On the measurement of meaning: Logotherapy's empirical contributions to humanistic psychology.

Abstract

Meaningful living is a central focus of several humanistic theories and therapies. Measurement of life meaning meets many obstacles, including pragmatic concerns, such as measuring subjective experiences, and theoretical objections often offered by humanistic psychologists. The purpose of this article is to summarize empirical efforts related to logotherapy, a humanistic-existential paradigm, to illustrate the utility of assessment within the larger context of humanistic psychology. An overview of five logotherapeutic measures of meaning is provided. These measures include the Purpose in Life test (PIL), the Life Purpose Questionnaire (LPQ), the Seeking of Noetic Goals test (SONG), the Meaning in Suffering Test (MIST), and the Life Attitude Profile Revised (LAP-R). Directions for use of such measures in future research are also offered.

Sentido de Vida, Bem-Estar Psicológico e Qualidade de Vida em Professores Escolares

“…Decades of research have supported Frankl's main assumptions, showing MIL as an important predictor of physical health (Jim & Andersen, 2007), psychological well-being and quality of life (Fillion et al, 2009;Ho et al, 2010;Melton & Schulenberg, 2008). A lack of meaning, on the other hand, has been associated with higher depression levels (Mascaro & Rosen, 2006), suicidal ideas (Edwards & Holden, 2001), drug addiction (Henrion, 2002), among others.…”

“…Also, teachers with higher MIL rates may also perceive life more optimistically. As the meaning in life is positively related with constructs like faith, love, happiness, optimism and hope (Ho et al, 2010;Melton & Schulenberg, 2008;) and is considered a fundamental aspect in the resilience process (Schulenberg & Melton, 2010), the presence of this resource seems to optimize teachers' satisfaction with different aspects of their lives.…”

Sense of coherence: big five correlates, spirituality, and incremental validity

“…Responses are given on a 7-point Likert-type scale, the poles of which vary according to the question. Melton and Schulenberg (2008) reviewed studies that reported alpha coefficients ranging from 0.86 to 0.97. Alpha reliability in this sample was 0.89.…”

Psychosocial learning environments and the mediating effect of personal meaning upon Satisfaction with Education

“…Unlike all the other measures discussed here, the MED uses a qualitative methodology in which respondents answer, in writing or orally during interviews, two personal questions related to meaning in life. Melton and Schulenberg (2008) report findings from a variety of studies that report that these instruments have reliable internal consistency and validity.…”

“…The measure has been used in numerous studies and found to be a valid and reliable instrument (Crumbaugh & Maholick, 1964, 1969Chamberlain & Zika, 1988;Zika & Chamberlain, 1992;Reker, 1977;Melton & Schulenberg, 2008). Researchers using the PIL test have found relatively low senses of life purpose among high school students involved in the use of narcotics (Padelford, 1974), prison inmates (Reker, 1977), apathetic college students (Coffienld, 1981 ), patients with psychopathological syndromes (Gonsalvez & Gon, 1983), drug addicts (Nicholson, et al, 1994), college students with anger issues (Sappington & Kelly, 1995), adolescent children of Bangladeshi divorcees (Rahman, 2004); and college students who engage in isolating verses interpersonal activities (Molasso, 2006).…”