Commitment to a purpose in life: An antidote to the suffering by individuals with social anxiety disorder.
Open accessAbstract
Recent acceptance- and mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral interventions explicitly target the clarification and commitment to a purpose in life. Yet, scant empirical evidence exists on the value of purpose as a mechanism relevant to psychopathology or well-being. The present research explored daily (within-person) fluctuations in purposeful pursuits and well-being in a community sample of 84 adults with (n = 41) and without (n = 43) the generalized subtype of social anxiety disorder (SAD). After completing an idiographic measure of purpose in life, participants monitored their effort and progress toward this purpose, along with their well-being each day. Across 2 weeks of daily reports, we found that healthy controls reported increased self-esteem, meaning in life, positive emotions, and decreased negative emotions. People with SAD experienced substantial boosts in well-being indicators on days characterized by significant effort or progress toward their life purpose. We found no evidence for the reverse direction (with well-being boosting the amount of effort or progress that people with SAD devote to their purpose), and effects could not be attributed to comorbid mood or anxiety disorders. Results provide evidence for how commitment to a purpose in life enriches the daily existence of people with SAD. The current study supports principles that underlie what many clinicians are already doing with clients for SAD. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved).
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Claims the paper makes
5 of 66 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured
- Premisecitation
The deficient approach motivation or promotion system in SAD is changeable.
“prior research suggests that the deficient approach motivation or promotion system of people with SAD is malleable.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked- cites Alden & Taylor, 2011 source
- cites Schmidt, Richey, Buckner, & Timpano, 2009 source
- cites Taylor & Amir, 2012 source
The Discussion (page not provided) says the study modified automatic approach tendencies and that this influenced others’ evaluations, supporting the claim that an approach-related tendency is malleable. But it also says the participants were undergraduates with moderate social anxiety and that generalizability to people diagnosed with SAD remains to be established. The study does not establish that the broader promotion system is changeable in people with SAD. (LLM, conf=0.88)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
- Premisecitation
People with SAD can be trained to attend more to rewards and thereby navigate their social world in a more approach-oriented way.
“people with SAD can be trained to be more attentive to rewards and in turn, approach-oriented in how they navigate their social world”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 3 sources checked- cites Alden & Taylor, 2011 source
- cites Schmidt, Richey, Buckner, & Timpano, 2009 source
- cites Taylor & Amir, 2012 source
The Abstract reports that training participants to approach positive social cues increased their approach behavior during a laboratory interaction. It does not report training attention to rewards. The Discussion says the sample consisted of undergraduates with moderate social anxiety, not people diagnosed with SAD, and that generalizability to natural social settings remains to be established (page numbers unavailable). (LLM, conf=0.90)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
- Premisecitation
Recent interventions have shown that people with SAD can be trained to shift attention away from threats and become more approach-oriented, with short-term effects on social interactions.
“Recent interventions have shown that people with SAD can be trained to direct their attention away from threats and become more approach oriented in their attention and social behavior, with evidence that these changes extend at least in the short-term to subsequent social interactions (Alden & Taylor, 2011; Schmidt et al., 2009; Taylor & Amir, 2012).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 3 sources checked- cites Alden & Taylor, 2011 source
- cites Schmidt et al., 2009 source
- cites Taylor & Amir, 2012 source
The Abstract and Discussion report that training increased approach behavior toward positive social cues and that participants showed more approach behavior in a subsequent laboratory social interaction. They do not report training attention away from threats. The Discussion also cautions that the undergraduate sample had elevated social anxiety symptoms, not diagnosed SAD, and that generalizability to clinical samples remains untested (page numbers unavailable). (LLM, conf=0.90)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
- Premisecitation
Goal and work engagement research supports the expectation that effort and progress toward a life purpose vary day to day.
“Research on goals and work engagement supports our expectation that effort and progress toward a purpose in life would vary from day-to-day”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 2 sources checked- cites Petrou, Demerouti, Peeters, Schaufeli, & Hetland, 2012
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Xanthopoulou, Bakker, Demerouti, & Schaufeli, 2009 source
The paper’s “Fluctuations over time” section reports within-person variation in day-level work engagement, supporting the expectation that engagement can change from day to day. It studies employees’ work engagement and performance, however, not daily effort or progress toward a purpose in life; that extension is not established by this source. The indexed passages provide no page number. (LLM, conf=0.84)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
- The authors state this as an assumption: Purpose-driven action varies within persons over time.
- Findingown data
On days when people with SAD put substantial effort into or made progress toward their life purpose, they showed large improvements in well-being indicators.
“People with SAD experienced substantial boosts in well-being indicators on days characterized by significant effort or progress toward their life purpose.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
- Findingown data
The observed effects were not explained by co-occurring mood or anxiety disorders.
“effects could not be attributed to comorbid mood or anxiety disorders.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
The data provided no support for the opposite pathway, in which well-being increased the effort or progress that people with SAD put into their purpose.
“We found no evidence for the reverse direction (with well-being boosting the amount of effort or progress that people with SAD devote to their purpose)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
SAD diagnostic status moderated the slope between daily effort toward purpose and daily positive affect.
“and positive affect (b = .14, t = 2.33, p = .02)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
People with SAD endorsed greater external pressure as a reason for pursuing their purpose compared to healthy controls.
“People with SAD also endorsed greater external pressure, F (1, 83) = 4.12, p < .05”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
SAD status moderated the slope between daily progress toward purpose and daily meaning in life.
“and meaning in life, b = .14, t = 2.83, p = .006”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
People with SAD endorsed less self-determined reasons for pursuing their purpose compared to healthy controls.
“and self-determined, F (1, 83) = 5.36, p = .02, reasons for pursuing their purpose.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
On days with greater effort toward purpose, people with SAD experienced greater self-esteem.
“On days characterized by greater effort toward a purpose in life (+1 SD from mean), people with SAD experienced greater self-esteem, b = .31, t = 5.00, p < .001”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
For healthy controls, greater daily effort toward purpose was not significantly associated with daily meaning, positive affect, negative affect, or self-esteem.
“In contrast, on days characterized by greater effort toward a purpose in life (+1 SD from mean), people in the healthy control group did not experience a significant difference in meaning in life, positive affect, negative affect, and self-esteem ps > .05.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
On days with greater effort toward purpose, people with SAD experienced greater meaning in life.
“meaning in life, b = .25, t = 3.46, p = .001”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
On days with greater progress toward purpose, healthy controls did not experience significant change in meaning in life.
“but there was no significant change in meaning in life, p > .10.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
People with SAD endorsed greater experiential avoidance as a reason for pursuing their purpose compared to healthy controls.
“and experiential avoidance, F (1, 83) = 8.98, p = .004”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
On days with greater progress toward purpose, people with SAD experienced greater meaning in life.
“and meaning in life, b = .33, t = 4.92, p < .001”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Compared to healthy controls, people with SAD reported more difficulty pursuing their purpose over the past month.
“Compared to healthy controls, people with SAD indicated that over the past month they had more difficulty pursuing their purpose, F(1, 83) = 9.40, p = .003”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
SAD diagnostic status moderated the slope between daily effort toward purpose and daily self-esteem.
“SAD diagnostic status moderated the slope between effort toward purpose and the following outcomes: self-esteem (b = .11, t = 2.45, p = .02)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
On days with greater effort toward purpose, people with SAD experienced greater positive affect.
“and positive affect, b = .35, t = 3.54, p = .001.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
SAD status moderated the slope between daily progress toward purpose and daily self-esteem.
“SAD status significantly moderated the slope between progress toward purpose and self-esteem, b = .14, t = 3.27, p = .002”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Compared to healthy controls, people with SAD reported less success in pursuing their purpose over the past month.
“and less success in these pursuits, F (1, 83) = 14.58, p < .001.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
On days with greater progress toward purpose, people with SAD experienced greater self-esteem.
“On days characterized by greater progress toward a purpose (+1 SD from mean), people with SAD experienced greater self-esteem, b = .41, t = 6.70, p < .001”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
SAD diagnostic status moderated the slope between daily effort toward purpose and daily meaning in life.
“meaning in life (b = .10, t = 2.09, p = .04)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
The associations between purpose and well-being were not accounted for by comorbid anxiety or mood disorders.
“As further evidence of specificity, associations between purpose in life and well-being could not be accounted for by comorbid anxiety or mood disorders.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
The SAD group reported greater social anxiety than healthy controls.
“the SAD group endorsed greater social anxiety (M = 43.44, SD = 8.91) than healthy controls (M = 8.70, SD = 6.31), t (74) = 19.60, p < .001, d = 4.56.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
SAD status did not significantly moderate the slope between daily progress toward purpose and daily positive or negative affect.
“there was no significant effect on positive or negative affect (ps >.05)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
The SAD × daily purpose progress interaction remained significant for daily self-esteem and meaning in life after controlling for comorbid disorders.
“The SAD x Daily Purpose Progress interaction remained significant for daily self-esteem, b = .17, t = 3.23, p = .002, and meaning in life, b = .17, t = 2.90, p = .005”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Eight reverse causal path models found no statistically significant findings.
“We tested eight reverse causal path models and we failed to find any statistically significant findings.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
In this study, people with generalized SAD reported lower daily self-esteem, meaning in life, positive emotions, and effort and progress toward a purpose compared to healthy controls.
“People diagnosed with generalized SAD, in our study, endorsed lower daily self-esteem, meaning in life, positive emotions, and effort and progress toward a purpose in life compared to healthy controls”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked - Findingown data
People with SAD endorsed less internal importance as a reason for pursuing their purpose compared to healthy controls.
“and less internal importance, F (1, 83) = 6.67, p = .01”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
On days with greater progress toward purpose, healthy controls experienced greater self-esteem.
“On days characterized by greater progress toward a purpose in life (+1 SD from mean), people in the healthy control group also experienced greater self-esteem, b = .16, t = 2.64, p = .01”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
SAD diagnostic status did not moderate the slopes from daily well-being variables (self-esteem, meaning, positive affect, negative affect) to daily effort toward purpose.
