluentialSelf-citationReasons for Living, Hopelessness, and Suicide Ideation Among Depressed Adults 50 Years or Older
Britton, P. C., Duberstein, P. R., Conner, K. R., Heisel, M. J., Hirsch, J. K., & Conwell, Y. (2008) · American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry · doi:10.1097/jgp.0b013e31817b609a · Cited by 127 · see citing works
Self-citationResilience to suicide ideation: A cross‐cultural test of the buffering hypothesis
Siegmann, P., Teismann, T., Fritsch, N., Forkmann, T., Glaesmer, H., Zhang, X. C., Brailovskaia, J., & Margraf, J. (2017) · Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy · doi:10.1002/cpp.2118 · Cited by 124 · see citing works
“However, in a small sample of psychiatric patients, Heisel and Flett (2004) found no support for the assumption that life satisfaction buffers the impact of depression on suicide ideation.”
BackgroundResultYap, S. T., & Baharudin, R. (2015) · Social Indicators Research · doi:10.1007/s11205-015-0882-0 · Cited by 117 · see citing works
“…levels of SWB in adolescents have been associated with various problems such as suicide, sexual risk-taking behaviors, violent behaviors, aggression, depression, and problematic Internet use (Cao et al. 2011; Heisel and Flett 2004; MacDonald et al. 2005; Suldo and Huebner 2006; Valois et al. 2002).”
BackgroundShek, D. T. L., & Liang, L.-Y. (2017) · Applied Research in Quality of Life · doi:10.1007/s11482-017-9545-4 · Cited by 117 · see citing works
“Therefore, it would be exciting to conduct a comparative study to examine differences between the Western and Chinese adolescents for observing the related cultural differences.”
ResultMeaning in Life: Nature, Needs, and Myths
MacKenzie, M. J., & Baumeister, R. F. (2014) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-1-4939-0308-5_2 · Cited by 115 · see citing works
“…meaning in life is associated with lower levels of a variety of distressful or unhealthy variables such as, thoughts of suicide (Harlow et al. 1986; Heisel and Flett 2004), loneliness (Stillman et al. 2009), smoking cigarettes (Konkoly Thege et al. 2009), using alcohol (Waisberg and Porter 1994),…”
BackgroundShek, D. T. L., & Li, X. (2015) · Social Indicators Research · doi:10.1007/s11205-015-0904-y · Cited by 112 · see citing works
“can be regarded as a potential protective factor against hopelessness (Heisel and Flett 2004).”
BackgroundKashdan, T. B., & McKnight, P. E. (2013) · Emotion · doi:10.1037/a0033278 · Cited by 106 · see citing works
Henry, K. L., Lovegrove, P. J., Steger, M., Chen, P. Y., Cigularov, K. P., & Tomazic, R. G. (2014) · Journal of Youth and Adolescence · doi:10.1007/s10964-013-9960-2 · Cited by 108 · see citing works
“Research has affirmed these anecdotal links between meaning in life with suicidal ideation and behavior in clinical samples (Heisel and Flett 2004) and among bereaved individuals (Ulmer et al. 1991).”
BackgroundDucasse, D., Jaussent, I., Arpon-Brand, V., Vienot, M., Laglaoui, C., Béziat, S., Calati, R., Carrière, I., Guillaume, S., Courtet, P., et al. (2018) · Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics · doi:10.1159/000488715 · Cited by 103 · see citing works
Professional identity formation: linking meaning to well-being
Toubassi, D., Schenker, C., Roberts, M., & Forte, M. (2022) · Advances in Health Sciences Education · doi:10.1007/s10459-022-10146-2 · Cited by 119 · see citing works
“…2009), decreased mortality (Boyle et al., 2009; Krause, 2009), slower age-related cognitive decline (Boyle et al., 2012), and lower incidence of several psychological disorders, including suicidal ideation (Heisel & Flett, 2004; Mascaro & Rosen, 2005; Owens et al., 2009; Steger & Kashdan, 2009).”
