Arabic validation of the Three-dimensional Meaning in Life (3DM) Scale: A bifactor model approach

Previous research supports the tripartite framework of meaning in life (MiL). The Three Dimensional Meaning in Life Scale (3DM) is a self-report measure drawing upon the tripartite framework. 3DM includes coherence, purpose, and significance. The primary goal of the present research was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the 3DM, and to assess how 3DM and its subscales relate to mental health and psychopathology indicators in a Turkish-speaking adult sample. The present research recruited a sample of 702 participants (Female = 540). Confirmatory factor analysis, measurement invariance analyses, Pearson’s correlation tests, reliability analyses, regression analyses, and independent samples t-tests were utilized. The first-order confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that the Turkish version replicated the 11-item three-factor structure of the 3DM: [(χ2= 181, df =40, p =.00)], CFI = .98, TLI = .97, RMSEA = .071, 90%CI[.060, .081], SRMR = 0.03. Internal consistency coefficients of the subscales and the 3DM total showed strong reliability with strong item-total correlations. The correlation coefficients of the 3DM supported concurrent and divergent validity. The 3DM predicted well-being and psychopathology indicators. Measurement invariance analyses of the subscales demonstrated that coherence, purpose, and significance scales were consistent and equivalent across gender. The results indicate that the Turkish version of the 3DM is a valid and reliable scale when administered among adult Turkish-speaking people.

In recent years, the tripartite conceptualization of meaning in life (MIL) including (a) coherence/comprehension, (b) purpose, and (c) significance/mattering has received growing scholarly consensus and some support from factor analytic findings. However, a considerable body of studies has shown that the three MIL dimensions are highly correlated, suggesting the potential for MIL's unidimensionality. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether a bifactor model, compared to other plausible models, best explained the relations among three MIL dimensions, namely, comprehension, purpose, and mattering. Using four different samples (4,041T1 and 2,717T2 midlife adults, 610 adults, 956 college students, and 346 patients with chronic illnesses), results indicated that the bifactor model best fit the data, compared to the unidimensional model and the correlated three-factor model. The bifactor model provided evidence for an overarching MIL factor. Ancillary bifactor indices favored the unidimensionality of MIL. The findings provide conceptual, measurement, and practical implications for MIL researchers and practitioners. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Meaning in life (MiL) is regarded as a valuable indicator of positive functioning in terms of an understanding of one's purpose in life, well-being, and professional commitment. As such, it is important to improve MiL for the stability of nursing staff. General self-efficacy is a significant predictor of both MiL and nursing professional commitment. Nursing professional commitment is key for both the stability of nursing staff and the provision of excellent health care. Few scholars have investigated the relationship between general self-efficacy and nursing professional commitment. In particular, a possible mediating effect of MiL has not been fully explored in nursing students.We aimed to examine the association between general self-efficacy and MiL among nursing students and to determine whether MiL mediates the relationship between general self-efficacy and nursing professional commitment for Chinese nursing students.A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Between June and September 2019, 710 Chinese nursing students from 2 colleges completed the Meaning in Life Scale (MiLS), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and Nursing Professional Commitment Scale (NPCS). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) and SPSS (version 23.0, IBM Corp, Armonk, NY).The mean MiL score was above the moderate level (M = 52.55, SD = 9.79). However, the mean scores of self-efficacy and nursing professional commitment were relatively low. Self-efficacy was positively related to MiL (B = 0.46, P < .01), and MiL was positively related to nursing professional commitment (B = 0.37, P < .01). However, self-efficacy was not related to nursing professional commitment (B = 0.12, P = .01). We therefore suggest that MiL has a complete mediating role between self-efficacy and nursing professional commitment among Chinese nursing students.In this study, we confirmed the complete mediation of nursing professional commitment by MiL in nursing students, thus providing scientific evidence that could be beneficial for the development of interventions to increase nursing professional commitment.