“SAD diagnostic status failed to moderate the slope between self-esteem and effort toward purpose (b = .02, t = 0.54, p = .59), meaning in life and effort toward purpose (b = .03, t = 0.62, p = .54), positive affect and effort toward purpose (b = .06, t = 1.84, p = .07), or negative affect and effort toward purpose (b = −.02, t = −0.78, p = .44).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
SAD diagnostic status did not moderate the slopes from daily well-being variables to daily progress toward purpose.
“Similarly, SAD diagnostic status failed to moderate the slope between self-esteem and progress toward a purpose (b = .03, t = 0.87, p = .39), meaning in life and progress toward a purpose ( (b = .04, t = 0.79, p = .43), positive affect and progress toward a purpose ( (b = .05, t = 1.70, p = .09), or negative affect and progress toward a purpose (b = −.01, t = −0.37, p = .71).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
SAD diagnostic status did not significantly moderate the slope between daily effort toward purpose and daily negative affect.
“the effect for negative affect was non-significant (b = −.08, t = −1.73, p = .09)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
There was no effect of purpose-driven action on psychological outcomes in the healthy control group.
“One counterintuitive finding was the lack of an effect of purpose-driven action on psychological outcomes in the healthy control group.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
In healthy controls, the non-significant changes were in the expected direction.
“Despite the potential range restriction, we observed non-significant changes in the direction we would expect”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationown data
The findings indicate that commitment to a life purpose improves the daily lives of individuals with SAD.
“Results provide evidence for how commitment to a purpose in life enriches the daily existence of people with SAD.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
Thinking about one's life purpose gives a short-term shield against psychological and physiological stress markers.
“reflecting on one’s purpose in life provides a short-term buffer against psychological and physiological markers of stress”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Creswell et al., 2005 source
- Premisecitation
Recent acceptance- and mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral treatments explicitly aim to clarify and strengthen commitment to a life purpose.
“Recent interventions focus on helping people develop, clarify, and pursue their purpose to organize their lives and ensure their actions are deliberate and consistent with that purpose”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Wilson & Murrell, 2004
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Wong & Fry, 1998
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation
Purpose-driven action can offset well-being deficits, especially in adverse or difficult periods.
“These benefits include offsetting deficits in well-being -particularly during adverse or difficult times”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Lapierre, Dubé, Bouffard, & Alain, 2007 source
- Interpretationreasoning
Meaning in life is the most evident well-being dimension expected to emerge when people strive for or advance toward their purpose.
“A sense of meaning in life is the most obvious dimension of well-being that can be expected to arise when people strive or make progress toward their purpose.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
Purpose in life produces approach-oriented behavior, with effort directed toward rather than away from purpose-related goals.
“Purpose in life generates approach oriented behaviors where there is effort toward, not away, from purpose-related goals”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked - Interpretationown data
The results suggest that fostering purpose in life in clients with SAD increases the likelihood of well-being.
“Although tentative, our results suggest that fostering purpose in life with a SAD client increases the likelihood of well-being.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Study design and conductreasoning
The study design limits the ability to infer causal direction.
“The design limits our ability to infer causal direction.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Premisecitation
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”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked - Study design and conductown data
Daily measures had acceptable reliability for self-esteem (.75), meaning in life (.89), positive affect (.64), and negative affect (.59).
“Daily measures had acceptable reliability for self-esteem (.75), meaning in life (.89), positive affect (.64), and negative affect (.59).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
Purpose in life and SAD reflect opposing motivational orientations.
“The reason that purpose in life fits with SAD is that they reflect opposing motivational orientations.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
The reverse causal path analyses support the single direction that daily purpose effort and progress buffer the influence of SAD on daily well-being.
“These analyses provide greater support for the single direction hypothesized with daily purpose related effort and progress serving to buffer the influence of SAD on daily well-being.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
The uni-directional findings provide strong evidence that purpose-driven effort and progress have particular benefits.
“These uni-directional findings provide strong evidence for the particular benefits of purpose-driven effort and progress.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Study design and conductown data
Interrater reliability for SAD diagnoses was excellent (Cohen's κ = .87) based on 45 randomly chosen recorded interviews rated by multiple researchers.
“To ensure interrater reliability for SAD diagnoses, 45 randomly chosen recorded interviews were rated by multiple researchers, resulting in excellent agreement (Cohen’s κ = .87).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationown data
The lack of effect in healthy controls may be due to a ceiling effect or range restriction on the measures.
“The reason we saw no effect for the healthy control group was potentially due to a ceiling effect or, more generally to a range restriction on our measures.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
The results provide initial evidence that commitment to a purpose in life is relevant to the daily existence of people with SAD.
“Our results provide initial evidence for how commitment to a purpose in life is relevant to the daily existence of people with SAD.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
- Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 26
- May combine two claims. 23
- The quote only partly states this claim. 1
Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.
PremisecitationPeople vary substantially from day to day in crafting more meaningful goals, and success in this is linked to greater task engagement.
“people show substantial variability from day to day in their ability to craft goals to be more meaningful and when successful, these behaviors are linked to greater task engagement”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites Petrou et al., 2012 source
The Discussion reports substantial day-to-day variation in job crafting, and the Abstract and Discussion link daily seeking challenges to higher work engagement. But the paper studies crafting job demands and resources, not crafting goals to be more meaningful; it also does not establish that success at doing so increases task engagement. Page numbers are not provided for these passages. (LLM, conf=0.87)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.
Findingown dataDuring two weeks of daily reports, healthy controls had higher self-esteem, meaning in life, and positive emotions, and lower negative emotions.
“Across two weeks of daily reports, we found that healthy controls reported increased self-esteem, meaning in life, positive emotions, and decreased negative emotions.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataPeople with SAD were at a disadvantage for working toward a purpose in life, reporting greater obstacles and failures and less intrinsic motivation than healthy controls.
“Unfortunately, people with SAD were at a disadvantage for working toward a purpose in life. In retrospective ratings about the past month, compared to healthy controls, people with SAD reported greater obstacles and failures and endorsed less intrinsic motivation for their purpose.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataNeither comorbid anxiety nor mood disorders moderated the effect of daily purpose effort on daily well-being.
“Neither comorbid anxiety (ps from .30 to .86) nor mood (ps from .12 to .64) disorders moderated daily purpose effort on daily well-being.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Findingown dataMore people in the SAD group than in the healthy control group had received treatment for psychological conditions.
“Seven people (18.4%) in the SAD group received treatment for psychological conditions, whereas there was only one person in the healthy control group, χ2(1) = 6.40, p = .01.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataNeither comorbid anxiety nor mood disorders moderated the effect of daily purpose progress on daily well-being.
“neither comorbid anxiety nor mood disorders moderated purpose progress on well-being (ps > .10).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataSAD was significantly related to retrospective purpose ratings in a multivariate GLM, while comorbid mood and secondary anxiety disorders did not add significant prediction.
“For the omnibus test, SAD was significantly related to retrospective purpose ratings, F (7, 74) = 2.49, p = .02; mood disorders and secondary anxiety disorders failed to add significant prediction to the model (ps > .90).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataControlling for comorbid anxiety and mood disorders, the SAD × daily purpose effort interaction remained significant for positive affect and showed trends for self-esteem and meaning in life.
“Controlling for comorbid anxiety and mood disorders, the SAD x Daily Purpose Effort interaction was statistically significant for positive affect, b = .18, t = 2.16, p = .03, and had a trend for self-esteem, b = .10, t = 1.81, p = .07, and meaning in life, b = .11, t = 1.77, p = .08.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataHealthy controls scored near the top of the scales, with mean daily self-esteem and meaning in life between 10 and 12 and affect scores around 19 to 20.
“As shown in Figure 1, the healthy control group was observed at the top-end of the 14-point scales (means for daily self-esteem and daily meaning in life were between 10 and 12 points while affect scores were in the same relatively high range of 19 to 20).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
PremisecitationPeople 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”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites Camus, 1965
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Heisel & Flett, 2004 source
- cites Ryff & Singer, 1996
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationAcceptance and Commitment Therapy has recently provided strong support for these interventions.
“These interventions gained strong support recently through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT; Hayes et. al., 1999)”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Hayes et. al., 1999
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Classified as probably not a substantial claim.
PremisecitationPeople who regularly act on their purpose tend to reinterpret immediate situations in light of their broader purpose.
“people who consistently engage in purpose-driven action often reinterpret immediate situations in terms of the relevance to their larger purpose”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Baumeister, 1992
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.
InterpretationreasoningIf merely being aware of a purpose helps, then acting on or pursuing that purpose should help even more.
“If awareness of a purpose is beneficial then engaging in or pursuing purpose-driven action ought to provide even greater benefit.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).
Interpretationown dataThe study backs principles that many clinicians already apply when treating clients with SAD.
“The current study supports principles that underlie what many clinicians are already doing with clients for SAD.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
PremisecitationIndividuals with a strong sense of purpose also report more meaning in life, self-esteem, happiness, and less stress over competing goals.
“people who endorse a strong sense of purpose in their lives also endorse greater meaning in life, self-esteem, happiness, and less stress about competing goals”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checkedClassified as probably not a substantial claim.
InterpretationreasoningAfter reflecting on her purpose, a person with a clear purpose should have less trouble choosing among competing options.
“she also ought to have less difficulty deciding between competing options when reflecting on her purpose.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
InterpretationreasoningThe label positivity deficits may be inaccurate for SAD; decreased well-being and approach motivation may fit better.
“Thus, positivity deficits might be the wrong term to describe the difficulties of people with SAD –a more appropriate term might be decreased well-being and approach motivation.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimClassified as probably not a substantial claim.
PremisecitationScheier and colleagues' self-regulation model of purpose holds that effort and progress toward a purpose maximize well-being.
“This self-regulation model of purpose by Scheier and colleagues suggests that it is effort and progress toward a purpose that maximizes the generation of well-being.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Scheier et al., 2006 source
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationAvoidance motivation serves survival, while approach motivation serves thriving.
“avoidance motivation is designed to facilitate surviving, whereas approach motivation is designed to facilitate thriving”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Elliot, 2006 source
Classified as probably not a substantial claim.
InterpretationreasoningAfter reflecting on her purpose, a person with a clear purpose should perceive daily stressors as less threatening.
