The Experience of Meaning in Life Classical Perspectives, Emerging Themes, and Controversies

Though scholars generally agree meaning serves an important function, psychologists understanding of meaning in life has progressed relatively slowly. In fact, compared to other well-being variables (e.g., life satisfaction, optimism, etc.), there have been far fewer studies on meaning in life. Moreover, the vast majority of empirical research examining meaning in life has employed cross-sectional designs, primarily focussing on the correlates of existential meaning. Moreover during the 20th century there was only one published experimental study on meaning in life (Williams, Shore & Grahe, 1998).

However, in the past 5 years or so there has been an increased interest in MIL in the psychological sciences. Over 50 articles have been published during this period (most appearing in top-tier journals such as JPSP, psych science, etc.) As such, the authors believe that this is a great time to put together a collection of essays that will help lay the foundations for future avenues of research on MIL. Each chapter will feature an expert on MIL. While most of these experts will be academic, social, or personality psychologists, the authors will also recruit experts from other areas of the field (e.g., Counseling and Clinical psychology). Each chapter will provide a means for the researcher to review his or her own work. At the same time the authors want this to be an opportunity for the researcher to postulate thought proviking ideas that might help future research. At the end of each chapter each contributor is asked to answer 1 question, What is necessary for the scientific study of meaning in life to succeed?

This edited volume addresses many fundamental questions associated with the experience of meaning in life. Overall, the contents of the book covers a broad spectrum of issues relevant to the scientific study of meaning in life. These issues include conceptual and measurement issues facing the field, antecedents to experiencing and constructing a sense of meaning, as well as outcomes of perceiving life as meaningful.

This collection of essays is essential for any researcher or student studying well-being, meaning in life or other existential issues. Each chapter describes important research programs and raises provocative questions regarding the future of meaning in life in the psychological sciences.