Meaning In Life Questionnaire Research Articles

A study on the impact of life meaning on occupational identity of nursing students in China:a cross-sectional study

BackgroundWith the alterations of the Chinese epidemic prevention policy, China experienced a nationwide wave of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic from December 2022 to January 2023.The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic extends beyond individual perceptions of the meaning of life and attitudes toward life and death; it also affects the professional identity of nursing students.This study explored nursing students’ professional identity and life meaning of affected by the pandemic.MethodsAn online survey was conducted using the Chinese version of the Nursing Student Career Identity Scale and the Chinese version of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire to assess the current status of nursing students’ professional identity and sense of life meaning. Data were also collected on participant gender, education, clinical practice experience, and COVID-19 infection.ResultsThe scores for nursing students’ sense of professional identity (61.58 ± 16.16) and sense of life meaning (45.29 ± 12.65) were both at an intermediate level. Compared to the scores before the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese nursing students’ professional identity scores increased, while their sense of life meaning scores decreased. Moreover, we found a positive correlation between professional identity and sense of life meaning (p < 0.001); nursing students exhibited a stronger professional identity when they had a relatively higher sense of life meaning than those with a relatively lower sense of life meaning.ConclusionEnhancing nursing students’ sense of meaning in life is crucial for maintaining their professional identity. Attention should be given to life education for nursing students and the development of relevant educational curricula.

Psychological impact of COVID-19 on university students in Oman: an examination of stress, resilience and meaning in life

PurposeThis cross-sectional online survey in Oman in April 2021 aimed to assess university students' resilience, stress levels and meaning during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify characteristic profiles.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from full-time students at one University in Oman. Outcomes included sociodemographic information, the brief resilience scale, the perceived stress scale-4 and the meaning in life questionnaire to explore the students' profiles.FindingsA total of 964 students participated (response rate = 34.8%), of which 35% had low resilience scores. The average perceived stress, presence of meaning in life and search for meaning in life scores were 7.9 ± 2.3, 24.2 ± 6.9 and 24.9 ± 7.7, respectively. Cluster analysis identified three groups: low-risk and fewer impacts (cluster A, n = 503, 523%), moderate-risk and moderate impacts (cluster B, n = 160, 16.6%) and high-risk and more impacts (cluster C, n = 301, 31.2%). Cluster C students experienced more psychological problems and were at high risk during the pandemic.Research limitations/implicationsThe respondents' honesty is a possible error that could influence the results. Low response rates limit its generalizability, and cause-effect relationships among mental health outcomes cannot be discerned.Practical implicationsThis study identified three distinct groups of students, each with different levels of severity in their health problems. There is an increased need for education and counseling to support students during this period, and university management should focus on implementing personal precautionary measures and providing high-tech, user-friendly platforms for students to enhance their learning.Originality/valueThese findings suggest that tailored strategies should be developed to address the unique psychological needs of each group. The study provides important information for university management to understand the pandemic's psychological impact on students and develop effective interventions to support their well-being.

Does early adversity predict aggression among Chinese male violent juvenile offenders? The mediating role of life history strategy and the moderating role of meaning in life

BackgroundAdolescent aggression has long been of interest to researchers. However, few studies have examined the influencing factors and mechanisms of aggression among violent juvenile offenders. This study tests a moderated mediation model with Chinese male violent juvenile offenders as subjects. Specifically, it explores the relationship between early adversity and aggression, as well as the mechanisms of life history strategy and meaning in life in this relationship.MethodsA total of 537 Chinese male violent juvenile offenders completed the Childhood Environment Scale, the Life History Strategy Short Form Scale, the Aggression Questionnaire, and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire. After controlling for socioeconomic status (SES), the current cross-sectional study used structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine a moderated mediation model.ResultsThe results showed that life history strategy mediated the relationship between early adversity and aggression, and early adversity affected individuals’ aggression by accelerating their life history strategies. The results also showed that meaning in life moderated the relationship between early adversity and life history strategy. For individuals with high meaning in life scores, the negative predictive effect of early adversity on life history strategy was stronger than that for individuals with low meaning in life scores.ConclusionThe results of this study can advance the understanding of how early adversity affects aggression among violent juvenile offenders and provide theoretical support for prison staff to develop educational strategies and subsequent interventions.