“A person with a clearly defined purpose ought to find daily stressors less threatening following reflection on her purpose”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
PremisecitationSAD resembles other anxiety disorders in excessive threat and punishment vigilance, but differs by deficient approach motivation.
“SAD appears to be similar to other anxiety conditions based on the presence of excessive threat and punishment vigilance (Amir, Elias, Klumpp, & Przeworski, 2003; Mogg & Bradley, 2002) but can be distinguished by the presence of deficient approach motivation (Hirsch & Mathews, 2000; Kashdan, 2007; Rodebaugh & Heimberg, 2008).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checkedClassified as probably not a substantial claim.
PremisecitationWell-being has been theorized to follow directly from a life devoted to purpose.
“Well-being has been theorized to be a direct consequence of a life devoted to a purpose in life”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checkedMay combine two claims.
InterpretationcitationPurpose in life matters for understanding the range of positivity deficits in SAD and for possible ways to improve well-being.
“we argue that purpose in life is relevant to understanding the breadth of positivity deficits associated with SAD (Weeks & Heimberg, 2012), and potential avenues for enhancing well-being.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Weeks & Heimberg, 2012 source
- Rests on an assumption: There is no existing empirical research on the benefits of committing effort or making progress toward a purpose in everyday life.
- Rests on an assumption: There is no empirical evidence on the specific value of addressing life purpose in people with SAD.
Classified as probably not a substantial claim.
InterpretationcitationEffort and progress toward a life purpose concern thriving.
“effort and progress toward a purpose in life is about thriving.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
PremisecitationSocial anxiety is theorized to activate a prevention system focused on safety and avoiding unwanted outcomes while suppressing a promotion system focused on rewards and hopes.
“Theorists suggest that social anxiety activates a prevention system where people pursue safety and avoid unwanted outcomes while also inhibiting a promotion system where people pursue rewards and strive toward the fulfillment of hopes and aspirations”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Scholer & Higgins, 2012 source
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationPrior research indicates that people with SAD have infrequent positive affect and excessive negative affect.
“prior work shows that positive affect is infrequent and negative affect is excessive for people with SAD”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Brown, 2007 source
- cites Kashdan, 2007
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
May combine two claims.
Study design and conductown dataDaily measures provided sufficient within-person variability for daily effort (56%), progress (54%), self-esteem (39%), meaning in life (38%), positive affect (36%), and negative affect (56%).
“Daily measures provided sufficient within-person (relative to total) variability for daily effort toward a purpose (56%), progress toward a purpose (54%), self-esteem (39%), meaning in life (38%), and positive (36%) and negative (56%) affect.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationThe four reasons for pursuing strivings scales have been shown to be psychometrically sound in prior work.
“These scales have been previously shown to be psychometrically sound (Koestner, Lekes, Powers, & Chicoine, 2002; Sheldon & Elliot, 1998; Sheldon & Houser-Marko, 2001).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checkedClassified as probably not a substantial claim.
Study design and conductcitationDaily meaning in life was measured with a 2-item scale used in prior daily diary studies.
“Daily meaning in life was measured with a 2-item scale (“How meaningful did you feel your life was today?” “How much did you feel your life had purpose today?”) used in prior daily diary studies (Kashdan & Steger, 2007; Michael F. Steger, Kashdan, & Oishi, 2008).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checkedProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductown dataParticipants completed daily entries for an average of 12.23 days (SD = 3.79).
“Participants completed entries for an average of 12.23 days (SD = 3.79).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductown dataThere was no significant difference between SAD and control groups in number of daily entries completed (p = .83).
“We found no significant difference between the SAD (X = 11.98 days, SD = 4.19) and control (X = 12.48 days, SD = 3.37) groups in number of entries completed (p = .83).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).
Interpretationown dataThe findings suggest promise in moving beyond the negative spectrum of distress, avoidance, and impairment toward the positive spectrum of human functioning.
“Our findings – among others – provide a glimpse at the promise of moving beyond the negative spectrum of distress, avoidance, and impairment toward the positive spectrum of human functioning.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
PremisecitationThe analytic approach of recentering to calculate simple effects is widely used and has been applied to multilevel modeling.
“This analytic approach is widely used (Cohen, Cohen, West, & Aiken, 2003) and has been previously applied to multilevel modeling (Nezlek, 2011).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Cohen, Cohen, West, & Aiken, 2003
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Nezlek, 2011 source
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
Study design and conductown dataThe SAD and healthy groups did not differ in age, gender, race/ethnicity, romantic relationship status, or education.
“Groups did not differ in age, t (77) = 0.52, p = .60, d = .12, gender, χ2(1) = 0.15, p = .70, d = .04, race/ethnicity, χ2(4) = 1.19, p = .88, d = .12, romantic relationship status, χ2(4) = 5.55, p = .26, d = .25, or education, χ2(8) = 5.38, p = .72, d = .25.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimClassified as probably not a substantial claim.
Study design and conductcitationDaily self-esteem was measured with two items adapted from the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale used in prior daily diary studies.
“We measured daily self-esteem with two items adapted from the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965) used in prior daily diary studies (Kashdan & Nezlek, 2012; Nezlek & Plesko, 2001)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checkedProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductown dataNine participants were excluded from analyses because they lacked daily diary data.
“Due to an absence of daily diary data, nine participants were excluded from analyses.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductcitationDaily negative and positive affect were measured with high and low arousal adjectives based on prior work.
“Daily negative affect was measured by responses to high (anxious/nervous, angry) and low (sad, sluggish) arousal adjectives; daily positive affect was measured by responses to high (enthusiastic, joyful) and low (content, relaxed) arousal adjectives (Nezlek, 2005).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Nezlek, 2005 source
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationSAD is characterized by deficient approach motivation and excessive avoidance motivation and threat vigilance.
“SAD is defined by a lack of approach motivation, and excessive avoidance motivation and vigilance to threat (Amir et al., 2003; Hirsch & Mathews, 2000; Mogg & Bradley, 2002).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checkedProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).
InterpretationcitationThe results support principles underlying clinical practice with clients.
“These results also support a few principles that underlie what clinicians are already doing with clients (Wilson & Murrell, 2004)”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Wilson & Murrell, 2004
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
Study design and conductcitationThe measure of purpose in life has been validated in prior social psychology studies, but its utility as an idiographic measure of strivings in clinical samples has rarely been explored.
“Our measure of purpose in life has been validated in prior social psychology studies, however, few studies have explored the utility of an idiographic measure of strivings in clinical samples (Elliot & Church, 2002).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Elliot & Church, 2002 source
May combine two claims.
InterpretationreasoningThe effects for the SAD group may reflect the strong impact of focusing on a purpose, while the relative differences between SAD and healthy controls may be more related to measurement than a true difference.
“Thus, our effects for the SAD group may reflect the strong impact of focusing individuals on a purpose but the relative differences between SAD and healthy controls may be more related to a measurement issue than a true difference between groups.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationEncouraging clients to reflect on life aspirations, avoidance and control strategies, and personal values is consistent with purpose in life.
“Encouraging clients to think about life aspirations, reflecting on avoidance and control strategies, and focusing on becoming aware of meaningful personal values and making decisions based on those values remain consistent with purpose in life (McKnight & Kashdan, 2009; Steger, 2009).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checkedProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductnone givenAsking participants about their feelings immediately after asking about meaning in life may introduce demand characteristics.
“Finally, there is the potential demand characteristic of asking people how they feel immediately after asking them how meaningful their life felt today.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
InterpretationcitationPurpose in life operates as a mechanism that addresses risk and resilience for multiple disorders.
“Although the current focus was on SAD, we believe purpose in life operates as a mechanism that addresses risk and resilience for multiple disorders (Andresen, Oades, & Caputi, 2003; Hedberg, Gustafson, Alèx, & Brulin, 2010).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
The paper relies on this without support.
There is no existing empirical research on the benefits of committing effort or making progress toward a purpose in everyday life.
“we were surprised to find an absence of empirical research on the advantages of committing effort or making progress toward a purpose in everyday life.”
The paper relies on this without support.
There is no empirical evidence on the specific value of addressing life purpose in people with SAD.
“Nonetheless, there is an absence of empirical evidence on the specific value of addressing life purpose in people with SAD.”
The authors state this as an assumption.
Purpose-driven action varies within persons over time.
“Assuming there was within-person variation in purpose-driven action”
The authors state this as an assumption.
There were no prior studies examining how commitment to purpose operates in daily life or in people with a disorder.
“we are unaware of prior studies that examined how and to what extent this process operates in daily life, nor how the process works for people with a disorder.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Effort toward a purpose in life is variable and modifiable.
“Effort toward a purpose in life is variable and modifiable.”
The authors state this as an assumption.
The current study is the first to focus on the benefits of purpose in daily life.
“the current study is the first to focus on the benefits of purpose in daily life.”
Statistics that don’t add up
Each reported p-value recomputed from its test statistic and degrees of freedom.
Inconsistent p-value: χ2(4) = 5.55, p = .26
MinorThe paper reports p = .26 here; recomputing from the test statistic and its degrees of freedom gives p = .235. The check cannot tell whether the statistic or the p-value is the misprint.
Reported p = .26 · recomputed p = .235
“χ2(4) = 5.55, p = .26”
Statistics recomputed
Every reported test result, recomputed from its test statistic and degrees of freedom. A result shows as not adding up only once an independent check has confirmed it.