BackgroundPsychological Resilience to Suicide Ideation Among Older Adults
Heisel, M. J., & Flett, G. L. (2008) · Clinical Gerontologist · doi:10.1080/07317110801947177 · Cited by 101 · see citing works
“We have previously investigated risk and resiliency to suicide ideation in clinical adult and heterogeneous older adult samples, and reported positive associations between suicide ideation and risk factors, including depression and hopelessness, and negative associations between suicide ideation and resiliency factors…”
BackgroundSelf-citationReligious education can contribute to adolescent mental health in school settings
Estrada, C. A. M., Lomboy, M. F. T. C., Gregorio, E. R., Amalia, E., Leynes, C. R., Quizon, R. R., & Kobayashi, J. (2019) · International Journal of Mental Health Systems · doi:10.1186/s13033-019-0286-7 · Cited by 123 · see citing works
Bonanno, R. A., & Hymel, S. (2010) · Merrill-Palmer Quarterly · doi:10.1353/mpq.0.0051 · Cited by 142 · see citing works
“Recent research has demonstrated that social hopelessness is not only associated with suicidal ideation (Heisel & Flett, 2004) but that it can discriminate between high- and low-ideating groups when general hopelessness failed to do so (Heisel, Flett, & Hewitt, 2003).”
BackgroundAddressing suicidal ideations through the realization of meaningful personal goals
Lapierre, S., Dubé, M., Bouffard, L., & Alain, M. (2007) · Crisis · doi:10.1027/0227-5910.28.1.16 · Cited by 94 · see citing works
Moody, C., Fuks, N., Peláez, S., & Smith, N. G. (2015) · Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity · doi:10.1037/sgd0000130 · Cited by 92 · see citing works
Rotolone, C., & Martin, G. (2012) · Archives of Suicide Research · doi:10.1080/13811118.2012.667333 · Cited by 91 · see citing works
“We also set out to investigate trait resilience (Waugh, Fredrickson, & Taylor, 2008), life satisfaction (Heisel & Flett, 2004), and self-esteem (Brausch & Gutierrez, 2010; Fliege, Lee, Gro et al., 2009).”
BackgroundResultInfluentialSuicide and its Prevention among Older Adults
Heisel, M. J. (2006) · The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry · doi:10.1177/070674370605100304 · Cited by 89 · see citing works
“Research on suicide ideation among psychiatric patients and older adults suggests that perceived meaning in life, life satisfaction, adaptive coping, lack of hopelessness, and degree of religious commitment may increase psychological well-being and decrease suicide risk (69,70).”
BackgroundSelf-citationCostanza, A., Prelati, M., & Pompili, M. (2019) · Medicina · doi:10.3390/medicina55080465 · Cited by 88 · see citing works
“Additionally, MiL was found to moderate associations between SI and depression [43] and between risk factors for suicide and hopelessness [19,49].”
BackgroundInfluentialChang, E. C., & Chang, O. D. (2016) · Cognitive Therapy and Research · doi:10.1007/s10608-016-9758-0 · Cited by 88 · see citing works
“Evidence supporting the construct validity of the FSII can be established if it is found to be positively associated with measures assessing for suicide risk factors, and negatively associated with measures assessing for suicide protective factors (e.g., Heisel and Flett 2004).”
BackgroundEdelstein, B. A., Heisel, M. J., McKee, D. R., Martin, R. R., Koven, L., Duberstein, P. R., & Britton, P. C. (2009) · The Gerontologist · doi:10.1093/geront/gnp052 · Cited by 84 · see citing works
Self-citationModelling the impact of mHealth service quality on satisfaction, continuance and quality of life
Akter, S., D’Ambra, J. D., RAY, P. K., & Hani, U. (2012) · Behaviour and Information Technology · doi:10.1080/0144929x.2012.745606 · Cited by 84 · see citing works
On knowing more than we can tell: Intuitive processes and the experience of meaning
Heintzelman, S. J., & King, L. A. (2013) · The Journal of Positive Psychology · doi:10.1080/17439760.2013.830758 · Cited by 73 · see citing works
“…2007; Zika & Chamberlin, 1992), depression, (e.g. Mascaro & Rosen, 2005), alcohol and drug use (e.g. Lecci, MacLean, & Croteau, 2003), risk of Alzheimer disease (Boyle, Buchman, Barnes, & Bennett, 2010), and suicidal ideation (e.g. Heisel & Flett, 2004; see Steger, 2012 for further examples).”
