| Variable Name | Variable Label | Description | Variable Type | Source (Section) | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meaning in Life | meaning_life | Meaning in life score | numeric | Need for Meaning | mean mlq_01: mlq_10 |
21 Meaning in Life
Cluster: Motivational
21.1 Measure
To examine need for meaning we used The Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ) by Steger, Frazier, Oishi, & Kaler (2006). THe original scale has a two factor structure, with the subscales noted below.
Modifications
The truth-based Likert scale in the MLQ is the standard 7-point truth scale we used throughout the project so this was not altered.
We used the original question wording for the MLQ.
21.2 Implementation
Question wording
Participants read the following text:
Please read each of the following statements carefully and rate how strongly you agree or disagree. There are no right or wrong answers and your responses remain anonymous.
Items
Meaning in Life Questionnaire
| Qlabel | Subscale | question |
|---|---|---|
| mlq_01 | presence | I understand my life’s meaning. |
| mlq_02 | search | I am looking for something that makes my life feel meaningful. |
| mlq_03 | search | I am always looking to find my life’s purpose. |
| mlq_04 | presence | My life has a clear sense of purpose |
| mlq_05 | presence | I have a good sense of what makes my life meaningful. |
| mlq_06 | presence | I have discovered a satisfying life purpose. |
| mlq_07 | search | I am always searching for something that makes my life feel significant. |
| mlq_08 | search | I am seeking a purpose or mission for my life. |
| mlq_09 | presence | My life has no clear purpose. |
| mlq_10 | search | I am searching for meaning in my life. |
21.3 Coding
The Meaning in Life Questionnaire (mlq_ items) used our standard response scale for truth:
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| absolutely untrue | mostly untrue | somewhat untrue | can’t say true or false | somewhat true | mostly true | absolutely true |
Item mlq_09 is reverse coded