- Doesn’t add upχ²(4) = 5.55reported p = .26 · recomputed p = .235
“χ2(4) = 5.55, p = .26”
- Consistentt(77) = 0.52reported p = .6 · recomputed p = .605
“t (77) = 0.52, p = .60”
- Consistentχ²(1) = 0.15reported p = .7 · recomputed p = .699
“χ2(1) = 0.15, p = .70”
- Consistentχ²(4) = 1.19reported p = .88 · recomputed p = .880
“χ2(4) = 1.19, p = .88”
- Consistentχ²(8) = 5.38reported p = .72 · recomputed p = .716
“χ2(8) = 5.38, p = .72”
- Consistentχ²(1) = 6.4reported p = .01 · recomputed p = .011
“χ2(1) = 6.40, p = .01”
- Consistentt(74) = 19.6reported p < .001 · recomputed p < .001
“t (74) = 19.60, p < .001”
- ConsistentF(7, 74) = 2.49reported p = .02 · recomputed p = .024
“F (7, 74) = 2.49, p = .02”
- ConsistentF(1, 83) = 9.4reported p = .003 · recomputed p = .003
“F(1, 83) = 9.40, p = .003”
- ConsistentF(1, 83) = 14.58reported p < .001 · recomputed p < .001
“F (1, 83) = 14.58, p < .001”
- ConsistentF(1, 83) = 4.12reported p < .05 · recomputed p = .046
“F (1, 83) = 4.12, p < .05”
- ConsistentF(1, 83) = 8.98reported p = .004 · recomputed p = .004
“F (1, 83) = 8.98, p = .004”
- ConsistentF(1, 83) = 6.67reported p = .01 · recomputed p = .012
“F (1, 83) = 6.67, p = .01”
- ConsistentF(1, 83) = 5.36reported p = .02 · recomputed p = .023
“F (1, 83) = 5.36, p = .02”
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.
Sample size is given as 80 persons after exclusions but participant counts sum to 76
MajorThe daily-life analysis says there were 80 persons, yet the participant flow described earlier ends with 38 SAD participants and 38 healthy controls, which totals 76. Those two descriptions of the analyzed sample cannot both be correct.
“Data were conceptualized in a multilevel structure, with days (n = 978) nested within persons (n = 80).”
“This led to a final sample of 38 participants with generalized SAD diagnoses (25 women) and 38 healthy controls (24 women).”
Reported test degrees of freedom exceed the initial sample
MinorAn F test with numerator and denominator degrees of freedom of 1 and 83 requires at least 85 observations, even before accounting for the other predictors described. The paper reports only 84 participants initially.
“Compared to healthy controls, people with SAD indicated that over the past month they had more difficulty pursuing their purpose, F(1, 83) = 9.40, p = .003, and less success in these pursuits, F (1, 83) = 14.58, p < .001.”
“Our initial sample consisted of 84 community participants (52 women) from Northern Virginia; 41 diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), generalized subtype and 43 (51%) healthy without psychiatric disorders.”
Exclusion count does not match the final sample
MinorExcluding nine people from the initial 84 leaves 75, but the two reported final groups contain 38 people each, totaling 76.
“Due to an absence of daily diary data, nine participants were excluded from analyses. This led to a final sample of 38 participants with generalized SAD diagnoses (25 women) and 38 healthy controls (24 women).”
“Our initial sample consisted of 84 community participants (52 women) from Northern Virginia; 41 diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), generalized subtype and 43 (51%) healthy without psychiatric disorders.”
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BackgroundComorbidity of anxiety and unipolar mood disorders
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“Purpose in life generates approachoriented behaviors for which there is effort toward, not away from, purpose-related goals (McKnight & Kashdan, 2009; Sheldon & Houser-Marko, 2001).”
BackgroundSelf-citationThe experience of recovery from schizophrenia: Towards an empirically validated stage model
Andresen, R., Oades, L., & Caputi, P. (2003) · Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry · doi:10.1046/j.1440-1614.2003.01234.x · Cited by 871 · see citing works
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“These scales have been previously shown to be psychometrically sound (Koestner, Lekes, Powers, & Chicoine, 2002; Sheldon & Elliot, 1998; Sheldon & Houser-Marko, 2001).”
Pursuing Personal Goals: Skills Enable Progress, but Not all Progress is Beneficial
Sheldon, K. M., & Kasser, T. (1998) · Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin · doi:10.1177/01461672982412006 · Cited by 768 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Participants also rated four reasons for pursuing each striving (Sheldon & Kasser, 1995, 1998 ) from 1 (not at all because of this reason) to 7 (completely because of this reason): (a) external pressure (because somebody else wants you to), (b) experiential avoidance (because you would feel guilty…”
BackgroundCoherence and congruence: Two aspects of personality integration.
Sheldon, K. M., & Kasser, T. (1995) · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-3514.68.3.531 · Cited by 726 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Participants also rated four reasons for pursuing each striving (Sheldon & Kasser, 1995, 1998 ) from 1 (not at all because of this reason) to 7 (completely because of this reason): (a) external pressure (because somebody else wants you to), (b) experiential avoidance (because you would feel guilty…”
BackgroundMeaning in Life: One Link in the Chain From Religiousness to Well-Being.
Steger, M. F., & Frazier, P. (2005) · Journal of Counseling Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-0167.52.4.574 · Cited by 676 · see citing works
Self-concordance, goal attainment, and the pursuit of happiness: Can there be an upward spiral?
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“These scales have been previously shown to be psychometrically sound (Koestner, Lekes, Powers, & Chicoine, 2002; Sheldon & Elliot, 1998; Sheldon & Houser-Marko, 2001).”
BackgroundBeing good by doing good: Daily eudaimonic activity and well-being
Steger, M. F., Kashdan, T. B., & Oishi, S. (2008) · Journal of Research in Personality · doi:10.1016/j.jrp.2007.03.004 · Cited by 626 · cited 1× · see citing works
“" ), which were used in prior daily diary studies (Kashdan & Steger, 2007; Steger et al., 2008).”
MethodSelf-citationAttention training for generalized social anxiety disorder
Schmidt, N. B., Richey, J. A., Buckner, J. D., & Timpano, K. R. (2009) · Journal of Abnormal Psychology · doi:10.1037/a0013643 · Cited by 546 · cited 2× · see citing works
“…be trained to direct their attention away from threats and become more approach-oriented in their attention and social behavior, with evidence that these changes extend at least in the short-term to subsequent social interactions (Alden & Taylor, 2011; Schmidt et al., 2009; Taylor & Amir, 2012 ).”
BackgroundThe Life Engagement Test: Assessing Purpose in Life
Scheier, M. F., Wrosch, C., Baum, A., Cohen, S., Martire, L. M., Matthews, K. A., Schulz, R., & Zdaniuk, B. (2006) · Journal of Behavioral Medicine · doi:10.1007/s10865-005-9044-1 · Cited by 539 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Instead of viewing purpose in life as an abstract element of one's existence, researchers have focused on purpose as a framework for selecting goals that are most worthy of dedicating finite attention and effort (Scheier et al., 2006).”
BackgroundAttaining personal goals: Self-concordance plus implementation intentions equals success.
Koestner, R., Lekes, N., Powers, T. A., & Chicoine, E. (2002) · Journal of Personality and Social Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-3514.83.1.231 · Cited by 526 · see citing works
Affirmation of personal values buffers neuroendocrine and psychological stress responses
Creswell, J. D., Welch, W. T., Taylor, S. E., Sherman, D. K., Gruenewald, T. L., & Mann, T. (2005) · Psychological Science · doi:10.1111/j.1467-9280.2005.01624.x · Cited by 482 · see citing works
Selective orienting of attention to masked threat faces in social anxiety
Mogg, K., & Bradley, B. P. (2002) · Behaviour Research and Therapy · doi:10.1016/s0005-7967(02)00017-7 · Cited by 480 · cited 2× · see citing works
“SAD is defined by a lack of approach motivation and excessive avoidance motivation and vigilance to threat (Amir et al., 2003; Hirsch & Mathews, 2000; Mogg & Bradley, 2002).”
BackgroundThe relationship of workaholism with work–life conflict, life satisfaction, and purpose in life.
Bonebright, C. A., Clay, D. L., & Ankenmann, R. D. (2000) · Journal of Counseling Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-0167.47.4.469 · Cited by 475 · see citing works
Steger, M. F. (2009) · The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology · doi:10.1093/oxfordhb/9780195187243.013.0064 · Cited by 463 · see citing works
Curiosity and pathways to well-being and meaning in life: Traits, states, and everyday behaviors
Kashdan, T. B., & Steger, M. F. (2007) · Motivation and Emotion · doi:10.1007/s11031-007-9068-7 · Cited by 455 · cited 2× · see citing works
“" ), which were used in prior daily diary studies (Kashdan & Steger, 2007; Steger et al., 2008).”
BackgroundMethodSelf-citationOxford handbook of positive psychology, 2nd ed.
Lopez, S. J., & Snyder, C. R. R. (2009) · Cited by 450 · see citing works
Social anxiety spectrum and diminished positive experiences: Theoretical synthesis and meta-analysis
Kashdan, T. B. (2007) · Clinical Psychology Review · doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2006.12.003 · Cited by 419 · cited 4× · see citing works
“…other anxiety conditions based on the presence of excessive threat and punishment vigilance (Amir, Elias, Klumpp, & Przeworski, 2003; Mogg & Bradley, 2002), but can be distinguished by the presence of deficient approach motivation (Hirsch & Mathews, 2000; Kashdan, 2007; Rodebaugh & Heimberg, 2008).”
BackgroundInfluentialSelf-citationStability and specificity of meaning in life and life satisfaction over one year
Steger, M. F., & Kashdan, T. B. (2006) · Journal of Happiness Studies · doi:10.1007/s10902-006-9011-8 · Cited by 418 · cited 2× · see citing works
“Although global meaning in life is relatively stable (Steger & Kashdan, 2007), several daily diary studies have shown that meaning in life fluctuates on a daily basis (Kashdan & Steger, 2007; King, Hicks, Krull, & Del Gaiso, 2006; Steger & Frazier, 2005; Steger & Kashdan, 2007; Steger, Kashdan, &…”
BackgroundSelf-citationA Cognitive Behavioral Model of Social Anxiety Disorder
Heimberg, R. G., Brozovich, F. A., & Rapee, R. M. (2010) · Social Anxiety · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-375096-9.00015-8 · Cited by 407 · cited 1× · see citing works
“…SAD, in our study, endorsed lower daily self-esteem, meaning in life, positive emotions, and effort and progress toward a purpose in life compared to healthy controls, adding to a literature on dampened or deficient positivity (Heimberg et al., 2010; Kashdan et al., 2011; Weeks & Heimberg, 2012).”
