Meaning and Purpose in Life in Aging: A Scoping Review / Sentido e Propósito de Vida na Velhice: Uma Revisão de Escopo

ABSTRACT The feeling that life has meaning or purpose is essential for human beings. Absence of meaning can lead to an existential vacuum. Purpose in life, akin to meaning in life, derives from the humanistic psychology theory of Frankl, and they are considered synonymous. Other scholars, however, regard the two constructs as distinct. The objective of the review was to map both concepts in the gerontological literature, examining how they manifest in aging. The review of the databases was carried out between January 2019 and March 2020. Thirty articles were included. In the context of aging, results were conflicting. The literature review yielded evidence to affirm that meaning and purpose in life are distinct concepts, despite sharing the same existential-philosophical roots.

RESUMO O sentimento de que a vida tem sentido ou propósito é essencial ao ser humano. A ausência de sentido pode levar a um vácuo existencial. Propósito de vida, a exemplo de sentido, também deriva da psicologia humanística de Frankl, sendo considerados sinônimos. No entanto, há estudos que propõem distinção entre os dois construtos. A revisão tem por objetivos mapear ambos os conceitos na literatura gerontológica, examinando-os à luz do envelhecimento. O levantamento nas bases de dados foi realizado de janeiro de 2019 a março de 2020. Foram incluídos 30 artigos. No contexto do envelhecimento, os resultados foram controversos. A literatura revista apresentou evidências para afirmar que sentido de vida e propósito são conceitos distintos, apesar da origem filosófico-existencialista comum.

Propósito vital y su relación con las actividades extracurriculares y laborales en estudiantes universitarios

Resumen: El inicio de los estudios universitarios constituye un momento de transición y crisis. Poseer un propósito vital (PV) puede contribuir a la adaptación de los estudiantes. Las actividades extracurriculares y laborales son contextos con potencial para el desarrollo del PV. Este trabajo se propone indagar la relación entre la participación en actividades extracurriculares y laborales con el sentido de PV de estudiantes que inician sus estudios universitarios. Como objetivo secundario se realizó la validación de la Escala de Propósito Vital para Estudiantes Universitarios (EPVE). Por lo tanto, esta investigación se dividió en dos fases. En total participaron 232 estudiantes de ambos sexos (mujeres, 60.3%). En la primera fase se analizaron las propiedades psicométricas de la EPVE. Los resultados indican que posee una adecuada validez de contenido y factorial, y una buena consistencia interna. En la segunda fase, se seleccionaron de la muestra total a los estudiantes que iniciaban sus estudios universitarios y se encontraban en la adultez emergente (n = 160). Se comparó el sentido de PV en función de la participación en las actividades, y se analizó la relación entre el PV y el grado de vinculación percibida entre las actividades y la carrera. Los resultados indicaron que la participación en actividades laborales se asocia a una menor identificación de PV. Sin embargo, cuando se perciben vinculadas a la carrera universitaria, se asocia a una mayor identificación de PV.

Abstract: The beginning of university studies constitutes a moment of transition and crisis. Having a purpose in life (PL) can contribute to students' adaptation. Extracurricular and work activities are contexts with potential for the development of PL. This work aims to investigate the relationship between participation in extracurricular and work activities with the sense of PL in students who begin their university studies. As a secondary objective, the validation of the Purpose in Life Scale for University Students (PLSS) was carried out. Therefore, this research was divided in two stages. A total of 232 students of both sexes participated (women, 60.3%). In the first stage, the psychometric properties of the PLSS were analyzed. The results indicate that it has adequate content and factor validity, and good internal consistency. In the second stage, students who were beginning their university studies and were emerging adults (n = 160) were selected from the total sample. The sense of PL was compared based on the participation in activities, and the relationship between PL and the degree of perceived link between activities and career was analyzed. The results indicated that the participation in work activities was associated with a lower identification of PL. However, when it was perceived as linked to a university career, it was associated with a greater identification of PL.

Resumo: O início dos estudos universitários constitui um momento de transição e crise. Possuir um propósito vital (PV) pode contribuir para a adaptação dos alunos. As atividades extracurriculares e laborais são contextos com potencial para o desenvolvimento da PV. Este trabalho tem como objetivo investigar a relação entre a participação em atividades extracurriculares e laborais com o sentido de PV de estudantes que iniciam seus estudos universitários. Como objetivo secundário, foi realizada a validação da Escala de Propósito Vital para Estudantes Universitários (EPVE). Portanto, esta pesquisa foi dividida em duas fases. No total, participaram 232 alunos de ambos os sexos (mulheres, 60,3%). Na primeira fase, foram analisadas as propriedades psicométricas do EPVE. Os resultados indicam que possui validade de conteúdo e fatorial adequada e boa consistência interna. Na segunda fase, foram selecionados do total da amostra alunos que estavam iniciando seus estudos universitários e em fase adulta emergente (n = 160). Comparou-se o sentido de PV em função da participação nas atividades, e analisou-se a relação entre PV e o grau de vínculo percebido entre atividades e carreira. Os resultados indicam que a participação em atividades laborais está associada a uma menor identificação de PV. No entanto, quando percebidos como vinculados a uma carreira universitária, associa-se a uma maior identificação de PV.

