Meaningfulness in Life Span Perspectives: An Overview

Purnima Awasthi; Reeta Chauhan; Saroj Verma

Purnima Awasthi Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, F.S.S., Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
Reeta Chauhan Research Scholar, Department of Psychology, F.S.S., Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
Saroj Verma Professor, Department of Psychology, F.S.S., Banaras Hindu University,Varanasi, India

Keywords: Meaningfulness, Life Span

Abstract

Studies related to meaning in life and its relation to wellbeing of individuals' physical and mental health has been investigated in this review. Meaning in life describes about the value of one's life. According to Frankl (1984) meaning in life stands for the natural need for people to find conscious meaning in their lives to live a healthy and well-adapted life and struggle for a sense of significance and purpose in life. Further it has been defined in terms of belief in a purposeful pattern of the universe, which in turn may be defined from religion and spirituality (Yalom, 1980). This paper focuses on the findings of the studies carried out
during the last five years (2009-2014) in the field of health and wellbeing that describe the relationship between meaning in life and health. Studies have identified meaning in life to be an important construct for both general as well as clinical population. It contributes appreciably in the development of life's goal of an individual. Recognition of meaning in life plays a crucial role in the phase of crisis. As a positive psychological construct it also works
as a resource for an individual. Meaning in life also predicts health behaviours. Higher meaning in life was associated with less engagement in health risking behaviours and better physical health. Conclusion and suggestions for future research are outlined.