ResultAmir, N., Elias, J., Klumpp, H., & Przeworski, A. (2003) · Behaviour Research and Therapy · doi:10.1016/s0005-7967(03)00039-1 · Cited by 377 · cited 1× · see citing works
“SAD is defined by a lack of approach motivation and excessive avoidance motivation and vigilance to threat (Amir et al., 2003; Hirsch & Mathews, 2000; Mogg & Bradley, 2002).”
BackgroundAvoidance Personal Goals and Subjective Well-Being
Elliot, A. J., Sheldon, K. M., & Church, M. A. (1997) · Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin · doi:10.1177/0146167297239001 · Cited by 369 · see citing works
Steger, M. (2012) · Routledge eBooks · doi:10.4324/9780203146286-17 · Cited by 357 · see citing works
Purpose in Life, Satisfaction with Life, and Suicide Ideation in a Clinical Sample
Heisel, M. J., & Flett, G. L. (2004) · Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment · doi:10.1023/b:joba.0000013660.22413.e0 · Cited by 324 · see citing works
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder: A Pilot Study
Dalrymple, K. L., & Herbert, J. D. (2007) · Behavior Modification · doi:10.1177/0145445507302037 · Cited by 312 · see citing works
Brown, T. A. (2007) · Journal of Abnormal Psychology · doi:10.1037/0021-843x.116.2.313 · Cited by 306 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Finally, prior work has shown that positive affect is infrequent and negative affect is excessive for people with SAD (Brown, 2007; Kashdan , 2007).”
BackgroundFrom social anxiety to social phobia : multiple perspectives
Hofmann, S. G., & DiBartolo, P. M. (2001) · Allyn and Bacon eBooks · Cited by 294 · see citing works
Day-to-Day Relationships among Self-Concept Clarity, Self-Esteem, Daily Events, and Mood
Nezlek, J. B., & Plesko, R. M. (2001) · Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin · doi:10.1177/0146167201272006 · Cited by 272 · cited 2× · see citing works
“…accounts for some of this daily variability in meaning in life and other well-being dimensions that fluctuate day-to-day, such as self-esteem (Heppner et al., 2008; Nezlek & Plesko, 2001) and positive and negative affect (Kashdan & Nezlek, 2012; Laurenceau , Troy, & Carver, 2005; Nezlek, 2005).”
BackgroundImpaired positive inferential bias in social phobia.
Hirsch, C. R., & Mathews, A. (2000) · Journal of Abnormal Psychology · doi:10.1037//0021-843x.109.4.705 · Cited by 267 · see citing works
Impaired positive inferential bias in social phobia
Hirsch, C. R., & Mathews, A. (2000) · Journal of Abnormal Psychology · doi:10.1037/0021-843x.109.4.705 · Cited by 267 · cited 2× · see citing works
“SAD is defined by a lack of approach motivation and excessive avoidance motivation and vigilance to threat (Amir et al., 2003; Hirsch & Mathews, 2000; Mogg & Bradley, 2002).”
BackgroundMultilevel Modeling for Social and Personality Psychology
Nezlek, J. (2011) · doi:10.4135/9781446287996 · Cited by 262 · cited 2× · see citing works
“To calculate the reliability of day-level measures, we conducted analyses using three-level unconditional models with items nested within days and days nested within people (Nezlek, 2011).”
MethodKashdan, T. B., Weeks, J. W., & Savostyanova, A. A. (2011) · Clinical Psychology Review · doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2011.03.012 · Cited by 258 · cited 1× · see citing works
“…SAD, in our study, endorsed lower daily self-esteem, meaning in life, positive emotions, and effort and progress toward a purpose in life compared to healthy controls, adding to a literature on dampened or deficient positivity (Heimberg et al., 2010; Kashdan et al., 2011; Weeks & Heimberg, 2012).”
ResultSelf-citationMorgan, J. R., & Farsides, T. (2007) · Journal of Happiness Studies · doi:10.1007/s10902-007-9075-0 · Cited by 256 · see citing works
Within-Person Relationships Among Daily Self-Esteem, Need Satisfaction, and Authenticity
Heppner, W. L., Kernis, M. H., Nezlek, J. B., Foster, J. D., Lakey, C. E., & Goldman, B. M. (2008) · Psychological Science · doi:10.1111/j.1467-9280.2008.02215.x · Cited by 247 · see citing works
(2004) · Cited by 182 · see citing works
Nezlek, J. B. (2007) · European Journal of Personality · doi:10.1002/per.640 · Cited by 172 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Nevertheless , a growing body of research has indicated that constructs that have traditionally been studied as stable dispositions also vary meaningfully within individuals (Fleeson, 2001; Nezlek, 2007).”
BackgroundKashdan, T. B., & Nezlek, J. B. (2012) · Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin · doi:10.1177/0146167212454549 · Cited by 170 · cited 1× · see citing works
“…accounts for some of this daily variability in meaning in life and other well-being dimensions that fluctuate day-to-day, such as self-esteem (Heppner et al., 2008; Nezlek & Plesko, 2001) and positive and negative affect (Kashdan & Nezlek, 2012; Laurenceau , Troy, & Carver, 2005; Nezlek, 2005).”
BackgroundSelf-citationMeasuring meaning in life: An examination of three scales
Chamberlain, K., & Zika, S. (1988) · Personality and Individual Differences · doi:10.1016/0191-8869(88)90157-2 · Cited by 170 · see citing works
(2009) · University of Zagreb University Computing Centre (SRCE) · Cited by 166 · see citing works
Self-citationWong, P.-M., & Fry, P. S. (1998) · University of Groningen research database (University of Groningen / Centre for Information Technology) · Cited by 165 · see citing works
Leary, M. R., & Jongman-Sereno, K. P. (2014) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-394427-6.00020-0 · Cited by 147 · see citing works
Modifying automatic approach action tendencies in individuals with elevated social anxiety symptoms
Taylor, C. T., & Amir, N. (2012) · Behaviour Research and Therapy · doi:10.1016/j.brat.2012.05.004 · Cited by 99 · cited 3× · see citing works
“…be trained to direct their attention away from threats and become more approach-oriented in their attention and social behavior, with evidence that these changes extend at least in the short-term to subsequent social interactions (Alden & Taylor, 2011; Schmidt et al., 2009; Taylor & Amir, 2012 ).”
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
Distinguishing Affective and Non‐Affective Reactions to Daily Events
Nezlek, J. B. (2005) · Journal of Personality · doi:10.1111/j.1467-6494.2005.00358.x · Cited by 88 · cited 2× · see citing works
“Daily negative affect was measured by responses to high (anxious/nervous, angry) and low (sad, sluggish) arousal adjectives; daily positive affect was measured by responses to high (enthusiastic, joyful) and low (content, relaxed) arousal adjectives (Nezlek, 2005).”
BackgroundRandomized trial of a calling-infused career workshop incorporating counselor self-disclosure
Dik, B. J., & Steger, M. F. (2008) · Journal of Vocational Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.jvb.2008.04.001 · Cited by 82 · cited 1× · see citing works
“This article is intended solely for the personal use of the individual user and is not to be disseminated broadly. purpose in life, such as those found in ACT (Hayes, Luoma, Bond, Masuda, & Lillis, 2006; Wilson & Murrell, 2004) and counseling psychology (Dik & Steger, 2008).”
BackgroundLaurenceau, J., Troy, A. B., & Carver, C. S. (2005) · Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin · doi:10.1177/0146167205274447 · Cited by 81 · see citing works
Kashdan, T. B., Breen, W. E., & Julian, T. (2010) · Behavior Therapy · doi:10.1016/j.beth.2009.09.003 · Cited by 80 · see citing works
Self-citationToo Much of a Good Thing? Trade-offs in Promotion and Prevention Focus
Scholer, A. A., & Higgins, E. T. (2012) · The Oxford Handbook of Human Motivation · doi:10.1093/oxfordhb/9780195399820.013.0005 · Cited by 78 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Theorists have suggested that social anxiety activates a prevention system in which people pursue safety and avoid unwanted outcomes while also inhibiting a promotion system in which people pursue rewards and strive toward the fulfillment of hopes and aspirations (Scholer & Higgins, 2012).”
BackgroundClient articulated avoidance goals in the therapy context.
Elliot, A. J., & Church, M. A. (2002) · Journal of Counseling Psychology · doi:10.1037/0022-0167.49.2.243 · Cited by 78 · cited 2× · see citing works
“Our measure of purpose in life has been validated in prior social psychology studies; however, few studies have explored the utility of an idiographic measure of strivings in clinical samples (Elliot & Church, 2002).”
BackgroundMethodAlden, L. E., & Taylor, C. T. (2011) · Journal of Anxiety Disorders · doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2010.10.003 · Cited by 77 · cited 2× · see citing works
“…be trained to direct their attention away from threats and become more approach-oriented in their attention and social behavior, with evidence that these changes extend at least in the short-term to subsequent social interactions (Alden & Taylor, 2011; Schmidt et al., 2009; Taylor & Amir, 2012 ).”
BackgroundDepression in relation to purpose in life among a very old population: A five-year follow-up study
Hedberg, P., Gustafson, Y., Alèx, L., & Brulin, C. (2010) · Aging & Mental Health · doi:10.1080/13607861003713216 · Cited by 53 · see citing works
Social Anxiety as an Early Warning System
Leary, M. R. (2010) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-375096-9.00018-3 · Cited by 21 · cited 2× · see citing works
“We chose self-esteem in lieu of global life satisfaction due to the former’s relevance to SAD as an internal gauge of whether one is a socially attractive person to valued social groups (Leary, 2001).”
MethodWeeks, J. W., & Heimberg, R. G. (2012) · Cognitive Behaviour Therapy · doi:10.1080/16506073.2012.680782 · Cited by 16 · cited 2× · see citing works
“…SAD, in our study, endorsed lower daily self-esteem, meaning in life, positive emotions, and effort and progress toward a purpose in life compared to healthy controls, adding to a literature on dampened or deficient positivity (Heimberg et al., 2010; Kashdan et al., 2011; Weeks & Heimberg, 2012).”
BackgroundResultAn acceptance and mindfulness-based approach to social phobia: A case study
Brady, V. P., & Whitman, S. M. (2012) · Journal of College Counseling · doi:10.1002/j.2161-1882.2012.00007.x · Cited by 13 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Two clinical trials have suggested that ACT is efficacious in targeting SAD (Brady & Whitman, 2012; Dalrymple & Herbert, 2007).”