Surgeons' personality, characteristics and presence of meaning in life

BackgroundSurgeons work long shifts and are frequently on call. Pressure to make quick and accurate decisions along with the responsibility of performing complex procedures contribute to surgeons' high stress-levels, anxiety and altered empathy level. We aimed to study surgeons' personality and meaning in life at two different centres. MethodsGeneral surgeons completed 47 questions. Visual analogous scale-items with controlled internal consistency (Cronbach alpha) coefficients varying from .77 to .85 were used from the following scales: Global Measure of Perceived Stress; Hostility Questionnaire; Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy; Meaning in Life Questionnaire–SF; Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale; Spielberger State Anxiety Scale and Quality of Work life Scale. Multiple linear regression analyses, parametric or non-parametric tests were employed when considered adequate. ResultsFifty-four participants were recruited from 3 different levels of training. Gender differences in Anxiety, Physician Empathy and presence of meaning in life (MIL-P) were revealed. Junior trainees differed from senior trainees and consultants as regards MIL-P, Anxiety, Stress and work-related factors. The surgeons' self-rated self-esteem was work-related. Surgeons' Quality of Work Life was best predicted by Physician Empathy but also their self-rated Self-Esteem contributed significantly to the prediction. Surgeons' MIL-P was significantly predicted by Physician Empathy and State Anxiety. ConclusionSurgeons’ current personality attributes might not apply to all of them. Female surgeons were more empathetic and felt more presence of meaning in life than male surgeons, and men were less anxious than female surgeons. Junior trainees experienced less anxiety than senior trainees but were more stressed than consultants. The most significant predictors of surgeons' personality were their experience of presence of meaning in life along with their level of empathy.

How Trait Gratitude Influences Adolescent Subjective Well-Being? Parallel-Serial Mediating Effects of Meaning in Life and Self-Control.

The relationship between trait gratitude and subjective well-being is well documented in the literature. Recently, growing attention has been given to examining which factors are determinants in the relationship. However, there are no studies to present a comprehensive model of how meaning in life and self-control jointly play a role in this relationship. This study investigated parallel and serial mediation of the presence of meaning, the search for meaning, and self-control in the relationship between trait gratitude and subjective well-being. A total of 764 adolescents (Mage = 14.10, SD = 1.43, 48.43% males) from three middle schools in China completed a six-item measures of gratitude questionnaire form, a meaning in life questionnaire, a middle school students' self-control ability questionnaire, and a satisfaction with life scale. The study revealed that trait gratitude affected the presence of meaning and subsequently affected subjective well-being. In addition, trait gratitude affected self-control through the presence of meaning and the search for meaning, and it subsequently affected subjective well-being. Therefore, the presence of meaning, the search for meaning, and self-control played an important role in the positive effects of trait gratitude on adolescent subjective well-being. The findings were in line with the intrinsic and extrinsic goal theory of gratitude and provided new insight to inform the improvement of adolescent subjective well-being in the future.

The protective effects of meaning in life on the relationships between attachment anxiety, rumination, and nonsuicidal self-injury: A moderated mediation model

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), which refers to the direct and deliberate destruction of one’s body tissues without the intention of death, is a serious public health problem. Attachment anxiety is an important predictor of NSSI, but the underlying mechanisms between their relationship need to be further explored. This study examined the mediating role of rumination and the moderating role of meaning in life in the relationship between attachment anxiety and NSSI. MethodsThe study was cross-sectional, and 2,716 Chinese junior high school students (53.3 % male; Mage = 12.25 years, SD = 0.86) were measured by the attachment anxiety subscale of Experience of Close Relationships-Relationship Structures Scale, the Rumination Responses Scale, the Self-Injurious Behavior Assessment Questionnaire, and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire. ResultsThe results showed: (1) attachment anxiety, rumination and NSSI were significantly and positively correlated; (2) rumination partially mediated the relationship between attachment anxiety and NSSI; (3) meaning in life moderated the pathways of attachment anxiety → NSSI and rumination → NSSI respectively. ConclusionsFindings of the study further reveal the mechanism underlying the relationship between attachment anxiety and NSSI from a cognitive perspective, and also help provide ideas for the prevention and intervention of adolescents NSSI (i.e., improving adolescents’ meaning in life).