Marco, J. H., Pérez, S., & García‐Alandete, J. (2016) · Journal of Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1002/jclp.22285 · Cited by 73 · see citing works
“…are consistent with previous results indicating a negative association between meaning in life and risk of suicide in nonclinical (Edwards & Holden, 2003; Hunter & O’Connor, 2003; Kleiman, Adams, Kashdan, & Riskind, 2013; Kleiman & Beaver, 2013) and clinical populations (Heisel & Flett, 2004).”
BackgroundResultAsharani, P. V., Lai, D., Koh, J. X., & Subramaniam, M. (2022) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph19105860 · Cited by 94 · see citing works
“PIL showed higher protective effect against suicide ideations when depressive scores were higher [16].”
BackgroundHill, R. M., & Pettit, J. W. (2013) · Archives of Suicide Research · doi:10.1080/13811118.2013.777001 · Cited by 71 · see citing works
“As depression, positive affect, and negative affect all have been associated with suicidal ideation (Heisel & Flett, 2004; Watson, Clark, & Carey, 1988), this suggests a possible link between autonomy and suicidal ideation as well.”
BackgroundBryan, C. J., Elder, W. B., McNaughton-Cassill, M. E., Osman, A., Hernandez, A. M., & Allison, S. (2013) · The Journal of Positive Psychology · doi:10.1080/17439760.2013.823557 · Cited by 71 · see citing works
“…Flett, 2008), as well as a moderating effect of meaning in life on the relationship of dysfunctional coping (Edwards & Holden, 2001) and depression (Heisel & Flett, 2004) with suicidal ideation; but, to our knowledge, this is the first study that shows a direct association of stronger meaning in…”
BackgroundDucasse, D., Dubois, J., Jaussent, I., Azorin, J., Étain, B., Gard, S., Henry, C., Bougerol, T., Kahn, J., Aubin, V., et al. (2020) · Depression and Anxiety · doi:10.1002/da.23072 · Cited by 70 · see citing works
“Individuals with suicidal ideation attribute their current state to a lack of meaning in life (Heisel & Flett, 2004).”
BackgroundChan, W. C. H. (2014) · Health & Social Work · doi:10.1093/hsw/hlu025 · Cited by 68 · see citing works
Oh, J., Yun, K., Hwang, J.-H., & Chae, J. (2017) · Frontiers in Psychiatry · doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00192 · Cited by 67 · see citing works
“As the absence of positive emotions and satisfaction can contribute to suicidality (13), consideration of the degree of patients’ positivity may be needed in estimating suicide attempts.”
BackgroundPeople search for meaning when they approach a new decade in chronological age
Alter, A. L., & Ersner-Hershfield, H. (2014) · Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences · doi:10.1073/pnas.1415086111 · Cited by 65 · see citing works
The Moral Dimensions of Boredom: A Call for Research
Elpidorou, A. (2017) · Review of General Psychology · doi:10.1037/gpr0000098 · Cited by 63 · see citing works
“Furthermore, having less meaning in life has been associated with depression and anxiety (Debats et al., 1993), substance abuse (Harlow et al., 1986), suicidal ideation (Heisel & Flett, 2004), and greater need for therapy (Battista & Almond, 1973).”
BackgroundZhou, Z., Shek, D. T. L., & Zhu, X.-Q. (2020) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2020.553313 · Cited by 64 · see citing works
“…Psychology | www.frontiersin.org 11 September 2020 | Volume 11 | Article 553313 satisfaction was identified as a mediator on the relationship between friendship quality and social competence (Clayton, 1999); life satisfaction was found to positively predict meaning in life (Heisel and Flett, 2004).”
BackgroundContribution to Quality of Life: A New Outcome Variable for Mobile Data Service
Choi, H. S., Lee, M., Im, K. S., & Kim, J. (2007) · Journal of the Association for Information Systems · doi:10.17705/1jais.00146 · Cited by 59 · see citing works
Adaptation to Physical Disabilities: The Role of Meaning in Life and Depression
Psarra, E., & Kleftaras, G. (2013) · The European Journal of Counselling Psychology · doi:10.5964/ejcop.v2i1.7 · Cited by 60 · see citing works
“…Doron, & Gelkopf, 2009; Westerhof, Bohlmeijer, van Beljouw, & Margriet, 2010) and anxiety (Ishida & Okada, 2006), suicidal ideation and drug abuse (Edwards & Holden, 2001; Fitzpatrick, 2009; Heisel & Flett, 2004; Kinnier, Metha, Keim, & Okey, 1994; Rahman, 2001; Waisberg & Porter, 1994).”