BackgroundMeasurement of ambivalent and purposeful engagement after aversive social experiences
Rodebaugh, T. L., & Heimberg, R. G. (2007) · Journal of Anxiety Disorders · doi:10.1016/j.janxdis.2007.07.003 · Cited by 11 · cited 1× · see citing works
“…other anxiety conditions based on the presence of excessive threat and punishment vigilance (Amir, Elias, Klumpp, & Przeworski, 2003; Mogg & Bradley, 2002), but can be distinguished by the presence of deficient approach motivation (Hirsch & Mathews, 2000; Kashdan, 2007; Rodebaugh & Heimberg, 2008).”
Background
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The 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
“For example, in a daily diary study focusing on people with social anxiety disorder, it was found that on days when people devoted considerable effort toward a purpose in life, they experienced increases in self-esteem and positive emotions (Kashdan & McKnight, 2013).”
Finding Meaning With Creativity in the Past, Present, and Future
Kaufman, J. (2018) · Perspectives on Psychological Science · doi:10.1177/1745691618771981 · Cited by 130 · see citing works
“Within the creativity research literature, there are streams of articles that explore creativity’s potential dark side (Cropley, Kaufman, & Cropley, 2008) or highlight how different components of creativity can best be combined for maximal impact (Gabora & Tseng, 2017). On a more general level, creativity is tradition…”
BackgroundInfluentialThe measurement of within-person affect variation.
Brose, A., Schmiedek, F., Gerstorf, D., & Voelkle, M. C. (2019) · Emotion · doi:10.1037/emo0000583 · Cited by 119 · see citing works
Trait and Daily Emotion Regulation in Social Anxiety Disorder
Blalock, D. V., Kashdan, T. B., & Farmer, A. S. (2016) · Cognitive Therapy and Research · doi:10.1007/s10608-015-9739-8 · Cited by 105 · see citing works
“If someone is skewed in defining their identity, that can be expected to have downstream effects on goal setting, initiation, motivation, monitoring, effort, and progress (see Kashdan and McKnight 2013).”
BackgroundSelf-citationDucasse, 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
“…a variety of improved health outcomes are associated with higher levels of purpose, including increased self-esteem and positive emotion (Kashdan & McKnight, 2013), improved sleep patterns (Kim et al., 2015), higher rates of physical activity (Hooker & Masters, 2016), greater use of…”
BackgroundCrego, A., Bernabé, J. R. Y., Martínez, M. Á. G., Riesco-Matías, P., & Petisco, C. (2021) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph18030925 · Cited by 87 · see citing works
“Moreover, having purposes in life has been found to be negatively connected with various psychopathological problems [34,35], such as depressive symptoms [9,36], suicidal ideation [37,38], anxiety-related responses [39], post-traumatic stress disorder [40], social anxiety [41], and sleep disturbances [42], among other…”
BackgroundBuffering the Negative Impact of Poverty on Youth: The Power of Purpose in Life
Machell, K. A., Disabato, D. J., & Kashdan, T. (2015) · Social Indicators Research · doi:10.1007/s11205-015-0917-6
“Self-oriented purposes may reflect high school life (e.g., academics, sports, music, social status) or future adult life (career, wealth, fame) and be unrelated to the domain of prosocial activity (Kashdan and McKnight 2009, 2013; McKnight and Kashdan 2009).”
BackgroundSelf-citationPurpose in life and conflict-related neural responses during health decision-making.
Kang, Y., Strecher, V. J., Kim, E. S., & Falk, E. B. (2019) · Health Psychology · doi:10.1037/hea0000729 · Cited by 61 · see citing works
“By contrast, one’s purpose in life is a function of goals associated with core values, providing clearer direction in an environment replete with choices and resulting conflict (Hill, Edmonds, Peterson, Luyckx, & Andrews, 2016; Kashdan & McKnight, 2013; McKnight & Kashdan, 2009).”
BackgroundHow Stress Influences Purpose Development: The Importance of Social Support
Gutowski, E. R., White, A. E., Liang, B., Diamonti, A. J., & Berado, D. (2017) · Journal of Adolescent Research · doi:10.1177/0743558417737754 · Cited by 55 · see citing works
“For example, it may be that youth who consistently engage in purposeful activities reframe stressful situations in terms of the relevance to their larger purpose (Kashdan & McKnight, 2013).”
BackgroundGod, Purpose in Life, and Mental Well‐Being Among Older Adults
Rainville, C., & Mehegan, L. (2018) · Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion · doi:10.1111/jssr.12565 · Cited by 51 · see citing works
Thagard, P. R. (2019) · doi:10.1093/oso/9780190678739.001.0001 · Cited by 38 · see citing works
Grevenstein, D., Aguilar‐Raab, C., & Bluemke, M. (2017) · Journal of Happiness Studies · doi:10.1007/s10902-017-9901-y · Cited by 36 · see citing works
“This is in line with research showing that having a feeling of purpose in life can help people overcome mental health issues (Kashdan and McKnight 2013).”
ResultDonahue, J. J., Khan's, H., Huggins, J., & Marrow, T. (2017) · Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science · doi:10.1016/j.jcbs.2017.01.003 · Cited by 37 · see citing works
Yıldırım, M., Dilekçi, Ü., & Manap, A. (2024) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1349726 · Cited by 38 · see citing works
Finkelstein-Fox, L., Pavlacic, J. M., Buchanan, E. M., Schulenberg, S. E., & Park, C. L. (2020) · Cognitive Therapy and Research · doi:10.1007/s10608-019-10062-7 · Cited by 33 · see citing works
“Living one’s life in a way that is consistent with one’s core values has long been recognized as the key to happiness, authenticity, and meaning (Frankl 1959/2006; Hayes et al. 1999; Kashdan and McKnight 2013; Kashdan and Steger 2007; Plumb et al. 2009).”
BackgroundSense of Purpose Promotes Resilience to Cognitive Deficits Attributable to Depressive Symptoms
Lewis, N., & Hill, P. (2021) · Frontiers in Psychology · doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.698109 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
“Finally, sense of purpose has been linked to reduced risk for social anxiety (Kashdan and McKnight, 2013), and a greater likelihood for supportive relationships (Weston et al.”
BackgroundPurpose in Daily Life: Considering Within-Person Sense of Purpose Variability
Pfund, G. N., Burrow, A. L., & Hill, P. L. (2024) · Journal of Research in Personality · doi:10.1016/j.jrp.2024.104473 · Cited by 22 · see citing works
Religious Coping, Spirituality, and Hypersexual Behavior Among College Students
Giordano, A. L., & Cecil, A. L. (2014) · Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity The Journal of Treatment and Prevention · doi:10.1080/10720162.2014.936542 · Cited by 27 · see citing works
“People who experience purposelessness or meaninglessness in their lives often experience existential anxiety, including social anxiety (Kashdan & McKnight, 2013), which could, in turn, serve as a trigger for sexual behavior to manage anxious feelings that may potentially become compulsive and…”
BackgroundPersonal Strivings to Understand Anxiety Disorders: Social Anxiety as an Exemplar
Goodman, F. R., Kashdan, T. B., Stiksma, M. C., & Blalock, D. V. (2018) · Clinical Psychological Science · doi:10.1177/2167702618804778 · Cited by 25 · see citing works
Self-citationKlussman, K., Nichols, A., & Langer, J. (2020) · Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being · doi:10.1111/aphw.12200 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
Life Purpose in Youth: Turning Potential Into a Lifelong Pursuit of Prosocial Contribution*
Moran, S. (2020) · journal for the education of the gifted · doi:10.1177/0162353219897844 · Cited by 19 · see citing works
“…initially searching for and committing to a purpose may be stressful because it is perceived as a choice among various alternatives (Rainey, 2014), commitment reduces stress and increases efficiency (Kashdan & McKnight, 2013) because the purpose prioritizes where to direct efforts (Bronk, 2012).”
BackgroundStumbling Into Adulthood: Learning From Depression While Growing Up
Grob, R., Schlesinger, M. J., Wise, M. E., & Pandhi, N. (2020) · Qualitative Health Research · doi:10.1177/1049732320914579 · Cited by 23 · see citing works
“It is well-established that life purposes can emerge from suffering (Frankl, 1984; Kashdan & McKnight, 2013).”
Grumet, R., & Fitzpatrick, M. (2016) · Journal of Psychotherapy Integration · doi:10.1037/a0039633 · Cited by 20 · see citing works
“My Mentor Thinks That I can Be Someone Amazing”: Drawing Out Youths’ Passions and Purpose
White, A. E., Lincoln, B., Liang, B., Sepulveda, J., Matyjaszczyk, V., Kupersmith, C., Hill, N. E., & Perella, J. (2020) · Journal of Adolescent Research · doi:10.1177/0743558420942481 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
A preliminary model of health regarding sexual and ethnic minority older adults
Laganà, L., Balian, O. A., Nakhla, M. Z., Zizumbo, J., & Greenberg, S. (2020) · Culture Health & Sexuality · doi:10.1080/13691058.2019.1710566 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
“Moreover, adopting a eudaimonic approach to living (i.e. living in accordance with one’s values, finding life’s meaning and purpose) may benefit LGB individuals’ mental health by reducing minority stress (Kashdan and McKnight 2013).”
BackgroundTherapists’ perspectives about working with meaning in life in psychotherapy: A survey
Hill, C. E. (2016) · Counselling Psychology Quarterly · doi:10.1080/09515070.2016.1173014 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
“A number of theorists (e.g. Frankl, 1959, 1986; Hayes, Stosahl, & Wilson, 1999; Hobbs, 1962; Kashdan & McKnight, 2013; Maddi, 1967; Wilson & Murrell, 2004; Wolman, 1975; Wong, 2010, 2012; Yalom, 1980) have written about how work to with MIL in psychotherapy, but there is minimal empirical research…”
BackgroundKashdan, T., McKnight, P. E., & Goodman, F. (2021) · Journal of Positive Psychology · doi:10.1080/17439760.2021.2016906 · Cited by 14 · see citing works
“…with the realization that even people who are suffering from anxiety and mood disorders have moments of reprieve, when they feel joy, contentment, and extremely desirable social interactions and rewarding positive events (Goodman et al., 2018; Kashdan & McKnight, 2013; Panaite et al., 2021).”
