Engagement In Meaningful Activities Survey Research Articles

Engagement in Meaningful Activities Among Residents with Dementia in Assisted Living

AbstractBackgroundEngagement in meaningful activities is beneficial for the physical and psychological well‐being of persons with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia (ADRD). Meaningful activities are a critical dimension of person‐centered care, although challenges exist in providing them for persons with ADRD in long‐term care settings. The purpose of this study was to describe engagement in meaningful activities among residents with ADRD in assisted living.MethodThis study included baseline data collected from the first cohort of the randomized controlled trial, Meaningful Activities for Managing Behavioral Symptoms of Distress (MAC‐4‐BSD). Assisted living residents were eligible if they were ≥55 years old, live in a participating setting, and screen positive for dementia based on the Saint Louis University Mental Status exam (SLUMS) and AD8 Dementia Screening Interview. Residents were excluded if they were enrolled in hospice, admitted for short term respite, or had a significant neurological condition not related to ADRD. Residents’ engagement in meaningful activities was evaluated based on the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey (EMAS). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize sample characteristics and describe engagement in meaningful activities.ResultA total of 38 residents from 3 assisted living communities were included in the sample. Most participants were female (71%), White (82%), and mean age was 81 years old (SD = 7.9). Average score on the SLUMS was 4.5 (SD = 4.9). The EMAS mean score was 43.57 (SD = 10.9) with a range of 25 to 60. Participation was endorsed most frequently for activities that give them pleasure (60.7%) and a sense of satisfaction (64.3%). Participation was endorsed least frequently for activities that help other people (35.7%), contribute to feeling competent (42.9%), and have the right amount of challenge (42.8%).ConclusionFindings from this study offer preliminary insights into residents’ engagement in meaningful activities in assisted living and suggest there is limited participation in activities that help others, help with feeling competent, and have the right challenge level for those with ADRD. Although limited by small sample size, this study highlights the need for increasing engagement in meaningful volunteer activities to help others which recent research demonstrates could positively impact physical and cognitive health outcomes.

Usability of a mobile phone application to enhance activities of daily living in occupational therapy services for breast cancer survivors.

Background/Objective: The use of new technologies in rehabilitation to evaluate and improve occupational performance and quality of life is increasing. Technological applications in the health field could help meet the needs of patients, including those of women breast cancer survivors. The main aim of this study was to design a mobile phone application "MAIA" focused on the perceived needs of women who have had breast cancer to achieve optimal performance in their daily lives in a meaningful way. Methods: A cross-sectional usability study using an online questionnaire was designed. Sociodemographic and occupational performance data were collected. System Usability Scale, Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey, Occupational Balance Questionnaire, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand were administered. Descriptive statistics were used to describe categorical (frequencies and percentages) and quantitative variables (mean and standard deviation). Results: The sample was composed of seventy-eight women diagnosed with breast cancer. Nine activities of daily living were affected in more than 20% of women with breast cancer. The most affected were sleep and rest and functional mobility. Conclusions: Women survivors of breast cancer showed difficulties in daily life performance and participation. The MAIA App could be useful as a new online resource in occupational therapy for the rehabilitation of breast cancer survivors.

MOSAIC, an example of comprehensive and integrated social and health care: care and practices oriented towards personal recovery.

The Mosaic project is a socio-health integration model that promotes the personal recovery of people with severe mental illness in a territory of Central Catalonia: the Bages region. The recovery approach in mental health care promotes meaningful activities and social inclusion for people with mental health disorders. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the level of meaningful activities and other factors associated with the mental health recovery model. A cross-sectional design was used. Participants (n = 59) signed an informed consent and completed the following standardized instruments: Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey; The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale; Hert Hope Scale; and Recovery Assessment Scale. A Pearson correlation test was performed between the level of meaningful activities and life satisfaction, resilience, hope, and recovery. These data indicate that the amount of meaningful activities are strongly associated with variables related to the personal recovery process from mental health problems. The integration process of MOSAIC confirms the need to accompany the recovery processes through significant occupations.

Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the engagement in meaningful activities survey

Introduction: Engaging in meaningful activities contributes to health and well-being. Therefore, it is important to measure this with reliable and valid evaluation tools. The Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey (EMAS-VL) has been cross-culturally validated in Flemish and the psychometric properties determined. Method: The adaptation process followed the guidelines ‘Translation and Adaptation of Instruments’ and ‘Cross-Cultural Adaptation of Self Report’. A forward and backward translation was performed. Three authors of the original EMAS were in close contact. Pretesting and cognitive interviews were performed on a sample of 10 chronically ill individuals. Psychometric analysis of survey data, collected during the COVID-19 lockdown ( N = 1938 Belgian adults, Flemish speaking), was performed. Internal consistency, factorial validity and construct validity were examined. Results: The adaptation process involved an accurate analysis of the items of the EMAS by the expert panel and EMAS authors. The EMAS-VL showed high reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.91). Exploratory factor analysis discerned an interpretable two-factorial structure of the EMAS-VL. As hypothesized, moderate associations were found between GHQ-12 ( r = −0.57) and CD-RISC ( r = 0.50) so the EMAS-VL possesses satisfactory construct validity as well. Conclusion: EMAS-VL is shown to be a reliable and valid instrument for evaluating meaning in activities in Flanders.

"Kickstart to Recovery": An Irish Football Program for Mental Health Service Users.

The "Kickstart to Recovery" program is a collaboration between Irish mental health occupational therapists and the Football Association of Ireland. This pilot study aimed to investigate whether participants experienced changes in quality of life, recovery, social gains, and the meaning of football following participation in the program. A quantitative pre-post study design was employed, with 27 participants completing a questionnaire consisting of outcome measures aimed to measure the above changes. Findings revealed statistically significant improvements in the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36) "Energy/Fatigue" domain for the total sample and the Recovery Assessment Survey-Domains and Scales (RAS-DS) "Mastering My Illness" domain for first-time program participants. Statistically significant results were found for domains of "Social Functioning" and "Emotional Wellbeing" in groups incorporating additional social elements. The Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey (EMAS) showed no change for the personal meaning participants attributed to football; however, high pre-test scores were noted. The "Kickstart to Recovery" program is attributed as a possible factor contributing to these results.

Relationship between engagement in meaningful activities, self-efficacy, and quality of life in healthy young adults: An exploratory study

Background The use of meaningful activities promotes health and well-being. There is no study with a healthy adult Spanish population that tries to determine how people engage in meaningful activities and the relationship between self-efficacy and quality of life. Aims This study aimed to 1) confirm the construct validity of the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey (EMAS) with a healthy population; 2) evaluate the internal consistency of the EMAS for a non-clinical population, and 3) examine convergent validity with self-efficacy (General Self-Efficacy) and health-related quality of life. Material and Methods The methodology for construct validation and reliability of health questionnaires was conducted. A total of 177 non-clinical adults participated, between 18 and 60 years old. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed, and Cronbach’s alpha was obtained to measure internal consistency for EMAS. A correlation analysis was performed with the other variables of interest: self-efficacy and quality of life. Results The two-dimensional structure of the EMAS for the non-clinical adult population is confirmed: personal emotional competence versus the social experiential component. In addition, the results indicate a moderate association between engagement in meaningful activities and self-efficacy. Conclusion The EMAS is a valid questionnaire to be used in the Spanish adult population.

Meaningful Engagement as a Predictor of Psychological Well-Being for Adults With Low Income.

The activities that people engage in influence their well-being. Adults with low income have limited resources, which can affect their engagement in meaningful activities. Exploring the connection between meaningful engagement and well-being is an important step in providing occupational justice for this marginalized population. To examine whether engagement in meaningful activities uniquely contributes to well-being for adults with low income after controlling for demographic variables. Cross-sectional exploratory study design. Community agencies serving adults with low income, a local library, and a university union hall in northwest Ohio. Adults with low income (N = 186). Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey (EMAS), and the World Health Organization-5 Wellbeing Index (WHO-5). We examined the influence of demographics and EMAS on the WHO-5. We identified a moderate correlation between the EMAS and WHO-5 (r = .52, p ≤ .05). Linear regression revealed an R2 = .27, F(7, 164) = 8.75, p < .001, with the EMAS and participant attributes as predictor variables. The R2 changed to .02 (p = .85) without the EMAS in the model. Findings support the need for and use of meaningful activities to support well-being and health for adults with low income. What This Article Adds: Findings build on the evidence supporting the role of engagement in meaningful activities by drawing connections to a well-known and widely used measure of subjective psychological well-being and applying these connections to adults with low income. Occupational therapy practitioners can use measures such as the EMAS to strategically infuse aspects of meaning that promote engagement and foster well-being.

