Meaning Matters: A Person-Centered Investigation of Meaning in Life, Future Time Perspective, and Well-Being in Young Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Sica Luigia Simona, Parola Anna, De Rosa Barbara, Sommantico Massimiliano, Fenizia Elisabetta, Postiglione Jacopo, Regnoli Giorgio Maria, Parrello Santa
Primary Institution: Department of Humanities, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
Hypothesis
This study aims to investigate whether meaning in life, optimism and future orientation have acted together as a psychological resource in coping with a non-normative challenge such as the Covid-19 pandemic.
Conclusion
The results support the hypothesis that the presence of meaning in life, a positive life orientation and a positive view of the future act as coping strategies against stressful situations.
Supporting Evidence
- Latent profile analysis identified three profiles: Aggressive coping, Perspective coping, and Flattened coping.
- Profiles with the highest levels of future orientation, optimism, and meaning in life showed the lowest levels of negative psychological functioning.
- The study highlights the importance of meaning in life and optimism as protective factors for young people's well-being during crises.
Takeaway
This study found that having a sense of meaning in life and being optimistic helps young people deal with tough times like the Covid-19 pandemic.
Methodology
A person-centered approach through latent profile analysis and multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze the data.
Potential Biases
Self-reported data may be influenced by social desirability and reporting biases.
Limitations
The study used convenience sampling and self-reported measures, which may limit generalizability and introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
73.5% females, mean age 23.5 years, 54.2% completed secondary school, 45.7% completed a university degree, 78.1% were students.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.034
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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