Future-oriented function of meaning in life: Promoting hope via future temporal focus

Abstract

Two studies were conducted to examine the promotional role of meaning in life (MIL) on hope and the underlying mediating mechanism via future temporal focus (FTF). Study 1 was a three-wave longitudinal survey including 418 employees (Mage = 35.68; 54.3% women). Results showed that Time 1 MIL positively predicted Time 3 hope via Time 2 FTF. Study 2 was an intervention study conducted with Chinese undergraduate students (n = 129; Mage = 19.65; 84.5% women) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The intervention involved taking a photograph each day of things that “make you feel your life is meaningful.” MIL and FTF were measured before and after the intervention, and assessed daily during the intervention week. Results of the longitudinal mediation analysis and 2-1-2 multilevel mediation model supported the mediational role of FTF between MIL and hope. Furthermore, results showed that MIL increased significantly in both the intervention (n = 64) and control conditions (n = 65). Hierarchical linear modeling found a significant positive relationship of daily MIL on daily FTF. The present findings supported MIL's future-oriented function on hope via FTF. Nevertheless, special attention should be given to the stress context when conducting MIL interventions to promote MIL and hope.