El rol del propósito en la vida y el apoyo social percibido ante el miedo a la muerte en el contexto de la pandemia por COVID-19 en adultos mayores de CABA / The role of purpose in life and perceived social support in the face of fear of death in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in older adults from CABA

Las últimas décadas favorecieron el proceso de transición demográfica. No obstante, la extensión de los años por vivir no siempre resultó acompañada por mejoras en la calidad de vida. A este respecto, desde la psicogerontología se ha priorizado el estudio de las variables salutogénicas. Tal es el caso del propósito en la vida y del apoyo social percibido, así como dela relación que ambos mantienen con el miedo a la muerte. Temas que cobran mayor relevancia en un contexto de pandemia. El presente trabajo se propone analizar la relación entre dichas variables en una muestra de 103 adultos mayores de CABA, de ambos sexos (Hombres=24,3%; Mujeres=75,7%), con edades entre60 y 83 años, a partir de un diseño cuantitativo-correlacional. Entre los principales resultados, se observan relaciones positivas de fuerte significatividad entre el propósito y el apoyo social y entre el miedo a la muerte y el miedo al COVID-19 AU

The last decades favored the process of demographic transition. However, the extension of the years to live was not always accompanied by improvements in the quality of life. In this regard, psychogerontology has prioritized the study of salutogenic variables. Such is the case of purpose in life and perceived social support, as well as the relationship that both maintain with the fear of death. Topics that become more relevant in a pandemic context. This paper aims to analyze the relationship between these variables in a sample of 103 older adults from CABA, of both sexes (Men=24.3%; Women=75.7%), aged between 60 and 83 years, from of a quantitative-correlational design. Among the main results, highly significant positive relationships are observed between purpose and social support and between fear of death and fear of COVID-19 AU

A Spanish Adaptation and Validation of the Purpose in Life Test - Short Form (PIL-SF) / Adaptación y Validación al español del Test Breve de Propósito en la Vida (PIL Breve)

Abstract The distinction between meaning and purpose in life remains an ongoing debate in the empirical and theoretical literature; even so, there is general consensus in defining purpose in life as goal-directedness towards living a more meaningful life. Scales measuring this goal-directedness, specifically, rather than broad measures of meaning, are necessary to further this vein of research. The Purpose in Life Test (PIL), developed by Crumbaugh and Maholick in the 1960s, has been shown to be a valid instrument for measuring meaning and purpose. Four of the 20 items composing the PIL comprise the English Purpose in Life Test-Short Form (PIL-SF; Schulenberg et al., 2011), which have demonstrated greater internal coherence and greater precision for evaluating goal-directed purpose in life, specifically. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and factor structure of the Spanish PIL-SF. This validation involved two different samples of university students: sample A (N = 368) and sample B (. = 336). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) supported a 1-factor model, and reliability of the items was excellent. Results suggest that the Spanish PIL-SF is a valid and reliable measure of purpose in life, comparable to the English language PIL-SF.

Resumen Distinguir entre sentido y propósito en la vida, sigue siendo un debate filosófico y empírico en la literatura especializada. El direccionamiento a las metas para vivir una vida más significativa y existencial parece ser una de las características distintivas del propósito. Para desarrollarse, esta línea investigativa necesita cuestionarios que midan específicamente la orientación a las metas, en lugar de la mera asignación de sentido y/o significado. El Purpose in Life Test (PIL), desarrollado por Crumbaugh y Maholick en la década de 1960, ha demostrado ser un instrumento válido para medir significado y propósito. Recientemente se observó que 4 de sus 20 ítems informaron mayor coherencia interna y mayor precisión para evaluar la orientación a la meta como característica del propósito. Estos hallazgos derivaron en una versión abreviada de la técnica denominada Purpose in Life Test Short Form (PIL-SF; Schulenberg et al., 2011). El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la confiabilidad y la estructura factorial del PIL-SF en el contexto argentino. Esta validación involucró dos muestras diferentes de estudiantes universitarios: muestra A (N = 368) y muestra B (N = 336). El análisis factorial confirmatorio (CFA) apoyó un modelo unifactorial y la confiabilidad de los ítems fue excelente. Los resultados sugieren que el PIL-SF en español es una medida válida y confiable del propósito en la vida, comparable al PIL-SF en inglés.

Pasantía Extracurricular y Proyectos de Vida: Percepciones de Estudiantes Universitarias / Estágio extracurricular e projetos de vida: percepções de estudantes universitárias / Extracurricular internship and purpose in life: perceptions of university students

Adultez emergente é uma fase do desenvolvimento na qual os indivíduos se preparam para adentrar a vida adulta. Devido as suas características, é um período propício para estudar projeto de vida. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar as concepções de estudantes universitárias sobre estágio extracurricular e sobre sua relação com desenvolvimento do projeto de vida. Foi realizado um grupo focal com três estudantes do curso de psicologia. Para a análise de dados, foi feita uma análise de conteúdo. Os resultados mostraram que projeto de vida e estágio extracurricular são percebidos como relacionados. Estas temáticas são vistas como benéficas para o desenvolvimento, auxiliando no estabelecimento da identidade, na autopercepção dessas jovens como adultas e na tomada de decisões.