The study aims to examine the cross-cultural applicability and psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Relationship Meaning in Life (RMIL) scale By collecting data from 3583 high school students in economically disparate urban and rural areas in China, we seek to explore whether this measure demonstrates cross-cultural validity and reliability and investigate its unique explanatory power in addition to meaning in life (MIL). Our results support the two-factor structure of RMIL and its measurement invariance in gender and area. The correlation pattern and mediation model support the RMIL, which is not redundant to the variable meaning in life. The IRT and factor analysis results indicated some future concerns about specific item problems. Cultural and areas differences have been discussed.

The purpose of this study was to test the reliability and validity of an MIL instrument for adolescents. The research design was a three-phase, methodological study. 1) The original 46 items of the Meaning in Life (MIL) Scale were reviewed and corrected partially by 20 adolescents. 2) The content was validated by an expert panel (n=15) and adolescents (n=5). 3) The instrument was validated by survey (n=468). Finally, 33 items were chosen for the adolescents meaning in life(AMIL) scale. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the 33 items was .92, confirming the high internal consistency of the instrument. 2) Eight factors were extracted through factor analysis: 'experience of love', 'making efforts for goal', 'awareness of essential being', 'awareness of self limitation', 'feeling of satisfaction', 'relation experience', 'positive thinking', and 'hope'. These factors explained 58.26% of the total variance. AMIL Scale was identified as a tool with a high degree of reliability and validity. The tool can therefore be effectively utilized to assess the degree of meaning of life in caring areas for adolescents. Studies on AMIL of different adolescent subjects are needed for further verification.

The meaning in life scale: Determining the reliability and validity of a measure

The Fears and Resistances to Mindfulness Scale (FRM) is a self-report measure to help identify who may fear of, have blocks against, and show resistances to mindfulness. The goal of the present study was to evaluate psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the FRM. The study recruited a sample of 448 participants. Participants completed several instruments including the Fears and Resistances to Mindfulness Scale, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales, Multidimensional Existential Meaning Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and Mental Health Continuum-Short Form. Factor analyses confirmed the original two-factor structure of the FRM with good internal consistency and a bifactor model of the FRM. Measurement invariance analyses across gender showed consistent psychometric properties across gender. The subscales and the general factor had positive associations with depression, anxiety, and stress, whereas they predominantly were negatively associated with well-being indicators or irrelevant. This study confirms the original factor structure of the FRM in a non-Western context along with a bifactor model. The Turkish version of the FRM is a valid and reliable instrument.

Using a sample of 450 emerging adult university students, this study examined the effects of relationship status and gender on meaning in life (MIL) dimensions and the relationship between social media use and MIL dimensions among participants. The MIL Questionnaire (MLQ) and a subscale of the Sources of Meaning and MLQ (SoMe) were used to measure three different life meaning dimensions (presence of meaning, search for meaning, and crises of meaning). Findings suggested that being in a romantic relationship is positively associated with the presence of MIL. Findings also revealed that the time spent on social media and social media satisfaction affects MIL dimensions. Implications for counselors and other mental health professionals are presented and have the potential to impact college students’ MIL issues.

Adolescents with Nephrotic Syndrome (NS) confront unique challenges that influence their Meaning of Life (MOL), a concept crucial for psychological resilience. The chronic nature of NS and its associated burdens necessitate a deeper exploration of MOL and its determinants within this demographic, previously underexamined in research. This study aims to investigate MOL among Chinese adolescents with NS, identifying key factors influencing their sense of meaning and examining the interrelations with Subjective Well-Being (SWB) and Psychological Security (PS). Employing a cross-sectional survey design, we analyzed 150 adolescents with NS from Baise City, Guangxi, using the Purpose in Life (PIL) scale alongside PS and SWB scales. Sociodemographic and disease-related variables were assessed for their impact on MOL. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression, and correlation analyses to explore predictors of MOL and its association with SWB and PS. A significant proportion (62.0%) of participants exhibited MOL scores below the threshold, indicating diminished life meaning. Critical factors impacting MOL included 'left-behind' status, family structure, educational disruptions, and NS duration. Strong correlations emerged between MOL, SWB (r = 0.70, p < 0.01), and PS, highlighting the interdependence of these psychological dimensions. The study further revealed 'Proactivity' as a vital component of MOL, suggesting that despite their challenges, adolescents with NS maintain a keen engagement with life. Key aspects such as 'Certainty in Control', 'Mood of Melancholy or Pleasure', and 'Vitality' emerged as crucial for intervention. The findings underline the profound impact of NS on adolescents' MOL, influenced by both sociodemographic and disease-specific factors. By identifying key areas for psychological intervention, this study contributes to the holistic care and treatment of adolescents with NS, advocating for integrated approaches that address their unique challenges and support systems.

