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Relationship between meaning in life and well-being in adolescents: A meta-analytic systematic review
Author(s)
Date Issued
2026
Publisher
Informa UK Limited
ISSN
0306-9885
1469-3534
Citation
British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 2026.
Type
Peer Reviewed Journal Article
Abstract
Possessing meaning in life is considered to play an influential role in emotional well-being throughout an individual’s life span. While past studies have examined this relationship, few have distinguished between subjective and psychological well-being. This meta-analysis synthesised data from 21 studies to clarify the relationship between meaning in life and well-being, examining variables such as presence and search for meaning, age, and gender. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to investigate potential moderating effects. Findings found a statistically significant association between meaning in life and both types of well-being. The presence and search for meaning moderated this relationship, whereas age and gender did not. These results support the view that both having and seeking meaning in life contribute to adolescents’ well-being. The findings highlight the value of school-based counselling programmes that help students explore and develop meaning in life as a way to enhance subjective and psychological well-being during adolescence.
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