Adultez emergente es una fase del desarrollo en la cual los individuos se preparan para adentrar a la vida adulta. Por sus características, es un período propicio para estudiar proyecto de vida. En este estudio se tuvo como objetivo investigar las concepciones de estudiantes universitarias sobre pasantía extracurricular y sobre su relación con desarrollo del proyecto de vida. Se realizó un grupo focal con tres estudiantes del curso de psicología. Para el análisis de datos, se hiso un análisis de contenido. Los resultados apuntan que proyecto de vida y pasantía extracurricular son percibidos como relacionados. Estas temáticas son evaluadas como benéficas para el desarrollo, ayudando en el establecimiento de la identidad, en la autopercepción de esas jóvenes como adultas y en la toma de decisiones.

Emerging adulthood is a stage of development in which individuals prepare to enter adult life. Due to its characteristics, it is a favorable period to study a purpose in life. This study aimed to investigate the conceptions of university students about extracurricular internship and its relationship with the development of the purpose in life. A focus group was carried out with three students from the psychology course. For data analysis, a content analysis was performed. The results showed that purpose in life and extracurricular internship are perceived as related. These themes are seen as beneficial for development, helping to establish identity, in the self-perception of these young people as adults and in decision-making.

Sentido de vida en personas adultas mayores semi-institucionalizadas

RESUMEN Introducción: El envejecimiento poblacional impone la necesidad de prever servicios de salud de calidad y especializados, así como un soporte psicológico y social adecuado para la promoción del bienestar de las personas mayores. Objetivo: Caracterizar el sentido de vida en personas mayores semi-institucionalizadas de la ciudad de Santa Clara, Cuba. Métodos: Se asumió un enfoque cualitativo con un diseño fenomenológico. Se emplearon como técnicas la entrevista en profundidad, el Registro de la Actividad Método Directo e Indirecto y el Cuestionario PIL. Los datos fueron procesados mediante el análisis de contenido y la triangulación de datos. Resultados: Como principales resultados se señala que, en las personas mayores participantes, se apreciaron limitaciones en las dimensiones experiencias de sentido, metas y tareas y dialéctica destino-libertad. Discusión: El sentido de vida en las personas mayores participantes se configuró en torno a la salud, los contactos sociales y familiares, las metas propias, la necesidad de trascendencia, la libertad, la felicidad y la participación. La ausencia de sentido se asoció a la carencia de un objetivo específico, a la incapacidad de legar sus conocimientos y experiencias de vida; así como a llevar una vida rutinaria.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Population aging imposes the need to provide quality and specialized health services, as well as adequate psychological and social support to promote the well-being of the elderly. Objective: To characterize the meaning of life in semi-institutionalized elderly people in the city of Santa Clara, Cuba. Methods: A qualitative approach with a phenomenological design was assumed. The in-depth interview, the Direct and Indirect Method Activity Record and the PIL Questionnaire were used as techniques. The data were processed through content analysis and data triangulation. Results: As main results, it is pointed out that, in the elderly participants, limitations were seen in the dimensions experiences of meaning, goals and tasks and the destination-freedom dialectic. Discussion: The sense of life in the participating elderly people was configured around health, social and family contacts, their own goals, the need for transcendence, freedom, happiness and participation. The absence of meaning was associated with the lack of a specific objective, the inability to pass on their knowledgement and life experiences; as well as leading a routine life.

Projeto de vida de adolescentes que fazem uso problemático de substâncias psicoativas / Purpose in life in adolescents with problematic use of psychoactive substances / Proyecto de vida para adolescentes que hacen uso problemático de sustancias psicoactivas

RESUMO Este artigo tem como objetivo investigar os projetos de vida de adolescentes em tratamento ambulatorial especializado para o uso problemático de substâncias psicoativas. Realizou-se um estudo de caso coletivo com sete adolescentes do sexo masculino, entre 14 e 18 anos, ao longo de treze semanas. Utilizou-se uma entrevista semiestruturada e os dados foram analisados com base nas dimensões da Escala de Projetos de Vida para Adolescentes. Os resultados mostraram que houve mais projetos de vida nas dimensões Aspirações Positivas e Relacionamento Afetivos e menos projetos de vida nas dimensões Religião/Espiritualidade e Sentido da Vida. Concluiu-se que o tratamento no ambulatório serviu como um espaço para os adolescentes organizarem suas vidas e favoreceu a construção de seu projeto de vida.

ABSTRACT This paper aims to investigate the life purposes of adolescents undergoing specialized outpatient treatment for problematic use of psychoactive substances. A collective case study was carried out with seven male adolescents, between 14 and 18 years old, over thirteen weeks. A semi-structured interview was used, and the data were analyzed based on the dimensions of the Purpose in Life Scale for Adolescents. The results showed that there were more life purposes in the Positive Aspirations and Affective Relationship dimensions and fewer life projects in the Religion/Spirituality and Sense of Life dimensions. It was concluded that the treatment at the outpatient clinic served as space for adolescents to organize their lives and favored the construction of their life purposes.

