Literature Review on the Relationship between Identity Formation and Meaning in Life Among Emerging Adults

Abstract

The present research on the relationship between meaning in life and identity orientation is examined in this literature review. Existing literature defines meaning in life as a variety of things that makes one’s life meaningful, such as a sense of direction, order, purpose, coherence, or goal pursuit. Identity is a well-studied construct in psychological study that refers to a person’s understanding of themselves as a distinct and unique entity. Although developing one’s identity is seen as one path to finding meaning in life, the relationship between identity orientation and meaning in life is not well studied in the current literature. Several research in this review demonstrates the relationship between identity orientation and life meaning. This review of the literature demonstrates that such a relationship is possible because identity orientation can help a person make sense of the world (comprehension), clarify one’s future goals (purpose), and see the value and significance of one’s life (mattering), all of which are dimensions of the meaning in life construct. The researches referenced also examined various meaning in life outcomes, especially for emerging adults. Implications of the findings from reviewed studies and future directions are also discussed.