Meaning in life and meaning of life in mental healthcare - An integrative literature review

Journal article


Glaw, Xanthe, Kable, Ashley, Hazelton, Michael and Inder, Kerry. (2017). Meaning in life and meaning of life in mental healthcare - An integrative literature review. Issues in Mental Health Nursing. 38(3), pp. 243 - 252. https://doi.org/10.1080/01612840.2016.1253804
AuthorsGlaw, Xanthe, Kable, Ashley, Hazelton, Michael and Inder, Kerry
Abstract

The aim of this integrative literature review was to identify high quality empirical research and theoretical literature on the sources of meaning in life and people's beliefs regarding the meaning of life. This will inform current mental health clinical practice and research by providing a synthesis of empirical and theoretical literature. Failure to address meaninglessness or the existential crisis can lead to psychopathologies such as depression, anxiety, addiction, aggression, hopelessness, apathy, lower levels of well-being, physical illness, and suicide. Integrative literature reviews incorporate empirical research and theoretical literature. The inclusion criteria were primary research and theoretical papers and books by prominent theorists. Thirty-nine items underwent the critical appraisal process. Thirty-two papers or books were included. Overwhelmingly the results revealed that relationships, particularly relationships with family, are cited as the most important source of meaning in people's lives in all cultures and age groups. There was no consensus identified to answer the meaning of life question. These results and future research will allow mental health clinicians to help patients deepen their understanding of themselves, identify where they find meaning and understand their beliefs about meaning of life, contributing to a reduction in symptomatology and meaninglessness, and an increase in happiness, life satisfaction, positive affect, better coping, psychosocial health and well-being, and more meaningfulness in life.

Year2017
JournalIssues in Mental Health Nursing
Journal citation38 (3), pp. 243 - 252
PublisherTaylor & Francis
ISSN1096-4673
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/01612840.2016.1253804
Scopus EID2-s2.0-85014911474
Page range243 - 252
Research GroupSchool of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine
Publisher's version
File Access Level
Controlled
Place of publicationAustralia
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https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/88784/meaning-in-life-and-meaning-of-life-in-mental-healthcare-an-integrative-literature-review

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