Baiocco, R., Ioverno, S., Cerutti, R., Santamaria, F., Fontanesi, L., Lingiardi, V., Baumgartner, E., & Laghi, F. (2014) · Psicothema · doi:10.7334/psicothema2014.1 · Cited by 58 · see citing works
“…in life, and cognitive processes (like cognitive rigidity, cognitive deconstruction, and hopelessness) were not examined, although these variables have been shown to be significantly associated with suicidal ideation (Baumesteir, 1990; Heisel & Flett, 2004; Nock et al., 2008; Nock & Kazdin, 2003).”
Lucas‐Molina, B., Pérez‐Albéniz, A., & Fonseca‐Pedrero, E. (2018) · Psychiatry Research · doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2018.10.043 · Cited by 57 · see citing works
Bennardi, M., Caballero, F. F., Miret, M., Ayuso‐Mateos, J. L., Haro, J. M., Lara, E., Arensman, E., & Cabello, M. (2019) · Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior · doi:10.1111/sltb.12424 · Cited by 54 · see citing works
“…Heisel & Flett, 2016) or young people (Lasgaard, Goossens, & Elklit, 2011; Mazza & Reynolds, 1998); have been conducted in clinical populations (Heisel & Flett, 2004; Yamokoski et al., 2011); or have included a cross-sectional design (Almeida et al., 2012; Stravynski & Boyer, 2001; Yamokoski…”
BackgroundHow subjective well-being and meaning in life interact in the hostile world?
Shrira, A., Palgi, Y., Ben-Ezra, M., & Shmotkin, D. (2011) · The Journal of Positive Psychology · doi:10.1080/17439760.2011.577090 · Cited by 55 · see citing works
“Some indirect support for this assumption may be seen in Heisel and Flett's ( 2004 ) finding that MIL appeared most protective against suicide ideation at higher, rather than lower, depression.”
ResultSuicidal ideation and its correlates among elderly in residential care homes
Malfent, D., Wondrak, T., Kapusta, N. D., & Sonneck, G. (2009) · International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry · doi:10.1002/gps.2426 · Cited by 53 · see citing works
Functional impairment and depressive symptoms in older adults: Mitigating effects of hope
Hirsch, J. K., Sirois, F. M., & Lyness, J. M. (2011) · British Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1111/j.2044-8287.2010.02012.x · Cited by 51 · see citing works
The relationship between anxiety and depression under the pandemic: The role of life meaning
Shek, D. T. L., Chai, W. Y., & Tan, L.-D. (2022) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1059330 · Cited by 36 · see citing works
Examining Suicide Protective Factors Among Black College Students
Wang, M., Lightsey, O. R., Tran, K. K., & Bonaparte, T. (2012) · Death Studies · doi:10.1080/07481187.2011.623215 · Cited by 51 · see citing works
“The SWLS has demonstrated strong psychometric properties, including internal consistency (Heisel & Flett, 2004), test–retest reliability (Diener et al., 1985), and convergent and discriminant validity, such as positive relationships with measures of well-being, negative relationships with measures…”
BackgroundThe buffer role of meaning in life in hopelessness in women with borderline personality disorders.
Marco, J., Guillén, V., & Botella, C. (2017) · Psychiatry Research · doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2016.11.011 · Cited by 50 · see citing works
You, Z., Song, J., Wu, C., Qin, P., & Zhou, Z. (2014) · BMJ Open · doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2013-004096 · Cited by 48 · see citing works
“It is suggested that completion of suicide is a balanced consequence, depending on the presence of risk factors and the absence of protective factors against suicide.(25) However, most of the available studies about the preeminence of psychache in suicidality have only involved negative psychological variables, such a…”
Meaning in Life: Does It Play a Role in Smoking?