Quadrato Motor Training (QMT) is associated with DNA methylation changes at DNA repeats: A pilot study.

The control of non-coding repeated DNA by DNA methylation plays an important role in genomic stability, contributing to health and healthy aging. Mind-body practices can elicit psychophysical wellbeing via epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation. However, in this context the effects of movement meditations have rarely been examined. Consequently, the current study investigates the effects of a specifically structured movement meditation, called the Quadrato Motor Training (QMT) on psychophysical wellbeing and on the methylation level of repeated sequences. An 8-week daily QMT program was administered to healthy women aged 40-60 years and compared with a passive control group matched for gender and age. Psychological well-being was assessed within both groups by using self-reporting scales, including the Meaning in Life Questionnaire [MLQ] and Psychological Wellbeing Scale [PWB]). DNA methylation profiles of repeated sequences (ribosomal DNA, LINE-1 and Alu) were determined in saliva samples by deep-sequencing. In contrast to controls, the QMT group exhibited increased Search for Meaning, decreased Presence of Meaning and increased Positive Relations, suggesting that QMT may lessen the automatic patterns of thinking. In the QMT group, we also found site-specific significant methylation variations in ribosomal DNA and LINE-1 repeats, consistent with increased genome stability. Finally, the correlations found between changes in methylation and psychometric indices (MLQ and PWB) suggest that the observed epigenetic and psychological changes are interrelated. Collectively, the current results indicate that QMT may improve psychophysical health trajectories by influencing the DNA methylation of specific repetitive sequences.

Development and Validation of a New Measurement Scale for Existential Loneliness.

This article deals with the development and initial validation of the Existential Loneliness Scale (ELS). An initial pool of 40 items, generated based on literature review, qualitative studies, and previously developed scales, was evaluated by the experts' judgment, so 30 items were retained and then administered to an Iranian sample of 433 youth and adult participants aged 20 to 85 years. Participants also completed other measures relevant for construct validity: Existential Loneliness Questionnaire (ELQ), De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (DJGLS-6), Existential Anxiety Questionnaire (EAQ), Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-13), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Exploratory factor analysis and parallel analysis showed strong evidence of unidimensionality. This result was also supported by confirmatory factor analysis test. Finally, 19 items were kept, which were free from DIF by gender and by marital status. The scale had high internal consistency (α = .95 and ω = .95) and adequate test-retest reliability with a 1-month interval (r = .74). Examination of the ELS' correlation with criterion measures indicated that the scale has good concurrent, discriminant, and convergent validity. Findings revealed the ELS as a reliable, valid, and suitable instrument to measure existential loneliness in the Iranian adult population.

The Art of Forgiving the Self: The Prisoners' Self-Forgiveness and Quest for Meaning in Life

A person serving time in prison may lose their sense of meaning in life. Self-forgiveness is believed to help individuals discover their life’s meaning and alleviate intense remorse. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a significant relationship between self-forgiveness and meaning in life for 96 inmates aged 40 to 65 at Penitentiary (LAPAS) Malang. This investigation used purposive sampling. We used the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ) and the State Self-Forgiveness Scale (SSFS). In addition, the Pearson Product Moment method of correlation analysis was utilized in this investigation. Findings revealed a significant and positive correlation between selfforgiveness and meaning in life (r

The Effect of Meaning-Centered Group Psychotherapy on Promoting Meaning in Lives of Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Meaning-Centered Group Psychotherapy (MCGP) on promoting meaning in the lives of individuals with spinal cord injury. This single-blind study was quasi-experimental with pre-test, post-test, follow-up, and experimental and control groups. Forty-three patients with poor meaning in life were selected by purposive sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group received MCGP, while the control group received no intervention. The data were collected by the Meaning in Life Questionnaire and analyzed by multivariate analysis of covariance. The results revealed significant differences between the post-test and follow-up scores of the experimental and control groups regarding the presence of meaning in life and the search for meaning in life. Also, no significant difference was found between the post-test and follow-up scores of the experimental group, which demonstrated the stability of the treatment effects. In general, MCGP significantly improved the meaning in the lives of patients with spinal cord injury.

Mindful self-care, coping, and meaning in life: An examination of the professional quality of life and well-being among individuals who support and provide services to refugees.