BackgroundSelf-citationLi, Z., Zhao, M., Liu, H., Yanan, L. I. U., & Peng, K. (2018) · Advances in Psychological Science · doi:10.3724/sp.j.1042.2018.02192 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
“…和 Otake (2008b)发现, 人们在 生命意义问卷的意义寻求分量表上的平均得分是 24.8 分(共 5 个项目, 在 1~7 点量表上评分), 也就 是说 , 大多数个体对诸如“我正在寻找自己生活 的意义”这样的描述给予了肯定的评价。换句话说, 人们大多数时候是关心生活的目的, 愿意探索生 命意义问题的。这项研究还显示, 虽然高意义体 验水平的大多数人缺乏继续寻找意义的动力, 但 确实有少部分个体, 虽然意义体验水平已经很高, 但仍然报告拥有寻求意义的强烈动机。更重要的 是, 生命意义寻求与一些象征积极品质的人格特 征相联系, 表明意义寻求至少是一部分人的持续…”
InfluentialVilardaga, R., Heffner, J. L., Mercer, L. D., & Bricker, J. B. (2014) · Behaviour Research and Therapy · doi:10.1016/j.brat.2014.07.008 · Cited by 17 · see citing works
“…while there is an increasing number of ACT studies examining the important role of activation in individual's functioning (e.g., Chase et al., 2013; Kashdan & McKnight, 2013), there is still a small number addressing the role of values and commitment as compared to other ACT processes (Levin,…”
ResultPurpose in life, stress mindset, and perceived stress: Test of a mediational model
Sutin, A. R., Luchetti, M., Stéphan, Y., Sesker, A. A., & Terracciano, A. (2023) · Personality and Individual Differences · doi:10.1016/j.paid.2023.112227 · Cited by 15 · see citing works
Ratner, K., Li, Q., Zhu, G., Estevez, M., & Burrow, A. L. (2023) · Journal of Happiness Studies · doi:10.1007/s10902-023-00625-7 · Cited by 18 · see citing works
“…results of this study align with prior research on daily purposefulness with participants outside of a supportive program (e.g., Hill et al., 2021; Kiang, 2012; Pfund et al., 2021), some may wish to replicate this study in a more representative sample of the general population to establish…”
BackgroundResultInfluentialBeyond Finding Purpose: Motivating a Translational Science of Purpose Acquisition
Burrow, A. L. (2023) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph20126091 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
“Studies show that physical activity [52], especially daily activities deemed meaningful to an individual [53], contribute to gains in sense of purpose.”
BackgroundA unified approach to managing emotions and pursuing purpose in life
Kashdan, T. B., & Goodman, F. R. (2023) · Cognition & Emotion · doi:10.1080/02699931.2023.2208342 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
“We encourage a greater appreciation of how self-regulation and a sense of purpose operate together in the human pursuit of better living (Chevance et al., 2020; Kashdan & McKnight, 2013).”
BackgroundSelf-citationGoodman, F. R., & Kashdan, T. B. (2021) · The Journal of Positive Psychology · doi:10.1080/17439760.2019.1689423 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
“…pursuit can represent effort towards a purpose in life (e.g. working towards a striving that reflects a person’s central, fundamental life aim – Kashdan & McKnight, 2013), provide a sense that life makes sense (e.g. working towards strivings that are congruent with one’s values – Sheldon &…”
BackgroundMethodSelf-citationHielscher, E., Blake, J. A., Chang, I., Crandon, T., McGrath, M. O., & Scott, J. G. (2023) · Journal of Affective Disorders · doi:10.1016/j.jad.2023.06.022 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
Applying an Allportian Trait Perspective to Sense of Purpose
Pfund, G. N. (2023) · Journal of Happiness Studies · doi:10.1007/s10902-023-00644-4 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“…for daily purposeful pursuits on affective well-being, meaning in life, and self-esteem found that some of these associations differed based on whether someone has social anxiety disorder (Kashdan & McKnight, 2013), highlighting the potential for structural differences with this construct.”
BackgroundPurpose in life, Neural Alcohol Cue Reactivity, and Daily Alcohol Use in Social Drinkers.
Kang, Y., Cosme, D., Lydon-Staley, D., Ahn, J., Jovanova, M., Corbani, F., Lomax, S., Stanoi, O. A., Strecher, V., Mucha, P., et al. (2022) · Addiction · doi:10.1111/add.16012 · Cited by 13 · see citing works
A domain-differentiated approach to everyday emotion regulation from adolescence to older age.
Bellingtier, J. A., Luong, G., Wrzus, C., Wagner, G. G., & Riediger, M. (2022) · Psychology and Aging · doi:10.1037/pag0000677 · Cited by 12 · see citing works
“These estimates are similar to those found in other experience sampling studies that report multilevel (vs. between-person) reliability estimates (e.g., Brans et al., 2013; Kashdan & McKnight, 2013).”
ResultKlussman, K., Nichols, A., & Langer, J. (2021) · Current Psychology · doi:10.1007/s12144-021-01538-5 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
Kashdan, T. B., Rottenberg, J. A., Goodman, F. R., Disabato, D. J., & Begović, E. (2015) · Psychological Inquiry · doi:10.1080/1047840x.2015.1073659 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
“…day to the next, researchers found that on days when people with anxiety disorders devote considerable effort or make progress toward a purpose in life, there is evidence of considerable increases in daily self-esteem, positive emotions, and a sense of meaning in life (Kashdan & McKnight, 2013).”
BackgroundSelf-citationPurpose in life and stress: Momentary associations from a micro‐longitudinal study
Sutin, A. R., Luchetti, M., Stéphan, Y., Stokes, J. E., & Terracciano, A. (2024) · Stress and Health · doi:10.1002/smi.3464 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Ratner, K., Gladstone, J. R., Zhu, G., Li, Q., Estevez, M., & Burrow, A. L. (2023) · Journal of Personality · doi:10.1111/jopy.12911 · Cited by 10 · see citing works
Lee, C. S., & Yeghiazarian, C. (2021) · Trends in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy · doi:10.47626/2237-6089-2020-0129 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
“03) and the wide range (4-58) of responses, it is unlikely that there is this ceiling effect in behavioral action.”
BackgroundEl Bienestar Psicológico: Una mirada desde Latinoamérica
de Sonora, U., Romero, J. C. G., & Lever, J. P. (2016) · Universidad de Sonora/Qartuppi eBooks · doi:10.29410/qtp.16.09 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
López-Angulo, Y., Sáez-Delgado, F., & Mella-Norambuena, J. (2024) · Formación universitaria · doi:10.4067/s0718-50062024000200083 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
A thematic analysis of Tweets about purpose in life
Bronk, K. C., Cheung, R. C. M., Mehoke, S., & Pham, P. K. (2022) · The Journal of Positive Psychology · doi:10.1080/17439760.2022.2109198 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
“…people who lacked a purpose in life experienced anxiety, loneliness, depression, and even suicidal ideation; a robust body of empirical research underscores this conclusion (e.g., Dixon et al., 1991; Edwards & Holden, 2001; Heisel et al., 2016; Kashdan & McKnight, 2013; Paloutzian & Ellison, 1982).”
BackgroundResultChmielewski, F., Hanning, S., Juckel, G., & Mavrogiorgou, P. (2022) · Psychopathology · doi:10.1159/000524688 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
Can Good Life Be Measured? The Dimensions and Measurability of a Life Worth Living
Martela, F. (2017) · Happiness studies book series · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-61810-4_2 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Positivity Deficits in Social Anxiety: Emotions, Events, and Cognitions
Farmer, A. S., Kashdan, T., & Weeks, J. W. (2014) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-394427-6.00019-4 · Cited by 8 · see citing works
Self-citationFischer, I. C., Davis, L. W., Cyders, M. A., Salyers, M. P., & Rand, K. L. (2023) · Journal of Affective Disorders · doi:10.1016/j.jad.2023.07.100 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
Does Meaning-in-Life or Self-Compassion Influence LGBTQ+ Identity or Outness?
Goshorn, J. R., Mason, W. N., & Sperandio, K. R. (2022) · Journal of LGBTQ Issues in Counseling · doi:10.1080/26924951.2022.2093309 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
Preliminary Efficacy of an Occupation-Oriented Purpose in Life Intervention After Breast Cancer
Radomski, M. V., Anheluk, M., Carroll, G. L., Grabe, K., Halsten, J., Kath, K., Kreiger, R. A., Lunos, M. E., Rabusch, S., Swenson, K. K., et al. (2022) · Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy · doi:10.1177/00084174211073264 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“It predicts longevity, functioning (Mota et al., 2016), and cognition as people age (Boyle, Buchman, Barnes, & Bennett, 2010); and mediates depressive symptoms (Mens, Helgeson, Lembersky, Baum, & Scheier, 2016) and social anxiety (Kashdan & McKnight, 2013).”
BackgroundConceptualizing similarities and differences between purpose in life and self‐affirmation
Burd, K. A., & Burrow, A. L. (2017) · Social and Personality Psychology Compass · doi:10.1111/spc3.12366 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
Purpose in Life as an Explicit Outcome of Occupational Therapy
Radomski, M. V., Anheluk, M., Carroll, G. L., & Zola, J. (2024) · American Journal of Occupational Therapy · doi:10.5014/ajot.2024.050428 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“Longitudinal and cross-sectional studies have found that purpose in life predicts longevity, functioning, and cognition as people age (Mota et al., 2016; Wingo et al., 2020) and mediates depression and anxiety (Kashdan & McKnight, 2013; Mens et al., 2016).”
Personal meaning as a predictor of behavioral action over and above the role of state social anxiety
Lee, C. S., & Hayes-Skelton, S. (2020) · Journal of Theoretical Social Psychology · doi:10.1002/jts5.81 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Li, P. F. J., Chan, C.-K., Xiao, Y., & O'Donnell, M. (2023) · Counselling Psychology Quarterly · doi:10.1080/09515070.2023.2292208 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
“However, research has illustrated the nuanced process of purpose; that is, one’s committed dedication and effortful progress toward purpose take time and may gradually promote well-being and buffer against psychological symptoms (Kashdan & McKnight, 2013).”
