Meaning in Life: One Link in the Chain From Religiousness to Well-Being.
Abstract
Meaning in life has been identified as a potential mediator of the link between religiousness and psychological health. The authors tested this hypothesis in 2 studies, using multiple methods and measures of religiousness and well-being. In the studies, meaning in life mediated the relation between religiousness and life satisfaction (Study 1A), as well as self-esteem and optimism (Study 1B). In addition, using an experience sampling method, the authors found that meaning in life also mediated the relation between daily religious behaviors and well-being (Study 2). The authors discuss these findings and suggest that meaning in life may be an effective conduit through which counselors and clients can discuss “ultimate” matters, even when they do not share similar perspectives on religion.
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Daily diary studies show that meaning in life varies from day to day.
“several daily diary studies show that meaning in life fluctuates on a daily basis”
From Commitment to a purpose in life: An antidote to the suffering by individuals with social anxiety disorder. (2013) · cites this paper as Steger & Frazier, 2005
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- Authors
- Steger, M. F., & Frazier, P.
- Affiliations
- University of Minnesota (US)
- Venue
- Journal of Counseling Psychology
- Published
- 2005-10
- Volume
- 52
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 574-582
- ISSN
- 0022-0167 (ISSN-L)
- 1939-2168
- OpenAlex
- W2076221837
- Cited by
- 676
- References
- 14
- Citations by year
- 2026: 21 · 2025: 33 · 2024: 36 · 2023: 35 · 2022: 50 · 2021: 66 · 2020: 105 · 2019: 28 · 2018: 32 · 2017: 36 · 2016: 27 · 2015: 17 · 2014: 42 · 2013: 28 · 2012: 28
- FWCI
- 9.83
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Counseling Psychology (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Health › Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Optimism, Hope, and Well-being
- Keywords
- meaning in life, religiosity, well-being, life satisfaction, self-esteem, optimism, mediation, ultimate concern, religion and mental health
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