RESUMEN Este artículo tiene como objetivo investigar los proyectos de vida de adolescentes en tratamiento ambulatorio especializado por uso problemático de sustancias psicoactivas. Realizó un estudio de caso colectivo con siete adolescentes varones, entre 14 y 18 años, durante trece semanas. Utilizó una entrevista semiestructurada y los datos fueron analizados con base en las dimensiones de Escala de Proyectos de Vida para Adolescentes. Los resultados mostraron que había más proyectos de vida en dimensiones de Aspiraciones Positivas y Relación afectiva y menos proyectos de vida en dimensiones de Religión/Espiritualidad y Sentido de la Vida. Se concluyó que el tratamiento en ambulatorio sirvió como un espacio para que los adolescentes organizaran su vida y favoreció la construcción de su proyecto de vida.

Propósito, Satisfacción y Proyecto de Vida: una relación dialéctica / Purpose, Satisfaction and Life Project: a dialectical relationship

En este artículo teórico se revisan tres constructos implicados en una perspectiva salutogénica del ser humano y en la relación particular que mantiene con su propia vida: propósito o sentido en la vida, satisfacción con la vida y proyecto de vida. En primer lugar, se presenta una breve descripción de cada variable, para luego llegar a una articulación e integración entre ellas. Asimismo, se destaca el impacto que estos tres constructos psicológicos tienen en el desarrollo y devenir de la vida de cada persona, ya sea desde una perspectiva retrospectiva, presente o prospectiva(AU)

In this theoretical article, three constructs implied in a salutogenic perspective of the human being and in the particular relationship that it maintains with its own life are reviewed: purpose or meaning in life, life satisfaction and life project. Firstly, a brief description of each variable is presented, to later arrive at an articulation and integration between them. Likewise, the impact that these three psychological constructs have on the development and becoming of the life of each person is highlighted, whether from a retrospective, present or prospective perspective(AU)

Influência dos contextos escolar e familiar nos projetos de vida de adolescentes / Influence of school and family contexts in adolescents' life purposes / Influencia de los contextos escolar y familiar en los proyectos de vida de adolescentes

Considerando que família e escola são os contextos em que o adolescente passa mais tempo, este estudo teve como objetivo compreender as possíveis relações entre os projetos de vida de adolescentes e as variáveis dos contextos escolar e familiar. Participaram 320 adolescentes, de ambos os sexos, de 14 a 17 anos, do 9º ano de Ensino Fundamental II e do Ensino Médio de diferentes tipos de escolas de uma cidade do interior de São Paulo. Utilizou-se os instrumentos Ficha de Dados Sociodemográficos e Escala de Projeto de Vida para Adolescentes. Os dados foram analisados por meio de testes t de student, ANOVA one-way e correlação de Pearson. Os resultados indicaram que adolescentes mais novos têm mais projetos de vida em relação a Relacionamentos Afetivos, Religião/Espiritualidade e Bens Materiais do que os mais velhos. Observou-se uma tendência dos projetos da dimensão Religião/Espiritualidade diminuírem conforme os adolescentes crescem e conforme aumentam a Escolaridade da Mãe e a Escolaridade do Pai. Em relação ao tipo de escola, os adolescentes de escolas públicas têm mais projetos de vida da dimensão Relacionamentos Afetivos do que os adolescentes dos demais tipos. Os projetos da dimensão Religião/Espiritualidade são maiores nos adolescentes de escolas públicas.(AU)

Considering that adolescents spend most of their time with their families and within the school environment, this study aimed to understand possible associations and influences of these contexts in adolescents' life purpose. The sample consisted of 320 adolescents aged between 14 and 17 years old, of both genders, enrolled in the 9th grade of Elementary School II and High School of public and private schools and full-time public schools of a city of the countryside of São Paulo. Data were collected using the Sociodemographic Data Sheet and the Purpose in Life Questionnaire for Adolescents and analyzed using Student's t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation coefficient. The results show that the life purpose of younger teens are more oriented towards Affective Relationships, Religion/Spirituality, and Material Goods than that of older ones. Projects related to Religion/Spirituality tend to decrease with increasing age and parental education level. Regarding the type of school, the life purpose of adolescents from public schools is more associated with Affective Relations and Religion/Spirituality than that of adolescents from private schools.(AU)

Teniendo en cuenta que la familia y la escuela son los contextos en que los adolescentes pasan la mayor parte del tiempo, este estudio tuvo como objetivo comprender las posibles relaciones entre las variables de los contextos escolares y familiares y los proyectos de vida de los adolescentes. Participaron 320 adolescentes, de ambos sexos, de los 14 a los 17 años de edad, del noveno grado de la escuela primaria II y secundaria de diferentes tipos de escuelas en una ciudad del interior de São Paulo. Los instrumentos fueron Hoja de datos sociodemográficos y Escala de proyectos de vida para adolescentes. Los datos se analizaron mediante pruebas t de Student, ANOVA one-way y correlación de Pearson. Los resultados indicaron que los adolescentes más jóvenes tienen más proyectos de vida con respecto a las relaciones afectivas, la religión/espiritualidad y los bienes materiales que los mayores. Hubo una tendencia a que los proyectos de la dimensión Religión/Espiritualidad disminuyan a medida que crecen los adolescentes y aumentan la Educación de la madre y la Educación del padre. Con respecto al tipo de escuela, los que estudian en escuelas públicas tienen más proyectos de vida en la dimensión Relaciones afectivas que los adolescentes de otros tipos. Los adolescentes de escuelas públicas son los que tienen más proyectos en la dimensión Religión/Espiritualidad.(AU)

