Measuring meaning in life by combining philosophical and psychological distinctions: Psychometric properties of the Comprehensive Measure of Meaning
Abstract
Meaning, a fundamental component of human well-being, can be categorized into seven interrelated subdomains, as our study provides evidence for. These categories nest within a previously established tripartite classification of meaning in life (e.g. coherence, significance, and direction/purpose). We present the psychological and philosophical distinctions that led to the development of the Comprehensive Measure of Meaning (CMM). We provide empirical evidence for the reliability of scores and validity of the CMM using a longitudinal sample of college students (N = 4058) and a large, diverse sample from a Latin American financial institution (N = 8794). The measurement of individuals’ perception of their meaning in life is internally consistent, and we present results based on an innovative method to explore conceptual distinctions. Finally, we provide recommendations on using the CMM as a measure of individuals’ perceptions of their meaning in life and avenues for potentially beneficial modifications researchers might consider based on their intended uses.
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A Reframing of Meaning-Making and Its Measurement Among Emerging Adults
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“Similarly, those providing frequent Position 2 level responses would likely benefit from appreciating the value of their particular religious community so as to affiliate intentionally.”
- Authors
- Padgett, R. N., Hanson, J., Nakamura, J. S., Ritchie-Dunham, J. L., Kim, E. S., & VanderWeele, T. J.
- Affiliations
- Harvard University (US)
- University of British Columbia (CA)
- Harvard University
- Corresponding author
- Padgett, R. Noah
- Venue
- The Journal of Positive Psychology
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2024-09-16
- Volume
- 20
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 682-698
- ISSN
- 1743-9760 (ISSN-L)
- 1743-9779
- OpenAlex
- W4402572883
- Cited by
- 4
- References
- 61
- Citations by year
- 2025: 4
- FWCI
- 1.91
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- The Journal of Positive Psychology (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- John Templeton Foundation (61665)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction
- Social Sciences › Decision Sciences › Management Science and Operations Research › Psychometric Methodologies and Testing
- Social Sciences › Health › Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology
- Keywords
- meaning in life, psychometric properties, reliability statistics, validity, coherence, significance, purpose, well-being, university students, financial institution employees
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