Fear of falling, meaningful activity participation and community reintegration among stroke survivors in southwest Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Background/Aims Community reintegration remains one of the most important goals of rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between fear of falling, meaningful activity participation and community reintegration of community-dwelling stroke survivors. Methods The Fall Efficacy Scale-International, Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey and Reintegration to Normal Living Index were used to assess fear of falling, meaningful activity participation and community reintegration respectively among self-ambulant stroke survivors receiving treatment in physiotherapy outpatient clinics. The study was a cross-sectional survey. Tests of relationships, regression and association were performed with a level of significance set at P&lt;0.05. Results A significant relationship was found between fear of falling and community reintegration (r=−0.27; P=0.01; 95% confidence interval=−0.53 to 0.04); meaningful activity participation and community reintegration (r=0.72; P=0.001; 95% CI=0.48 to 0.89) and fear of falling and meaningful activity participation (r=−0.71; P=0.53; 95% CI=−0.32 to 0.24). Older participants had lower levels of community reintegration and meaningful activity participation. A significant association was found between fear of falling and fall history (P=0.02); increased falls meant higher levels of fear of falling. Sex and duration of stroke had no significant impact on fear of falling, meaningful activity participation and community reintegration. Meaningful activity participation was the strongest predictor of community reintegration (β=1.7; 95% CI=1.30 to 2.11; P=0.001). Conclusions Fear of falling might limit participation in meaningful activity and community integration among stroke survivors. These parameters should be assessed by allied health professionals during stroke rehabilitation.

The impact of covid-19 lockdown on the Quality of life, meaningful activities, and frailty in community-dwelling octogenarians: A study in Belgium

Objectives To investigate the impact of COVID-19 lockdown on quality of life (QoL), meaningful daily activities, and (pre)frailty in community-dwelling octogenarians. Methods Cross-sectional design with bivariate and multiple linear regression modeling using a stepwise approach examining the level of QoL during the COVID-19 lockdown in a group of 215 community-dwelling octogenarians (Mage = 86.49 ± 3.02). A comprehensive set of biopsychosocial variables (FRAIL scale, general health, engagement in meaningful activities survey, questions on loneliness, and feelings) were used as explaining variables. Results Particularly, a decrease in daily activities, social activities, and an increase in free times activities were observed, but the decrease in QoL could be explained by the meaningfulness in activities, together with experiencing emptiness in life, taking ≥ 4 medications a day and feeling down or depressed. Conclusions We tried to understand which components contribute to and might affect a person’s QoL caused by restrictions imposed by the governance and its influence on the lives of the community-dwelling octogenarians. As such, this output could be a baseline for the development of minimally impacting countermeasures during future lockdowns. Clinical implications Studying lifestyle changes and thus also variables related to QoL during a pandemic, may support policymakers and practitioners to develop relevant interventions.

Validation of the Persian Version of the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey (EMAS) in an Iranian Stroke Population: Predictors of Participation in Meaningful Activities.