A relação entre os mecanismos que influenciam o propósito de vida e seus impactos na longevidade em idosos com mais de 80 anos / The relationship between the mechanisms that influence purpose in life and its impacts on longevity in the oldest-old / La relación entre los mecanismos que influyen en el propósito de la vida y sus impactos sobre la longevidad en las personas mayores de 80 años

Revisão integrativa da literatura que investigou a relação entre mecanismos que influenciam o propósito de vida (PDV) e seus impactos na longevidade,em idosos com mais de 80 anos. Encontraram-se oito trabalhos (bases de dados: LILACS, Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus e SciELO).O PDV elevado aumenta as chances de um envelhecimento bem-sucedido e melhores desfechos em saúde; porém, não protege de depressão no futuro.O PDV deve ser fortalecido por intervenções que considerem questões existenciais e subjetivas de longevos.

Integrative literature review investigated the relationship between the mechanisms that influence purpose in life (PIL) and its impacts on longevity in the oldest-old. Eight papers were selected (databases: LILACS, Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus and SciELO). High levels of PIL increases chances of successful aging and better outcomes in health. However, it does not protect against depression in the future.PIL must be strengthened through interventions considering existential and subjective issues of the oldest-old.

Revisión de literatura integradora que investigó la relación entre los mecanismos que influyen en el propósito de la vida (POS) y sus impactos en la longevidad, en personas mayores de 80 años. Se encontraron ocho estudios (bases de datos: LILACS, Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus y SciELO). POS elevado aumenta las posibilidades de envejecimiento exitoso y mejores resultados de salud; sin embargo, no lo protege de la depresión en el futuro. El POS debe fortalecerse mediante intervenciones que tengan en cuenta los problemas existenciales y subjetivos de las personas de larga vida.

Is life satisfaction associated with the purpose in life of elderly hydrogymnastics practitioners?

Aim: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between life satisfaction and purpose in the life of the elderly hydro gymnastic practitioners. Methods: A total of 92 older people of both sexes, who practice hydro gymnastics in the city of Maringá, State of Paraná, Brazil, participated in the study. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Satisfaction with Life Scale and the purpose in life Questionnaire were used as instruments. Data analysis was carried out by using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman's correlation test, in addition to the Path Analysis (p <0.05). Results: The results showed a greater life satisfaction for the women comparing to the men (p = 0.023). Moreover, it was found that the elderly who perceived themselves with a better health condition obtained higher scores according to the purpose in life scale. Life satisfaction had a positive and moderate association (β = 0.24) with the purpose in the life of the elderly, which explains 6% of the variability. Conclusion: It was concluded that sex can be considered as an intervening factor when concerning life satisfaction, time of practice of hydro gymnastics and self-perceived health related to the purpose in life of the elderly. In addition, satisfaction with life was positively associated with the purpose in the life.(AU)

Meaning in Life and Psychological Weil-Being in Spanish Emerging Adults / Sentido de vida e bem-estar psicológico em adultos emergentes espanhóis / Sentido de vida y bienestar psicológico en adultos emergentes españoles

Abstract Experiencing meaning in life (MiL) and psychological well-being (PWB) is an important developmental task in emerging adulthood, perhaps more than in any other period in life due to its transitional character and to the nature of its features, in Western societies. This study analyzes the relationship between MiL and PWB, as well as the differences in PWB according to the level of MiL (lack of meaning, indefinite meaning, and presence of meaning), in a sample of 333 Spanish emerging adults (224 women, 109 men), age ranged from 17 to 26 years, M = 21.06, SD = 2.23. Both Spanish versions of the Purpose-In-Life Test and the Ryff's Scales of Psychological Well-Being were used. The Spearman's coefficient of correlation showed a positive, significant relationship between MiL and PWB (global and dimensions). The Kruskal-Wallis test showed significant differences in PWB between lack of meaning, indefinite meaning, and presence of meaning groups, except in Autonomy, in which only the difference between the presence of meaning group and the indefinite meaning group was significant. MiL is associated to the cognitive, emotional, and motivational aspects that directly point to PWB: positive self-worth and self-acceptance, perception and experience of freedom, responsibility and self-determination, positive view of both life as a whole and future, purpose and commitment of significant existential goals, self-trascendence and opening up to the others, integrative but not resigned coping of the adversity, life satisfaction, and self-realization.

