New in-depth research from the University of Bristol has shown that connection to others, emotional and practical support, belief in a higher power and fewer health related functioning problems were all factors that were associated with a feeling of greater meaning in life in emerging adults (18-30 years old).
The study found that on average, participants who reported a greater sense of ‘searching for meaning in life’ were more likely to experience anxiety and low wellbeing. The presence of meaning in life was found to be associated with a reduced chance of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and self-harm.
This study focused on meaning in life in ‘emerging adults’, classed as being aged 18-30 years (an under-researched age group for this topic). Both ‘presence’ and ‘search’ for meaning in life was assessed by a questionnaire, for example, “my life has a clear sense of purpose” or “I am seeking a purpose or mission for my life”.
Researchers studied a group of 3,337 participants in the Children of the 90s study throughout their twenties and early thirties. They examined plausible factors that could impact meaning in life in participants’ early twenties, then meaning in life in their later twenties, and finally their mental health outcomes in their early thirties.
Having belief in a god or divine power and attending a place of worship was also linked to a higher presence of meaning in life. It is possible that this is linked to social factors, for example social connections formed through church.
Isaac Halstead, Senior Research Associate in Health & Religious/Spiritual Beliefs and Behaviours in Bristol Medical School: Population Health Studies (PHS) and lead author, said: “Young people in the UK are increasingly under pressure - traditional life milestones are being moved to later in development or potentially becoming less relevant, and their mental health is suffering. This study shines a light on the how the presence or absence of meaning in life is associated with mental health.
“Evidence suggests that social connections could be important to the presence of meaning in life, so we should be actively encouraging people to build and maintain those relationships as part of mental health care. Whether that’s through simply being an active member of the community, shared hobby related activities or through NHS social prescribing activities, the benefit to mental health seems clear.”
The study took into account other factors that could impact the relationships between meaning in life and mental health, such as socioeconomic status, parental mental health and sex assigned at birth. Given the nature of the sample group who were born in the 90s and raised in the Southwest of England, research in more diverse samples is needed.