The inability to participate in meaningful activities is one of stroke survivors' main difficulties and has a negative effect on their satisfaction and quality of life. To assess the reliability and validity of the Persian version of the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey (EMAS-P) and predictors of participation in meaningful activity among chronic stroke survivors. Cross-sectional. Medical and rehabilitation centers. One hundred twenty-three people (75 men, 48 women) with chronic stroke. Participants were evaluated with the EMAS-P, Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, Purpose in Life Test-Short Form (PIL-SF), 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and Life Satisfaction Index-Z (LSI-Z). The EMAS-P showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = .95) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = .87 for EMAS-P total score). Test-retest reliability for each EMAS-P item was moderate (κ = .40-.65). A significant correlation between the EMAS-P and PIL-SF (r = .86), SWLS (r = .83), LSI-Z (r = .75), and SF-36 subscales (rs = .52-.83) indicated the appropriate convergent validity. The EMAS-P's discriminative validity was also confirmed for age, depression level, and disability level among people with chronic stroke. Depression, disability level, gender, and fatigue were significant predictors of EMAS-P score. The results indicate that the EMAS-P has acceptable reliability and validity among Iranian people with chronic stroke. Moreover, the EMAS-P showed good discriminant validity for age, depression, and disability level among them. What This Article Adds: The EMAS-P is a reliable and valid scale for assessing the engagement of Iranian chronic stroke survivors in meaningful activities and thus should be helpful in both clinical research and practice.

Development of the Japanese Version of the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey.

To create a Japanese version of the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey (EMAS) and assess internal consistency, test-retest reliability, convergent and structural validity. We conducted a cultural translation and validation study of the Japanese version of the EMAS (EMAS-J) in a sample of 96 community-dwelling older adults in the Tohoku Region of Japan. Internal consistency of the EMAS-J (α = .91) was very good. Low to moderate correlations were found with indicators of health-related quality of life, depression, and life purpose and meaning. Exploratory factor analysis indicated a two-factor structure within the EMAS-J; cultural differences in item-factor composition compared with previously reported EMAS factor structures are discussed. The EMAS-J is a reliable and valid assessment of engagement in meaningful activities for older adults in Japan. The assessment can be used to evaluate the effects of occupation-based interventions upon health and well-being.

Training Peer Support Workers in Mental Health Care: A Mixed Methods Study in Central Catalonia.

IntroductionA mental health peer support program was implemented at two reference institutions in Central Catalonia. The program culturally and contextually adapted successful international projects by training people with experience of mental health problems and ensuring their employment in multidisciplinary health care teams. This study explores the influence of peer interventions in mental health on the three groups of participants: peer support workers, service users, and mental health professionals.MethodsA mixed observational method design included pre-, inter-, and post-experimental components and a qualitative description of the impact. The triangulation of the qualitative and quantitative findings showed its coherence and facilitated the understanding of the results. Outcomes and measures were as follows: self-stigma (Self-Stigma Questionnaire); life satisfaction (Scale of Satisfaction with Life); participation in relevant activities (Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey); personal recovery (Scale-revised Recovery Assessment); occupational performance (Canadian Occupational Performance Measure); and attitudes toward mental illness (Community Attitudes toward Mental Illness).ResultsThe program showed beneficial effects on peer support workers' (PSW) perceptions of occupational performance, specifically on the ability to find work (p = 0.038), work as a peer support worker (p = 0.016), give to the community (p = 0.011), and satisfaction in the ability to find work (p = 0.031). The assessment made by the three groups of participants was very positive: the PSWs showed an increase in self-esteem and a feeling of usefulness; users of the service described the experience as a source of hope and optimism in their recovery process; and professionals described the program as a positive step in their professional growth.DiscussionThe peer-to-peer strategy is a source of hope in the personal recovery process, providing meaning to life for the PSWs while providing an extra source of support to service users in their process of personal recovery. The results offer us lines of improvement for future implementations. PSW's final emphasis has us reflecting on improvements to enhance their own wellness in mental health care services. The findings show the importance of working on life projects and their impact on the recovery process.

Translation and Cultural Adaptation into Spanish of the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey.

Background Participation in meaningful activities contributes to individual well-being, so it is essential to have specific evaluation tools that can assess this complex construct Objectives To create a Spanish version (EDIAS) of the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey (EMAS) by following best practices in instrument translation. Methodology. The translation was made according to the Principles of Good Practice for the translation and cultural adaptation of patient-reported outcome measures. Results The adaptation process involved a meticulous analysis of item equivalence by the expert committee and an expert on the EMAS. Also, harmonization with other translated versions and a cognitive debriefing was carried to assess comprehensibility. Conclusion Following best practice, this study has developed the EDIAS, a tool for evaluating participation in meaningful activities adapted to the Spanish context.