Resumo Sentir que a vida tem sentido e experimentar bem-estar psicológico são uma importante tarefa evolutiva na idade adulta emergente, talvez mais que em qualquer outra etapa evolutiva, devido a seu caráter transicional e a suas características nas sociedades ocidentais. Neste estudo, analisam-se as relações entre sentido de vida e bem-estar psicológico, bem como as diferenças em bem-estar psicológico em função do nível de sentido de vida (vazio existencial, indefinição de sentido e experiência de sentido) numa amostra de 333 adultos emergentes espanhóis (224 mulheres e 109 homens) com idade entre 17 e 26 anos (M=21.06, DT=2.23). Como instrumentos, foram utilizadas versões espanholas do teste Purpose-In-Life e das Escalas de Bem-estar Psicológico de Ryff. Como resultado, o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman mostrou uma relação positiva e significativa entre sentido de vida e bem-estar psicológico (global e dimensões), enquanto o teste de Kruskal-Wallis mostrou diferenças significativas em bem-estar psicológico entre os grupos de vazio existencial, indefinição de sentido e experiência de sentido, exceto na dimensão de Autonomia, na qual somente foi significativa a diferença entre experiência de sentido e indefinição de sentido. O sentido de vida se relacionou com os aspectos cognitivos, emocionais e motivacionais que apontam diretamente ao bem-estar subjetivo, isto é: autovalorização positiva e autoaceitação, percepção e experiência de liberdade, responsabilidade e autodeterminação, visão positiva da vida como um todo e do futuro, propósito e compromisso com metas existenciais importantes, autotranscedência e abertura aos demais, enfrentamento integrador, mas não resignado, da adversidade, satisfação vital e autorrealização.

Resumen Sentir que la vida tiene sentido y experimentar bienestar psicológico son una importante tarea evolutiva en la adultez emergente, quizá más que en cualquier otra etapa evolutiva, debido a su carácter transicional y a sus características en las sociedades occidentales. En este estudio se analizan las relaciones entre sentido de la vida y bienestar psicológico, así como las diferencias en bienestar psicológico en función del nivel de sentido de vida (vacío existencial, indefinición de sentido y experiencia de sentido) en una muestra de 333 adultos emergentes españoles (224 mujeres y 109 hombres) con edades entre 17 y 26 años, M = 21.06, DT = 2.23. Como instrumentos, se utilizaron versiones españolas del test Purpose-In-Life y de las Escalas de Bienestar Psicológico de Ryff. Como resultado, el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman mostró una relación positiva y significativa entre sentido de vida y bienestar psicológico (global y dimensiones), mientras que el test de Kruskal-Wallis mostró diferencias significativas en bienestar psicológico entre los grupos de vacío existencial, indefinición de sentido y experiencia de sentido, excepto en la dimensión de Autonomía, en la cual solo fue significativa la diferencia entre experiencia de sentido e indefinición de sentido. El sentido de vida se relacionó con los aspectos cognitivos, emocionales y motivacionales que apuntan directamente al bienestar subjetivo, es decir: autovaloración positiva y autoaceptación, percepción y experiencia de libertad, responsabilidad y autodeterminación, visión positiva de la vida como un todo y del futuro, propósito y compromiso con metas existenciales importantes, autotrascendencia y apertura a los demás, afrontamiento integrativo pero no resignado de la adversidad, y satisfacción vital y autorrealización.

Influence of Nursing Students' Purpose in Life on Quality of Life: Focused on the Mediating Effects of Consciousness of Calling and Satisfaction with Life / 간호행정학회지

PURPOSE: The study was done to examine whether consciousness of calling and life satisfaction have a mediating effect in the relationship between nursing students' purpose of life and their quality of life. METHODS: The participants were 171 nursing students studying in two colleges of nursing located in Chungcheong and Gyeonggi Province. Measurements included the purpose in life questionnaire, Korea-version WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire, brief calling scale and satisfaction with life scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and multiple regression techniques with SPSS 24.0. Mediation analysis was performed according to the Baron and Kenny method and Sobel test. RESULTS: There were significant correlations among purpose in life, consciousness of calling, satisfaction with life and quality of life. Consciousness of calling and satisfaction with life showed perfect mediating effects in the relationship between purpose in life and quality of life. CONCLUSION: In this study, nursing students' purpose in life had significant influences on nursing students' quality of life via calling consciousness and satisfaction with life. Therefore, to enhance quality of life for nursing students, it is necessary to build effective strategies and education programs to enhance nursing students' purpose in life, consciousness of calling and satisfaction with life.

Impacts of Beautiful Natural Surroundings on Happiness: Issues of Environmental Disruption, Food, Water Security and Lifestyle in Modern Times

Purpose: Recently, purpose in life (PIL) drawn from existentialism and the concept of ikigai [meaning in his/her life] from Japanese classical literature have been recognized as effective ways to manage stress. PIL/ikigai is related to a function of the prefrontal lobe of the brain and influences happiness. However, many factors, including negative experiences, seem to inhibit development of PIL/ikigai and prefrontal lobe function. Using established evidence, the author discusses these issues in relation to increasing happiness. Established Evidence: Genetic factors that affect prefrontal lobe function have not significantly changed since modern humans first emerged, but epigenetic changes caused by stress and chemicals influence gene expression. Development of the prefrontal lobe is influenced by sensory and motor experiences, the parent–infant relationship, stress, chemicals, and pollution. PIL/ikigai develops through positive experiences of playing and spending sufficient time in beautiful natural surroundings in cooperation with others and setting challenging goals and achieving them in conjunction with forming positive impressions. Historically, individuals who lived in natural surroundings, relied on cooperative relationships in their daily lives, and traveled on foot to obtain food. Humans today have the convenience of being able to obtain food in an urban setting. However, pollution, whether by disruption of the environment or pesticides, causes epigenetic changes that can lead to disease. Conclusion: Individuals should play more often and spend more time in beautiful natural surroundings in cooperation with others and set challenging goals and achieve them in conjunction with forming positive impressions. Environmental disruption and pesticide use should be minimized. In this way, increasing PIL/ikigai and fostering development of prefrontal lobe structure and function may increase overall levels of happiness.

