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Korean Journal of Psychology: General

The effect of meaning in life on happiness and health in late life

Korean Journal of Psychology: General / Korean Journal of Psychology: General, (P)1229-067X; (E)2734-1127
2011, v.30 no.2, pp.503-523



Abstract

Many studies have demonstrated that meaning in life plays a crucial role in wellbeing in late life. There has been little research, however, examining the relative important of meaning in life across ages. The goal of this study was to examine the effect of meaning in life on happiness and health in both younger adults and older adults. In particular, the relative importance of meaning was compared between younger and older adults. 203 college students (M=22.10) and 206 older adults (M=67.40) participated in this study. Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ) was employed to measure the meaning in life and happiness (SHS), physical and psychological symptoms, sleep quality, health related behaviors (regular meal and exercise, frequency of drinking, and smoking) were measured. We found a positive relationship between MLQ and happiness both age groups. More importantly, the effect of MLQ on happiness and health (SHS, sleep quality, regular meal and exercise, smoking) was statistically stronger for older adults than younger adults. The implication for study were discussed.

keywords
meaning in life, happiness, health, younger adults, older adults, 삶의 의미, 행복, 건강, 청년기, 노년기

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Korean Journal of Psychology: General