Researchers have begun to examine factors that contribute to professional quality of life (ProQol) and well-being among professionals who provide services to refugees. These professionals are at increased risk of burnout and secondary traumatic stress due to the demands of their work and exposure to clients who have significant trauma histories. This study seeks to examine factors such as mindful self-care (MSC), coping, and meaning in life and how they may impact ProQol and well-being. One hundred and forty-eight multidisciplinary professionals and volunteers in the United States completed an online questionnaire comprising The Mindful Self-Care Scale-33, The Professional Quality of Life Scale, The World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index, The Brief COPE, and The Meaning in Life Questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the relationships between all variables. MSC behaviors had a direct effect on ProQol (β = 0.69, p < .001) and well-being (β = 1.07, p < .001). One's perceived meaning in life had a direct effect on ProQol (β = 0.22, p < .001) and on well-being (β = 0.17, p < .05). Coping experience had a direct effect on well-being (β = 0.71, p < .001) and well-being had a direct effect on ProQol (β = 0.33, p < .001). Based on the findings, future programs directed at supporting these individuals can encourage MSC practices, adaptive coping, and explore aspects of one's job that bring meaning to their life to better support individuals who work with refugees. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

The Relationship Between Meaning in Life, Exercise Beliefs and Happiness in University Students

The purpose of this research is to study the relationship between meaning in life, exercise beliefs, and levels of bliss among university students. The study is a cross-sectional type of research. The research was carried out between 05.01.2021 and 05.03.2021 with 251 students who were actively attending in the health services vocational school of a state university in Turkey. The data were collected by administering a personal information form, the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, Exercise Health Belief Model Scale, and the Oxford Happiness Scale. For analyzing the data, number, mean, percentile distribution, Cronbach alpha coefficient, and Pearson Correlation analyses were used. The sense of life, happiness and exercise of student belief levels were determined to be above average value. There was found to be a statistically significant positive relationship between sense of life and happiness, sense of life and exercise beliefs, and happiness and exercise beliefs. It was found that as the students' sense of life increased, their belief in exercise and their level of happiness also increased. Moreover, the findings showed that the scores regarding the participants’ happiness levels increased along with the ones of exercise beliefs.

Investigation of the relationship between physical activity level and meaning in life of university students

Background and Study Aim. In this study, it was aimed to examine the relationship between physical activity level and meaning of life in university students and to reveal possible differences according to demographic characteristics. Material and Methods. A total of 376 students studying in different departments (Coaching, Physical Education Teaching, Physical Education and Sports Master's Degree, Occupational Health and Safety, Private Security and Protection, Software Engineering) voluntarily participated in the study. The data of the study were collected online using the "Personal Information Form", "International Physical Activity Questionnaire" and "Meaning in Life Questionnaire" prepared by the researcher and Google Forms. SPSS 26 package program was used for data analysis. Results. The findings obtained from the data analysis revealed a significant difference in the physical activity levels among the students based on variables such as gender, age, and the department of study. However, no significant difference was found according to other demographic variables (income status, BMI). A significant difference was also found between the sub-dimensions of the search for meaning according to gender, income status, the department they study at and BMI. Based on the correlation analysis between physical activity and the sub-dimensions of the meaning of life, specifically the search for meaning and the presence of meaning, a statistically significant but weak relationship was found between physical activity and the search for meaning. The significant difference between the groups in the meaning seeking sub-dimension was found to be due to inactive students. Conclusions. As a result, it can be concluded that students who engage in less physical activity show a lower inclination towards the search for meaning. In other words, an increase in physical activity can be interpreted as corresponding to an increase in the search for meaning. It can be suggested that both the school and the family should support young people in finding meaning in their lives and increasing their physical activity levels in gaining healthy behavioral habits.