Study on the relationship between medical students' general self-efficacy and sense life meaning / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective To understand the current status of students' self-efficacy and sense of life meaning in medical college students, and explore the relationship between them, then give advice to improve the students' general self-efficacy and the sense of life meaning.Methods A random sampling method was used to select 386 undergraduates in a medical college from freshman to senior.The purpose in life test (PIL) revised by He Jiying (1994) and general self efficacy scale (GSES) revised by Wang Caikang (2001) were used in this research.Data were analyzed by SPSS 18.0 software, and the data were analyzed by t test, x2 test, Spearman correlation analysis.Inspection level of alpha=0.01 (double side).Results The score of GSES was (2.62 ± 0.40), and the score of PIL was (74.06 ± 11.09);t test showed that the PIL score of students with higher GSES score was higher than the PIL score of students with lower GSES score (t=5.054, P=0.000);The correlation analysis showed that GSES score was positively correlated with PIL score (r=0.283, P=0.000).Conclusion The general self-efficacy and sense of life meaning of medical college students are in the medium level, and the positive correlation exists between the two.A series of measures should be adopted to strengthen the students' general efficacy, so as to improve their sense of life.

Análisis factorial de una versión española del Purpose-In-Life Test, en función del género y edad / Factor Analysis of the Spanish Version of the Purpose-in-Life Test According to Age and Gender / Análise fatorial da versÃo espanhola do Purpose-In-Life Test, em funçÃo do gênero e idade

Objetivo. Se analizan las características psicométricas de la versión española del Purpose-In-Life Test-10 ítems para la medida del sentido de la vida, así como diferencias en función de género y edad, en un grupo de 180 universitarios españoles (138 mujeres, 42 hombres), con edades entre 18 y 55 años (M = 22.91, DT = 6.71). Método. Los análisis incluyeron: (a) la estimación del ajuste datos - modelo de la escala, mediante análisis factorial confirmatorio; (b) cálculo de estadísticos descriptivos y la prueba de bondad de ajuste de los ítems, del total de la escala y de sus factores; (c) la estimación de la consistencia interna de la escala y los factores; (d) las correlaciones entre ítems, escala y factores; y (e) comparaciones en función del género y la edad. Resultados. La escala mostró un ajuste adecuado y una consistencia interna entre aceptable y alta. Las mujeres puntuaron significativamente más alto en el factor metas y propósitos vitales y el grupo de mediana edad (30-55 años) alcanzó rangos promedio significativamente más altos en la puntuación total y en varios ítems de la escala que el grupo de jóvenes (18-29 años). Discusión. La escala Purpose-In-Life Test-10 ítems es psicométricamente fiable y las diferencias en sentido de la vida asociadas a la edad sugieren hipótesis explicativas de naturaleza cognitivo - motivacionales y evolutivas de naturaleza psicosocial.

Objective. The psychometric characteristics of the Spanish version of the Purpose-In-Life Test-10 Items to assess the meaning of life, and the differences associated to gender and age, are analyzed, among 180 Spanish university graduates (138 women, 42 men), aged from 18 to 55 years (M = 22.91, SD = 6.71). Method. Statistics included: (a) the data - model fit by means of confirmatory factor analysis; (b) the descriptive statistics of items, scale, and factors; (c) an estimation of the internal consistency of the scale and the factors; (d) the correlations between the items, the scale, and the factors; (e) the comparisons on the basis of gender and age. Results. The scale showed an adequate fit and acceptable-high internal consistency. The women scored higher in the Goals and Purposes in Life factor, and the middle-aged group (30-55) obtained significantly higher ranking in the total score, and in several items on the scale higher than the younger people (18-29). Discussion. The Purpose-In-Life Test-10 Items is reliable, and the differences in the meaning of life age-associated suggest cognitive-motivational and developmental explanatory hypotheses.