Yager, J., & Kay, J. (2023) · The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease · doi:10.1097/nmd.0000000000001657 · Cited by 6 · see citing works
The Powerful Role of Mothers in Adolescent Purpose Development
Konowitz, L. S., Lund, T. J., Chia, S. W. C., et al. (2023) · Journal of Psychological Research · doi:10.30564/jpr.v5i1.5236 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
“Adolescents who explore their sense of purpose have a greater sense of overall well-being ([1,4-11]).”
BackgroundNichols, A., Klussman, K., & Langer, J. (2022) · Baltic Journal of Management · doi:10.1108/bjm-12-2021-0461 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Face to face with death: the role of religion in coping with suffering
Tongeren, D. R. V. (2020) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-817204-9.00004-4 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Peña, G. M. G., del Villar, O. E., Nava, P. B., et al. (2018) · International Journal of Emergency Mental Health and Human Resilience · doi:10.4172/1522-4821.1000389 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Morse, J. L., Luong, G., Prince, M. A., & Steger, M. F. (2023) · Anxiety Stress & Coping · doi:10.1080/10615806.2023.2201000 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
“Although no extant research on this relationship was found, research on related constructs suggests that on days when people experience more meaning, life is less distressing (e.g., Kashdan & McKnight, 2013).”
BackgroundDwivedi, S., & Chung, K. C. (2023) · Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery · doi:10.1097/prs.0000000000010534 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Sense of purpose and food insecurity during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Hill, P. L., Oshiro, C. E. S., Hillier, T. A., & Strecher, V. J. (2023) · Social and Personality Psychology Compass · doi:10.1111/spc3.12869 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
The Scrooge Group Therapy: A Meaning-Centered Group Therapy for Outpatients Following CBT
Chmielewski, F., Regener, R., Margraf, J., Schulz, S., Teismann, T., Hirschfeld, G. H. F., & von Brachel, R. (2023) · Journal of Humanistic Psychology · doi:10.1177/00221678231172530 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
“Furthermore, mean-ingfulness is related to better mental health—to less psychopathology (Kashdan & McKnight, 2013; Mascaro & Rosen, 2008), and to general factors such as self-esteem (e.g., Lee et al., 2006) and lower neuroticism (Lamers et al., 2012; Stempelova & Cmarikova, 2004).”
Bronk, K. C., Giesemann, X., Donaldson, R., & Mitchell, C. (2022) · Applied Developmental Science · doi:10.1080/10888691.2022.2026774 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
“…among AYAs is of particular importance given the multiple negative outcomes that AYAs face–including stress and a sense of loss of control, etc. (e.g., Ander et al., 2018; Chao et al., 2020)––and the potential for purpose to buffer against these outcomes (e.g., Kashdan & McKnight, 2013).”
BackgroundSexual assault: Exploring real-time consequences the next day and in subsequent days
Kashdan, T. B., Disabato, D. J., McKnight, P. E., Kelso, K. C., Lauber, M., & Goodman, F. R. (2020) · International Journal of Wellbeing · doi:10.5502/ijw.v10i4.1319 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Self-citationIn Pursuit of a Youth Life-Purposefulness Program
Buheji, M. (2019) · International Journal of Human Resource Studies · doi:10.5296/ijhrs.v9i4.15680 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
“Buheji (2019a), Kashdan and McKnight (2013), Sheldon and Kasser (1998).”
BackgroundEscura, A., Valdivia‐Salas, S., Martín-Albó, J., Zaldivar, P., & Crespo, G. A. L. (2019) · Universitas Psychologica · doi:10.11144/javeriana.upsy18-2.erbt · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Osai, E. (2016) · Deep Blue (University of Michigan) · Cited by 2 · see citing works
The State of State Purpose: What We Know and Need to Know About Purpose in Daily Life
Pfund, G. N. (2026) · Social & Personality Psychology Compass · doi:10.1111/spc3.70136
Rajendra, S. J., Doren, N. V., & Zainal, N. H. H. (2025) · Journal of Affective Disorders · doi:10.1016/j.jad.2025.120221 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
“Recent research has substantiated the viability of therapies focusing on self-directedness (Terock et al., 2015) and purpose in life (Kashdan and McKnight, 2013) in reducing symptoms of emotional disorders.”
Anxiety and Depressive Disorders in Older Adults
Cosco, T. D., Goel, M., Riadi, I., Farquharson, E. R., Randa-Beaulieu, C., Pickering, J., Miskiewicz, J., & Best, J. R. (2024) · Practical issues in geriatrics · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-58488-6_1 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Psychological correlates of smoker’s identity in adults reporting mental health diagnoses
Pavlacic, J., Schulenberg, S. E., Pan, C., Payne, T., Williams, D. C., & Mann, J. (2021) · Journal of Substance Use · doi:10.1080/14659891.2020.1862324 · Cited by 2 · see citing works
“Individuals with different mental health diagnoses commonly report decreased meaning and purpose (Kashdan & McKnight, 2013; Landsman, 2002; Steger et al., 2009).”
BackgroundKlussman, K., Nichols, A., & Langer, J. (2020) · Journal of Anxiety & Depression · doi:10.46527/2582-3264.126 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Thagard, P. R. (2019) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/oso/9780190678739.003.0006 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Thagard, P. R. (2019) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/oso/9780190678739.003.0002 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Thagard, P. R. (2019) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/oso/9780190678739.003.0010 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Williams, K. E. (2014) · Research Online (University of Wollongong) · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Zhang, S., Lu, J., Sun, W., Sun, M., Zhang, R., Liu, W., Lu, Y., Zhang, L., & Rong-zhen, W. (2026) · Journal of Health Psychology · doi:10.1177/13591053261465134
Purpose in Life Renewal for COVID-19 Survivors: A Feasibility Study
Wagener, S. G., Radomski, M. V., Castro‐Pearson, S., Anheluk, M., Carroll, G. L., Grabe, K., Kath, K., Kocian, A., Lindenfelser, L., Rademacher, J., et al. (2026) · OTJR Occupational Therapy Journal of Research · doi:10.1177/15394492261464079
Sense of Purpose and Maladaptive Personality Traits in Older Adulthood.
Rule, P. D., Osborne, J., Cruitt, P. J., Bogdan, R., Oltmanns, T., & Hill, P. L. (2026) · The International Journal of Aging & Human Development · doi:10.1177/00914150261456743
Khansa, I. (2025) · Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Global Open · doi:10.1097/gox.0000000000006437
“Regarding the third component of Frankl’s framework, Kashdan and McKnight 12 argued that the pursuit of a purpose (a central, self-organizing life aim) can be a way to cope with the unavoidable suffering and stress of life.”
REM Sleep Effects on Trauma, Depression, Anxiety
Gregory, J. M. (2025) · Journal of Behavioral and Brain Science · doi:10.4236/jbbs.2025.156008
Making Purpose More Purposeful: Addressing Definitional, Measurement, and Testing ComplexitiesPreprint
Kashdan, T. B., Goodman, F. R., & McKnight, P. E. (2023) · doi:10.31234/osf.io/9w3xa
Self-citationA Unified Approach to Managing Emotions and Pursuing Purpose in LifePreprint
Kashdan, T. B., & Goodman, F. R. (2023) · doi:10.31234/osf.io/kjy7e
Self-citationFleischer, A. B., & Humphrey, C. E. (2022) · Occupational Therapy In Health Care · doi:10.1080/07380577.2022.2121991
“Furthermore, a purposeful life has been associated with longevity; improved function (Boyle et al., 2010b) and cognition (Boyle et al., 2010a); and reduced depressive symptoms (Mens et al., 2016) and social anxiety (Kashdan & McKnight, 2013) among adults.”
BackgroundVan Tongeren (2020) - Face to Face with Death: The Role of Religion in Coping with SufferingPreprint
Tongeren, D. R. V. (2020) · doi:10.31234/osf.io/gnsrp
Yıldırım, B., Bozyel, G., & Yorulmaz, O. (2020) · Psikiyatride Guncel Yaklasimlar - Current Approaches in Psychiatry · doi:10.18863/pgy.489457
Thagard, P. R. (2019) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/oso/9780190678739.003.0009
Thagard, P. R. (2019) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/oso/9780190678739.003.0007
Thagard, P. R. (2019) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/oso/9780190678739.003.0008
Thagard, P. R. (2019) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/oso/9780190678739.003.0004
Thagard, P. R. (2019) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/oso/9780190678739.003.0005
Thagard, P. R. (2019) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/oso/9780190678739.003.0003
Thagard, P. R. (2019) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/oso/9780190678739.003.0001
Thagard, P. R. (2019) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/oso/9780190678739.002.0007
Ritter, F. E. (2019) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/oso/9780190678739.002.0011
- Authors
- Kashdan, T. B., & McKnight, P. E.
- Affiliations
- George Mason University (US)
- Corresponding author
- Kashdan, Todd B.
- Venue
- Emotion
- Published
- 2013-12
- Volume
- 13
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 1150-1159
- ISSN
- 1528-3542 (ISSN-L)
- 1931-1516
- PMC
- PMC4145806
- OpenAlex
- W2160445151
- Cited by
- 106
- References
- 82
- Citations by year
- 2026: 4 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 17 · 2022: 10 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 12 · 2019: 22 · 2018: 7 · 2017: 5 · 2016: 5 · 2015: 4 · 2014: 5
- FWCI
- 4.28
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- green
- www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Locations
- Emotion (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- PubMed Central (submittedVersion)
- Funders
- National Institute of Mental Health (R21-MH073937)
- Center for Consciousness and Transformation
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Anxiety, Depression, Psychometrics, Treatment, Cognitive Processes
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction
- Keywords
- meaning of life, social anxiety disorder, well-being, meaning in life, self-esteem, positive emotions, negative emotions, within-person variability
- MeSH terms
- Adaptation, Psychological, Adult, Affect, Female, Humans, Male, Phobic Disorders, Quality of Life
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