Evaluation of a meaning in life intervention applied to work: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Meaning‐based interventions have demonstrated promising outcomes in enhancing meaning in life. However, understanding their efficacy in diverse contexts requires further research. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of a meaning‐based intervention in a military sample and the impact of incorporating an additional emotion regulation module into the intervention. We conducted a randomized three‐group parallel trial with active‐duty military personnel: a waitlist control group (n = 21), a meaning‐based intervention group (n = 42), and a meaning‐based intervention with emotion regulation group (n = 43). Both intervention groups received six 2‐hour sessions and a follow‐up session 4 months later. Meaning in life and work‐related variables, as well as well‐being, depression, emotion regulation, and work‐related factors, were assessed using a mixed‐factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that only the meaning‐based intervention with an emotion regulation component significantly increased the presence of meaning in life. We also observed a trend toward improved well‐being scores over time that did not emerge for the other intervention. This study provides initial support for the efficacy of meaning‐based interventions within the military context when supplemented with emotion regulation skills.