Thege, B. K., Bachner, Y. G., Martos, T., & Kushnir, T. (2009) · Substance Use & Misuse · doi:10.1080/10826080802495096 · Cited by 48 · see citing works
“…2006; Urbán, Kugler, Oláh, Szilágyi, 2006; Williams, Cox, Hedberg, and Deci, 2000; Zhua and Valbø, 2002) and life meaning (Feldman and Snyder, 2005; Heisel and Flett, 2004; Konkolÿ Thege and Martos, 2006; Martos, Szabó, and Rózsa, 2006; Tuicomepee and Romano, 2005; Waisberg and Starr,…”
BackgroundMaking Time Matter: A Review of Research on Time and Meaning
Rudd, M., Catapano, R., & Aaker, J. L. (2018) · Journal of Consumer Psychology · doi:10.1002/jcpy.1087 · Cited by 48 · see citing works
Morales-Vives, F., & Dueñas, J.-M. (2018) · The Spanish Journal of Psychology · doi:10.1017/sjp.2018.12 · Cited by 47 · see citing works
“Another factor that has been linked to suicidal ideation is subjective wellbeing (e.g., Heisel & Flett, 2004; Inder et al., 2014).”
InfluentialStolee, P., Awad, M., Byrne, K. M., DeForge, R. T., Clements, S., Glenny, C., & The Day Hospital Goal Attainment Scaling Interest Group of the Regional Geriatric Programs of Ontario (2012) · Disability and Rehabilitation · doi:10.3109/09638288.2012.660600 · Cited by 46 · see citing works
“opportunities for socialization, engagement in meaningful activities, purpose in life) that allows for older adults to maintain or foster that resiliency [89].”
BackgroundPositive Orientation—a Common Base for Hedonistic and Eudemonistic Happiness?
Oleś, P., & Jankowski, T. (2017) · Applied Research in Quality of Life · doi:10.1007/s11482-017-9508-9 · Cited by 48 · see citing works
“Meaning in life correlates with self-esteem, satisfaction with life, and optimism, to a moderate extent (e.g., Feder et al. 2008; Heisel and Flett 2004; Ho et al. 2010; Lyubomirsky et al. 2006; Pinquart and Frohlich 2009; Steger and Frazier 2005; Steger and Kashdan 2007; Vaughan and Kinnier 1996).”
BackgroundBipolar depression and suicidal ideation: Moderators and mediators of a complex relationship
Kamali, M., Reilly-Harrington, N. A., Chang, W. C., McInnis, M. G., McElroy, S. L., Ketter, T. A., Shelton, R. C., Deckersbach, T., Tohen, M. F., Kocsis, J. H., et al. (2019) · Journal of Affective Disorders · doi:10.1016/j.jad.2019.08.032 · Cited by 44 · see citing works
Heisel, M. J., & Flett, G. L. (2015) · Aging & Mental Health · doi:10.1080/13607863.2015.1072798 · Cited by 44 · see citing works
“…Joiner, 2005; Purcell et al., 2012); and Perceived Meaning in Life (8 items), reflecting theory (Frankl, 1985) and research suggesting that Meaning in Life (MIL) enhances psychological resiliency and reduces risk for suicide (Breitbart et al., 2010; Heisel & Flett, 2004, 2008, 2014; Moore, 1997).”
BackgroundSelf-citationYao, Y., Chang, W., Jin, Y., Chen, Y., He, L., & Zhang, L. (2014) · Child Care Health and Development · doi:10.1111/cch.12142 · Cited by 44 · see citing works
Marco, J. H., Cañabate, M., Llorca, G., & Pérez, S. (2020) · Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy · doi:10.1002/cpp.2414 · Cited by 43 · see citing works
The meaning of action: Do self-regulatory processes contribute to a purposeful life?
Vazeou‐Nieuwenhuis, A., Orehek, E., & Scheier, M. F. (2017) · Personality and Individual Differences · doi:10.1016/j.paid.2017.04.040 · Cited by 44 · see citing works
Marco, J. H., Ros, M. C., Pérez, S., & Llorca, G. (2017) · Journal of Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1002/jclp.22481 · Cited by 42 · see citing works
How maladaptive cognitions contribute to the development of problematic social media use
Fioravanti, G., Flett, G. L., Hewitt, P. L., Rugai, L., & Casale, S. (2020) · Addictive Behaviors Reports · doi:10.1016/j.abrep.2020.100267 · Cited by 43 · see citing works
Self-citationSources of human life-strengths, resilience, and health
Fry, P. S., & Debats, D. L. (2010) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/cbo9780511763151.003 · Cited by 41 · see citing works
Roess, R. P., Vandehey, M. A., & Kittelson, W. K. (2010) · Transportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board · doi:10.3141/2173-03 · Cited by 40 · see citing works
Authentic purpose: the spiritual infrastructure of life
Keyes, C. L. M. (2011) · Journal of Management Spirituality & Religion · doi:10.1080/14766086.2011.630133 · Cited by 39 · see citing works
“Deficits of purpose have been scientifically associated with psychopathologies such as depression and suicide (see e.g. Heisel and Flett 2004) and problems of adjustment to trauma (e.g. adjustment to spinal cord injury; Thompson et al. 2003).”