Meaningful activities during COVID-19 lockdown and association with mental health in Belgian adults

BackgroundThe spread of COVID-19 has affected people's daily lives, and the lockdown may have led to a disruption of daily activities and a decrease of people's mental health.AimTo identify correlates of adults' mental health during the COVID-19 lockdown in Belgium and to assess the role of meaningful activities in particular.MethodsA cross-sectional web survey for assessing mental health (General Health Questionnaire), resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale), meaning in activities (Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey), and demographics was conducted during the first Belgian lockdown between April 24 and May 4, 2020. The lockdown consisted of closing schools, non-essential shops, and recreational settings, employees worked from home or were technically unemployed, and it was forbidden to undertake social activities. Every adult who had access to the internet and lived in Belgium could participate in the survey; respondents were recruited online through social media and e-mails. Hierarchical linear regression was used to identify key correlates.ResultsParticipants (N = 1781) reported low mental health (M = 14.85/36). In total, 42.4% of the variance in mental health could be explained by variables such as gender, having children, living space, marital status, health condition, and resilience (β= -.33). Loss of meaningful activities was strongly related to mental health (β= -.36) and explained 9% incremental variance (R2 change= .092, p<.001) above control variables.ConclusionsThe extent of performing meaningful activities during the COVID-19 lockdown in Belgium was positively related to adults' mental health. Insights from this study can be taken into account during future lockdown measures in case of pandemics.Key messages Performing meaningful activities during COVID-19 lockdown contributes to better mental health.The lockdown has led to a disruption of daily activities and a decrease of people’s mental health.

Loneliness and Activity Engagement Among Rural Homebound Older Adults With and Without Self-Reported Depression.

Rural homebound older adults are a vulnerable population at risk for depression, loneliness, and limited participation, but studies that examine these factors in this population are scarce. To describe the degree of depression, loneliness, and activity engagement among rural homebound older adults and determine differences in loneliness and activity engagement between those with and those without self-reported depression. Cross-sectional survey. Two rural counties in south central Indiana. Homebound adults ages 60 yr and older who received nutritional or companionship services from a local Area Agency on Aging. Outcomes and Measures: Depression was measured with an item on the self-report questionnaire and the Geriatric Depression Scale-15. Loneliness was measured with an item on the self-report questionnaire and the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Activity engagement was measured with the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey and the Meaningful Activity Participation Assessment. Ninety-one participants returned surveys, of which 78 were analyzed. Regarding depression, 40% of participants reported having it, but results for the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 showed that 63% were in the indicative or suggestive range for depression. Participants in general reported moderate loneliness and low to moderate engagement in meaningful activities. Those with self-reported depression had significantly higher loneliness and lower activity engagement, particularly in self-care, leisure, and socializing activities. A high proportion of this sample of rural homebound older adults had depression. Those who did tended to have a higher degree of loneliness and lower engagement in meaningful activities. What This Article Adds: Depression was associated with greater loneliness and lower activity engagement in rural homebound older adults. Occupational therapy practitioners serving rural homebound older adults with depression should consider providing interventions to address loneliness and facilitate activity engagement.

Meaningful activities during COVID-19 lockdown and association with mental health in Belgian adults

BackgroundThe spread of COVID-19 has affected people’s daily lives, and the lockdown may have led to a disruption of daily activities and a decrease of people’s mental health.AimTo identify correlates of adults’ mental health during the COVID-19 lockdown in Belgium and to assess the role of meaningful activities in particular.MethodsA cross-sectional web survey for assessing mental health (General Health Questionnaire), resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale), meaning in activities (Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey), and demographics was conducted during the first Belgian lockdown between April 24 and May 4, 2020. The lockdown consisted of closing schools, non-essential shops, and recreational settings, employees worked from home or were technically unemployed, and it was forbidden to undertake social activities. Every adult who had access to the internet and lived in Belgium could participate in the survey; respondents were recruited online through social media and e-mails. Hierarchical linear regression was used to identify key correlates.ResultsParticipants (N = 1781) reported low mental health (M = 14.85/36). In total, 42.4% of the variance in mental health could be explained by variables such as gender, having children, living space, marital status, health condition, and resilience (β = −.33). Loss of meaningful activities was strongly related to mental health (β = −.36) and explained 9% incremental variance (R2 change = .092, p < .001) above control variables.ConclusionsThe extent of performing meaningful activities during the COVID-19 lockdown in Belgium was positively related to adults’ mental health. Insights from this study can be taken into account during future lockdown measures in case of pandemics.

Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey in people with serious mental illness

IntroductionFacilitating engagement in meaningful activities is a key intervention in the recovery process of people with serious mental illness. This study validates the use of the Engagement in M...

Effect of Community-Based Occupational Therapy on Health-Related Quality of Life and Engagement in Meaningful Activities of Women with Breast Cancer

We aimed to evaluate the short-term effects of community-based occupational therapy on health-related quality of life and engagement in meaningful activities among women with breast cancer. An open label randomized controlled trial study design was applied. The participants were members of various societies of women with cancer. In total, 22 women have participated in the study. Participants of the experimental group (n = 11) participated in a 6-week community-based occupational therapy program and the usual activities of various societies, whereas the control group (n = 11) women participated in the usual activities of the societies only. 1 of the participants withdrew during the course; therefore 21 completed the study successfully. Participants of both groups were assessed for health-related quality of life and the participants of the experimental group were assessed for engagement in meaningful activities. The evaluation was carried out during the nonacute period of the disease—at the beginning of the study and after 6 weeks. Women of the experimental group demonstrated statistically significantly better scores in the global quality of life, role functions, physical, emotional, cognitive, and social functions, fatigue, insomnia, financial impact, systemic therapy side effects, and breast symptoms scales compared to the control group participants (p < 0.05) after the 6 weeks, as measured by the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire and its breast cancer module QLQ-BR23. Furthermore, women of the experimental group demonstrated significant greater engagement in meaningful activities when applying community-based occupational therapy (p < 0.05), as measured by using the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey (EMAS). The evaluation of the associations between the women's engagement in meaningful activities and changes in health-related quality of life showed that greater engagement in meaningful activities was associated with better emotional functions and a lower level of insomnia (p < 0.05). Based on the results of our study, we recommend applying occupational therapy in the field of community healthcare in order to maintain or improve breast cancer patients' health-related quality of life and suggest involving women into meaningful activities during community-based occupational therapy after clarifying which activities are important to them.

Kwestionariusz Zaangażowania w Diałania Znaczące (KZDZ) B. Goldberg, E. S. Brintnell i J. Goldberga. Adaptacja Polska

This study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of the Polish version of the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey (EMAS; B. Goldberg, Brintnell, &amp; J. Goldberg), which measures engagement in meaningful activities, understood as activities that serve a purpose significant from a personal or cultural perspective. We present definitions of key concepts, previous research related to the survey, and preliminary research on the Polish version of the survey. The study was conducted on a sample of 237 individuals: employees of cultural institutions, care associations, and corporations as well as teachers working in special schools and high schools. The results indicate a high reliability of the tool (Cronbach’s α = .88). They also reveal relations between engagement in meaningful activities and variables such as meaningfulness of work (r = .65) and job satisfaction (r = .65), and differences across professions in the level of engagement in meaningful activities.

Kwestionariusz Zaangażowania w Diałania Znaczące (KZDZ) B. Goldberg, E. S. Brintnell i J. Goldberga. Adaptacja Polska

This study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of the Polish version of the Engagement in Meaningful Activities Survey (EMAS; B. Goldberg, Brintnell, &amp; J. Goldberg), which measures engagement in meaningful activities, understood as activities that serve a purpose significant from a personal or cultural perspective. We present definitions of key concepts, previous research related to the survey, and preliminary research on the Polish version of the survey. The study was conducted on a sample of 237 individuals: employees of cultural institutions, care associations, and corporations as well as teachers working in special schools and high schools. The results indicate a high reliability of the tool (Cronbach’s α = .88). They also reveal relations between engagement in meaningful activities and variables such as meaningfulness of work (r = .65) and job satisfaction (r = .65), and differences across professions in the level of engagement in meaningful activities.