Meaning in life in earlier and later older-adulthood: Confirmatory factor analysis and correlates of the meaning in life questionnaire

Journal article


Hallford, David J., Mellor, David, Cummins, Robert A., McCabe and marita.mccabe@acu.edu.au, Marita P. McCabe. (2018). Meaning in life in earlier and later older-adulthood: Confirmatory factor analysis and correlates of the meaning in life questionnaire. Journal of Applied Gerontology. 37(10), pp. 1270 - 1294. https://doi.org/10.1177/0733464816658750
AuthorsHallford, David J., Mellor, David, Cummins, Robert A., McCabe and marita.mccabe@acu.edu.au, Marita P. McCabe
Abstract

Objective: To validate the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ) in earlier and later older-adulthood, and examine its correlates. Method: Participants in earlier (n = 341, M age = 68.5) and later older-adulthood (n = 341, M age = 78.6) completed the MLQ and other measures. Confirmatory multigroup analysis, correlations, and regression models were conducted. Results: A two-factor (presence and search), eight-item model of the MLQ had a good fit and was age-invariant. Presence and search for meaning were largely unrelated. Meaning was associated with life satisfaction, well-being across a range of domains, and psychological resources. Searching for meaning correlated negatively with these variables, but to a lesser degree in later older-adulthood. Discussion: The MLQ is valid in older-adulthood. Meaning in life is psychologically adaptive in older-adulthood. Searching for meaning appears less important, especially in later older-adulthood. Findings are discussed in the context of aging and psychosocial development.

Keywordsmeaning in life; older adults; factor analysis; measurement invariance; well-being
Year2018
JournalJournal of Applied Gerontology
Journal citation37 (10), pp. 1270 - 1294
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc.
ISSN0733-4648
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1177/0733464816658750
Scopus EID2-s2.0-85053339559
Page range1270 - 1294
Research GroupInstitute for Health and Ageing
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File Access Level
Controlled
Place of publicationUnited States of America
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