BackgroundAlam, M. Z., Alam, M. M. D., Uddin, M. A., & Noor, N. A. M. (2020) · Journal of Marketing Communications · doi:10.1080/13527266.2020.1848900 · Cited by 40 · see citing works
“The concept of QHL indicates that people are in need of a variety of health-care services, and the better they satisfy these needs, the greater they experience superior quality of their lives (Heisel and Flett 2004).”
BackgroundSuicide Prevention in Older Adults.
Heisel, M. J., & Duberstein, P. R. (2005) · Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice · doi:10.1093/clipsy.bpi030 · Cited by 85 · see citing works
Self-citationThe Satisfaction with Life Scale: Philosophical Foundation and Practical Limitations
Kusier, A. O., & Folker, A. P. (2021) · Health Care Analysis · doi:10.1007/s10728-020-00420-y · Cited by 37 · see citing works
Hope, optimism, gratitude, and wellbeing among health professional minority college students
Bazargan-Hejazi, S., Dehghan, K., Chou, S., Bailey, S., Baron, K., Assari, S., Marzio, R., Teklehaimanot, S., Kermah, D. A., Lindstrom, R., et al. (2021) · Journal of American College Health · doi:10.1080/07448481.2021.1922415 · Cited by 43 · see citing works
White, R., Haddock, G., Campodonico, C., Haarmans, M., & Varese, F. (2021) · Clinical Psychology Review · doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2021.102022 · Cited by 35 · see citing works
Ge, D., Sun, L., Zhou, C., Qian, Y., Zhang, L., & Alexis Medina, D. (2016) · Journal of Affective Disorders · doi:10.1016/j.jad.2016.09.031 · Cited by 34 · see citing works
Religiosity, Meaning in Life and Suicidal Tendency Among Jews
Wilchek‐Aviad, Y., & Malka, M. (2014) · Journal of Religion and Health · doi:10.1007/s10943-014-9996-y · Cited by 34 · see citing works
Lockman, J. D., & Servaty‐Seib, H. L. (2015) · Death Studies · doi:10.1080/07481187.2015.1105325 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
Purpose in Life: A Brief Review of the Literature and Its Implications for School Guidance Programs
Yuen, M.-T., Lee, Q., Kam, J. Y. M., & Lau, P. S. Y. (2015) · Journal of Psychologists and Counsellors in Schools · doi:10.1017/jgc.2015.18 · Cited by 29 · see citing works
- Authors
- Heisel, M. J., & Flett, G. L.
- Affiliations
- University of Rochester Medicine (US)
- York University (CA)
- Corresponding author
- Heisel, Marnin J.
- Venue
- Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment
- Published
- 2004-06
- Volume
- 26
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 127-135
- ISSN
- 0164-0305 (ISSN-L)
- 0882-2689
- 1573-3505
- OpenAlex
- W1968960231
- Cited by
- 324
- References
- 40
- Citations by year
- 2026: 9 · 2025: 28 · 2024: 16 · 2023: 17 · 2022: 12 · 2021: 24 · 2020: 20 · 2019: 19 · 2018: 19 · 2017: 17 · 2016: 19 · 2015: 16 · 2014: 25 · 2013: 20 · 2012: 11
- FWCI
- 5.27
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Licence
- Locations
- Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- York University
- Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Suicide and Self-Harm Studies
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Optimism, Hope, and Well-being
- Keywords
- meaning of life, life satisfaction, suicidal ideation, psychiatric patients, depression, neuroticism, resilience, mediation, moderation, existential themes, suicide risk prediction
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