The effect of logotherapy-based, nurse-guided meaning attribution conversations on women diagnosed with gynecologic cancer: A Turkish pilot study

ABSTRACT Although gynecological cancers are among the most common cancers worldwide, these diagnoses are among the most traumatic experiences in women’s lives. This study aimed to examine the effects of logotherapy-based, nurse-guided meaning attribution conversations (MACs) on traumatic stress symptoms, post-traumatic growth, spiritual well-being, and life meaning attribution in gynecological cancer patients. This single-blind, randomized controlled trial consisted of face-to-face interviews with 68 women with gynecological cancer who received chemotherapy at Karadeniz Technical University Health Application And Research Center Farabi Hospital in 2019. Women in the intervention group underwent seven MAC sessions, whereas women in the control group only received routine nursing care. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form (PIF), the Traumatic Stress Symptom Scale (TSSS), the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), and the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS). Descriptive statistics and parametric and nonparametric tests (Mann – Whitney U-test, Friedman test, Chi-squared test, and Fisher’s exact test) were used to analyze the data. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05246462). We observed statistically significant differences in the post-intervention and follow-up mean TSSS, PTGI, and MLQ scores (p = .000) between groups. However, mean total SWBS scores were not significantly different between groups (p = .145). This study demonstrated that MACs decreased the traumatic stress symptoms of women with gynecological cancer and increased their post-traumatic growth and ability to attribute meaning to life, but did not affect their spiritual well-being.

The application of logotherapy to improve the meaning of life in emerging adults with self-injury

Self-injury occurs commonly in young people, especially during the development phase of emerging adults. It is seen as a manifestation of existential problems, such as obstacles in fulfilling or pursuing meaning in life which is the most basic human motivation. This study aims to determine the effect of logotherapy as an intervention to increase purpose in life in emerging adults who engage in self-injury. The research utilized a single case experiment A-B design involving two subjects, measuring their level of meaning in life with the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ). The analysis technique of visual analysis, baseline-corrected tau, and Reliable Change Index (RCI) yielded outcomes indicating logotherapy as an effective intervention option for increasing meaning in life in emerging adults with self-injury.

Meaning in life among nursing students: a latent profile analysis

BackgroundMeaning in life, defined by an individual’s understanding and appreciation of life, is a vital aspect of a positive psychological state, that has a significant influence on physical and mental health. Therefore, improving the sense of meaning in life among nursing students has emerged as a crucial concern in nursing education. This study aimed to clarify the profiles and influencing factors of meaning in life among nursing students.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional online survey was conducted among nursing students in China from November 16, 2022, to January 17, 2023. The demographic information questionnaire and the meaning in life questionnaire (MLQ) were used to collect data. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify groups exhibiting distinct levels of meaning in life. Additionally, univariate analysis and multinominal logistic regression analysis were used to investigate the factors influencing each group. The reporting of this study adhered to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist.ResultsA total of 10,583 valid responses were received, and the analysis revealed four distinct profiles. The profiles identified were the medium meaning group (C1, 41.4%), medium fluctuation meaning-no motivation group (C2, 8.7%), lower meaning group (C3, 9.7%), and higher meaning group (C4, 40.2%). The univariate analysis revealed that age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, educational level, grade, university classification, student leadership experience, and political affiliation were factors that influenced the four latent profiles (P < 0.05). The multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that age, gender, ethnicity, education level, and student leadership experience were significant predictors of the various profiles (P < 0.05).ConclusionThere is heterogeneous in meaning in life among nursing students in China. Nursing educators need to provide tailored guidance based on the latent classification characteristics of meaning in life among nursing students, aiming at improving their meaning in life and promoting the development of the nursing workforce.

The differential mediating roles of resilience in the relationship between meaningful living and stress among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic

The current literature, mostly Euro-American based, indicates that the presence of meaning in life (MIL) improves resilience and lowers stress. However, the differential mediating roles of resilience in the relationship between the search for and presence of MIL, and stress have not been explored. This study aimed to investigate the differential mediating roles of resilience in the relationship between the presence of and search for MIL, and stress among Omani college students amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study consisted of the Brief Resilience Scale, Perceived Stress Scale 4, and Meaning in Life Questionnaire, as well as socio-demographic questions. A path analysis model was used to examine the hypothesis. A total of 970 Omani college students responded to the questionnaire. Findings indicate that searching for MIL was significantly associated with a high level of stress directly (β = 0.023; p < 0.001) and indirectly, through a negative effect on resilience (β = 0.006; p < 0.001). Conversely, the presence of MIL was significantly associated with a decreased level of stress directly (β = − 0.045; p < 0.001) and indirectly via a positive effect on resilience (β = − 0.151; p < 0.001). In keeping with the proposed hypothesis, this study contributes to the current knowledge, by extrapolating the effect of searching for MIL on resilience and stress, and culturally re-contextualizing MIL research. University counseling centers could adopt meaning-based strategies to mitigate stress by promoting meaningful living and resilience.

