Loading...
Meaning in life in earlier and later older-adulthood: Confirmatory factor analysis and correlates of the meaning in life questionnaire
Hallford, David J. Mellor, David Cummins, Robert A. McCabe marita.mccabe@acu.edu.au, Marita P. McCabe
Hallford, David J.
Mellor, David
Cummins, Robert A.
McCabe
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.
Keywords
meaning in life, older adults, factor analysis, measurement invariance, well-being
Date
2018
Type
Journal article
Journal
Journal of Applied Gerontology
Book
Volume
37
Issue
10
Page Range
1270-1294
Article Number
ACU Department
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
File Access
Controlled