Spanish Validation of the Multidimensional Existential Meaning Scale: Which Dimension of Meaning in Life Is More Associated With Psychopathology in People With Mental Disorders?

Abstract

BackgroundTo assess three dimensions of Meaning in Life (comprehension, purpose, and mattering) the Multidimensional Existential Meaning Scale (MEMS) was developed, however, the MEMS's factorial structure has not yet been confirmed in a Spanish-speaking sample. A question that remains unanswered is which of the three dimensions of MiL are associated with psychopathology in clinical samples.Aims(1) to analyze the psychometric properties of the MEMS in a Spanish non-clinical population, and (2) to identify which of the three dimensions of MiL shows the strongest relationship with depression, anxiety and positive affect in a clinical population.MethodThe non-clinical sample, consisted of N = 1106 Spanish adults, and the clinical sample consisted of 88 adults diagnosed with mental disorders. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis and regression analysis were carried out.ResultsThe three-factor model for the MEMS showed an acceptable fit, and full invariance across gender groups. In the clinical sample, the mattering dimension had the highest association with depression and anxiety, and purpose with positive affect.ConclusionThe MEMS is an adequate instrument to assess the three dimensions of meaning in Spanish-speaking participants. These results support the importance of evaluating the MiL construct from a multidimensional perspective in clinical samples.

Family Connections in the treatment of relatives of people with eating disorders and personality disorders: Study protocol of a randomized control trial

“…In addition, this study explores the e cacy of FC in Spanish participants. Previous studies have mainly explored the usefulness of FC in English-speaking relatives [34][35][36][37][38], and only some of them have focused on Spanish-speaking participants [28, 55,77]. Thus, this work extends the knowledge about the usefulness, e cacy, and acceptability of the program in non-English speaking countries.…”

“…The Multidimensional Meaning Scale [54] its Spanish validation [55]. It is a 15-item scale that assesses existential meaning through three dimensions: comprehension, purpose, and mattering.…”

Family Connections vs Treatment at Usual Optimized in the treatment of relatives of people with eating disorders and personality disorders: Study protocol of a randomized control trial

“…Until now, previous studies have focused on the effectiveness of FC in relatives of patients with a BPD diagnosis [36,39] and suicide behaviors [77,78] In addition, this study explores the e cacy of FC in Spanish participants. Previous studies have mainly explored the usefulness of FC in English-speaking relatives [34][35][36][37][38], and only some of them have focused on Spanish-speaking participants [28, 55,77]. Thus, this work extends the knowledge about the usefulness, e cacy, and acceptability of the program in non-English speaking countries.…”

“…The Multidimensional Existential Meaning Scale [54] in its Spanish validation [55]. It is a 15-item scale that assesses existential meaning through three dimensions: comprehension, purpose, and mattering.…”

Building Bridges, Forging New Frontiers: Meaning-Making in Action

“…While advances in urbanization and technology continue to reshape the landscape of these communities, they remain crucial to our overall well-being (de Vries 2021). Due to its significant impact on individuals' well-being, resilience, and mental health (e.g., Linley and Joseph 2011;Russo-Netzer 2018;Steger 2012), as well as its role as a protective factor against psychopathology, meaning holds great importance in both the general population and the clinical population (e.g., Lorca et al 2021;Marco and Alonso 2019;Marco et al 2021Marco et al , 2022. Furthermore, studies confirm that intervention programs focused on increasing meaning in life are effective in the clinical population, such as palliative care patients, mental health care, and chronic or life-threatening disease (e.g., Manco and Hamby 2021;Russo-Netzer and Vos, forthcoming;Vos 2016).…”