Purpose This study examined hope, meaning in life (MIL), and religious/spiritual struggle (RSS) as predictors of the quality of life (QOL) in cancer patients. We hypothesized a positive association of QOL with hope and MIL, whereas a negative association with RSS. The stage of cancer was hypothesized as a moderator variable between QOL and hope. Hope and MIL were assumed as positive predictors and RSS as negative predictor of QOL. Methods Data stem from the cross-sectional survey study of 300 cancer patients (Mean age = 50.97 ± 13.50 SD). Herth Hope Index, Meaning in Life Scale, Religious Spiritual Struggle Scale and WHO-QOL-BRIEF were used. The correlation coefficient and partial least square structural equation modeling approach (PLS-SEM) were used for assessing the measurement model and the structural model. Results As hypothesized, QOL was found positively associated with Hope and MIL, but negatively associated with RSS. The stage of cancer was hypothesized as a negative moderator. The three predictors significantly predicted QOL in cancer patients and explained 75.3% of the variance in QOL, and the overall model fit was adequate (SRMR = 0.075). Hope and MIL had a positive impact on QOL (β = .356, p < 0.01; β = .355 p < 0.01, respectively), whereas RSS had a negative impact (β = –.102, p < .05). The Stage of cancer did not moderate the path coefficient between the hope and QOL to a significant degree (β = .097, p > 0.01). Conclusion In cancer patients, hope and MIL are facilitators of QOL. Addressing religious and spiritual concerns and struggles is critical to overall QOL improvement.

Providing care for terminally ill family members places an enormous burden on informal caregivers. Meaning in life (MiL) may be a protective factor, but is jeopardised in caregiving and bereavement. This study evaluates the following questions: To what extent do bereaved informal caregivers of palliative care (PC) patients experience meaning in their lives? What differences emerge in carers compared to the general German population? How does MiL relate to well-being in former caregivers? Eighty-four bereaved PC caregivers completed the Schedule for Meaning in Life Evaluation, the Brief Symptom Inventory, the WHOQOL-BREF, a single-item numerical rating scale of quality of life, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. The experience of MiL of bereaved caregivers was compared to a representative population sample (n=977). The overall MiL fulfillment of bereaved caregivers (69 % female, age 55.5 ± 12.9 years) was significantly lower than in the general population (68.5 ± 19.2 vs. 83.3 ± 14, p<.001), as was the overall importance ascribed to their meaning framework (76.6 ± 13.6 vs. 85.6 ± 12.3, p< .001). PC caregivers are far more likely to list friends, leisure, nature/animals, and altruism. Higher MiL was correlated with better life satisfaction and quality of life. Coping with the loss of a loved one is associated with changes in MiL framework and considerably impairs a carer's experience of MiL fulfillment. Individual MiL is associated with well-being in PC caregivers during early bereavement. Specific interventions for carers targeted at meaning reconstruction during palliative care and bereavement are needed to help individuals regain a sense of meaning and purpose.