Resilience and Meaningfulness of Life in Broken Home Adolescents

Living as a broken home child in adolescence tends to have a holistic adverse impact. Broken home adolescents have to go through very difficult and meaningful times. Psychologically broken home adolescents are faced with forming a strong mentality and, as much as possible, interpreting every heavy life event into a meaningful life. This study aims to determine the relationship between resilience and the meaningfulness of life of broken home adolescents. The method used is quantitative with a Spearman rho correlation design. One hundred thirty-five late adolescents aged 18-22 who were in broken homes were used as research participants using an incidental sampling technique. Research measurements used the Resilience Quotient Test (α = 0.874) and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (α = 0.936). The results prove that resilience is positively and significantly related to the meaning of life of broken home adolescents (r = 0.304 with sig. = 0.000). Resilience contributes 9.2% to the meaningfulness of life. Applying good resilience can help increase the meaningfulness of broken-home adolescents' lives. Future research is expected to design a psychological assistance program according to the broken-home category, to facilitate broken-home adolescents to achieve a healthy life holistically.

Moderating role of meaning in life in the relationship of death anxiety, experiential avoidance and health-related quality of life among type 2 diabetes patients

Individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus may experience death anxiety and experiential avoidance, which may impact negatively on health-related quality of life. Meaning in life is a positive psychological resource that protects against negative psychosocial outcomes. Although a direct relationship between these variables exists, to our knowledge, previous research has not explored their interaction effect. The present study examined whether meaning in life moderates the relationship between (1) multidimensional death anxiety and health-related quality of life, and (2) experiential avoidance and health-related quality of life among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. The pool of participants consisted of 311 type 2 diabetes outpatients drawn from a tertiary health care institution in South-East Nigeria. The participants completed several self-report measures, such as the short form of the Diabetes Quality of Life Questionnaire, Death Anxiety Inventory–Revised, Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, and the Presence of Meaning in life subscale of Meaning in Life Questionnaire. The results of a regression analysis showed that death anxiety in terms of death acceptance, death finality, and thoughts about death were independently associated with poor health-related quality of life at low, but not at average and high levels of meaning in life. Externally generated death anxiety was associated with poor health-related quality of life at low and average, but not at high levels of meaning in life. Finally, experiential avoidance was associated with poor health-related quality of life at low and average, but not at high levels of meaning in life. We concluded that psychological interventions geared towards promoting health-related quality of life of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients should consider integrating meaning in life for its protective nature in improving positive health outcomes and recovery.

What Promotes Positive Parenting During Breast Cancer? A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Social Support, Emotion Regulation, and Meaning in Life

BackgroundMotherhood and maintaining the child-parent relationship are top priorities for mothers with breast cancer (BC). The current study aimed to assess the positive intra- and inter-personal resources related to positive parenting among mothers with BC, as these may be promotive factors for positive parenting. Specifically, we examined whether social support (family, friend, spiritual), emotion regulation, and a sense of meaning in life are related to positive parenting among mothers undergoing BC treatments.MethodsThe sample consisted of 100 Israeli mothers (mean age = 46.02 years, SD = 6.06 years) who were undergoing treatment for BC. Participating mothers had at least one child aged 6–17 years. Participants were recruited via closed social media groups to complete a questionnaire containing: the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire, Cancer Perceived Agents of Social Support tool, Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, Meaning in Life Questionnaire, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), and sociodemographic and clinical questions. We used structural equation modeling to regress the study variables on positive parenting.ResultsFriend support (β = .35, p = .009) and meaning in life (β = .30, p = .012) were significantly related to positive parenting. Family support, spiritual support, cognitive reappraisal, and the sociodemographic and clinical variables were not related to positive parenting.ConclusionsOur study suggests that promoting meaning in life and friend support may be key to helping mothers to sustain positive parenting behaviors throughout their cancer treatment. Future research may examine whether psychosocial interventions which foster meaning in life and friend support impact positive parenting among mothers with BC.