Objective To research the psychometric properties and usability of the Purpose in Life Test-Short Form(PIL-SF) for Chinese University students. Methods 997 college students were measured by Purpose in Life (PIL), Meaningful Life Measure (MLM) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and 120 college students were twice measured by the same questionnaire after four weeks. Results The item discrimination index were all above 0.7(r=0.753~0.838, P<0.01). The internal consistency reliability of PIL-SF was 0.811, the split-half reliability was 0.774 and the test-retest reliability was 0.786. The criterion correlations of PIL-SF with PIL, MLM and SWLS was 0.83, 0.67 and 0.46 respectively (P<0.01). The PIL-SF average scores of these students was 5.18±1.09. Most of the college students' meaning of life were at a relatively higher level. There were 10.9% of students lack goals and poor meaning of life, 23.5% of them do not have clear purpose, relatively lower meaning of life, 37.5% of them had relatively higher meaning of life and 28.1% of them hold explicit purpose. Conclusion The reliability and validity of PIL-SF are favorable, and it is a useful tool to be used in the mental health screening and evaluation the people’s meaning in life quickly. Key words: Meaning in life; Purpose in life; Purpose in life test; Reliability; Validity

Previous cross-sectional studies have shown that meaning in life (MIL) is closely associated with college students' smartphone addiction (SA), but the causal relationship between MIL and college students' SA is uncertain. Therefore, conducting a longitudinal study to explore their relationship is very necessary. Furthermore, some studies have implied possible gender differences in the relationship between MIL and SA and the relationship between SA and MIL. Therefore, it is necessary to further examine whether there are gender differences in the above relationships. The present study constructed a three-wave cross-lag panel model to explore the relationships between MIL and college students' SA. Three waves of data were collected from 705 college students (male: 338; female: 367) in China for three consecutive years, and the interval of data collection was 1 year. These college students completed the same online questionnaire regarding MIL and SA. (1) The MIL of male college students was significantly stronger than that of female college students at time 1, time 2, and time 3, (2) Female college students' SA at time 1, time 2, and time 3 was more serious than that of male college students, (3) There were reciprocal relationships between MIL and college students' SA, (4) The influence of MIL on female college students' SA was significantly stronger than that of male college students, and (5) The influence of SA on female college students' MIL was significantly stronger than that of male college students. This study showed reciprocal relationships between MIL and SA among male college students and female college students. The findings further deepen our understanding of the relationship between MIL and SA and provide a gender perspective for preventing or intervening with college students' SA.

Stay-at-home orders issued to combat the growing number of infections during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 had many psychological consequences for people including elevated stress, anxiety, and difficulty maintaining meaning in their lives. The present studies utilized cross-sectional designs and were conducted to better understand how social media usage related to people’s subjective isolation (i.e., social loneliness, emotional loneliness, and existential isolation) and meaning in life (MIL) during the early months of the pandemic within the United States. Study 1 found that general social media use indirectly predicted higher MIL via lower existential isolation and social isolation. Study 2 replicated these patterns and found that social media use also predicted lower MIL via higher emotional loneliness, and that the aforementioned effects occurred with active, but not passive, social media use. Findings suggest social media use may be a viable means to validate one’s experiences (i.e., reduce existential isolation) during the pandemic but may also lead to intensified feelings concerning missing others (i.e., increased emotional loneliness). This research also helps to identify potential divergent effects of social media on MIL and helps to clarify the relationships among varying types of subjective isolation.

School climate is a relevant construct for understanding social relations at school. The SCASIM-St has been widely defined as a multidimensional construct; however, new factor structures have not been explored through evidence that allows for interpreting school climate scores from an approach that respects the multidimensionality of the scale and, at the same time, allows for identifying the degree of essential unidimensionality in the data. Consequently, the objective was to analyze the psychometric properties of the SCASIM-St from a bifactor model approach, evaluating the influence of a general school climate factor versus five specific factors. The study involved 1860 students of both sexes (42% males and 58% females), with an average age of 16.63 years (SD = 0.664), from 17 secondary schools in Chile. The results obtained by a confirmatory factor analysis provided evidence that the best model was the bifactor model for the 38 items, with one general factor and five specific factors. The Explained Common Variance (ECV) values and reliability levels by hierarchical omega accounted for a strong general school climate factor with high levels of reliability. Evidence of external criterion validity, assessed through the attitude toward authority scale (AIA-A), showed a theoretically expected and significant relationship between the factors of both instruments. This study confirmed the psychometric robustness of the SCASIM-St scale by means of a bifactor model, allowing for a new, essentially unidimensional interpretation of the scale scores and providing an instrument to measure school climate in Chile.