Escopo. Foram analisadas as caraterísticas psicométricas da versÃo espanhola do Purpose-In-Life Test- 10 items para a medida do sentido da vida, assim como diferencias em funçÃo de gênero e idade, em um grupo de 180 universitários espanhóis (138 mulheres, 42 homens), com idades entre 18 e 55 anos (M= 22.91, DT= 6.71). Metodologia. Os análises incluíram: a) a estimaçÃo do ajuste de dados - modelo da escada, mediante análise fatorial confirmatório; b) cálculo de estatísticos descritivos e a proba de bondade de ajuste dos itens, do total da escada e dos seus fatores; c) a estimaçÃo da consistência interna da escada e os fatores; d) as correlações entre itens, escada e fatores; e e) comparações em funçÃo do gênero e a idade. Resultados. A escada mostrou um ajuste adequado e uma consistência interna aceitável e alta. As mulheres pontuaram significativamente mais alto no fator Metas e propostos vitais, e o grupo de mediana idade (30-55 anos) alcançou rangos na media significativamente mais altos na pontuaçÃo total e em vários itens da escada que o grupo de jovens (18-29 anos). DiscussÃo. A escada Purpose-In-Life Test 10 items é psicométricamente fiável e as diferencias em sentido da vida associadas à idade sugerem hipóteses explicativas de natureza cognitivo-motivacionais e evolutivas de natureza psicossocial.

Purpose in Life/Ikigai and Moderate Exercise may Prevent and Improve Violent Behavior: with Consideration of the Traits of Neurotransmitters and Hormones.

The prefrontal lobe, which is more evolved in humans compared to other mammals, has extensive connections with many other areas of the brain including the thalamus, hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala. The prefrontal lobe functions include ambition, cognition, emotions, information evaluation, mental integration, voluntary activity, and organized response. Violent behavior is related to aggression, with less serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid interaction, more dopamine, and more testosterone. Violent behavior is reinforced by negative experiences including viewing of violence in childhood and successful problem solving by violence. Every person has a natural and intrinsic need to establish the meaning of life, relative to ambition. Purpose in life (PIL)/ikigai means an attitude to establish the meaning of life. The term PIL/ikigai has been commonly used in daily life for many years in Japan. PIL/ikigai contributes to a greater ability to cope with stress, i.e., greater pleasure and comfort as well as less anxiety and confusion during stressful situations. This process leads to increasing serotonin and decreasing testosterone. PIL/ikigai is reinforced by positive experiences, including being moved by persons and events, success in challenging events, spending time in beautiful natural surroundings, and warm-hearted human relations. Moderate aerobic exercise, e.g., walking and running, causes pleasure. This process results in improvement of the autonomic nervous system, i.e., optimal balance between the sympathetic nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system, and optimally balanced secretions of dopamine, -endorphin, and serotonin. PIL/ikigai, performing aerobic exercise and violent behavior are prefrontal lobe functions. Prefrontal lobe function develops even during adulthood as the result of experiences. Thus, PIL/ikigai and moderate aerobic exercise may prevent and improve violent behavior.

Estructura factorial y consistencia interna de una versión española del Purpose-ln-Life Test / Factorial Structure and Internal Consistency of a Spanish Version of the Purpose-In-Life Test

El objetivo de este trabajo fue examinar la estructura factorial y la consistencia interna de la versión española del Purpose-In-Life Test, instrumento que mide el logro de sentido de la vida desde los supuestos de la logoterapia. En el estudio participaron 457 universitarios españoles (320 mujeres, 137 hombres) de 18 a 55 años de edad, Μ = 21.80, DE = 4.56. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos y correlaciones entre los ítems y el total de la escala inicial, un análisis factorial exploratorio, la estimación de la consistencia interna de los factores y de la escala obtenida, el análisis factorial confirmatorio de la misma, la prueba t para comparación de medias entre mujeres y hombres y la prueba de Kruskal-Wallis para el efecto de la edad. Los resultados mostraron una estructura de dos factores correlacionados con aceptable consistencia interna de la escala y de los factores, diferencias significativas entre mujeres y hombres en la puntuación total y uno de los factores, y no significativas en función de la edad. El análisis factorial confirmatorio muestra un adecuado ajuste, apoyando el modelo propuesto.

The main objective of this study was to examine the factorial structure and the internal consistency of a Spanish version of Purpose-In-Life Test, which measures the achievement of meaning in life from logotherapy assumptions. Participated 457 Spanish undergraduates (320 females, 137 males) ages 18 to 55 Μ = 21.8, SD = 4.56. Estatistical analysis included the descriptive statistics and the correlations of initial scale, an exploratory factor analysis, the internal consistency of the scale and the factors resulting from the factor analysis, a confirmatory factor analysis of resulting scale, and the analysis of the effect due to the gender and the age. Results of exploratory factor analysis showed two correlated factors with acceptable internal consistency, significant differences between women and men in the total score and one of the factors, but not significant depending on the age. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a proper adjustment, supporting the proposed model.

Effects of Art Therapy Using Color on Purpose in Life in Patients with Stroke and Their Caregivers

PURPOSE: Patients with stroke suffer from physical disabilities, followed by mental instability. Their caregivers also suffer from mental instability. The present study attempted to address the degree and the change of the level of Purpose in Life (PIL) in patients with stroke and caregivers by applying art therapy using colors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight stroke patients with a good functional recovery or a moderate disability and their 28 caregivers were selected and evaluated. The period of the study between the stroke and color therapy was more than 6 months. Patients and caregivers were divided into the color therapy (28) and control groups (28). A questionnaire, which measures the level of PIL was conducted separately for patients and caregivers prior to the first session of color therapy (2 hours per week, total 16 sessions). The final examination was performed 5 months after the last color therapy session. RESULTS: There was significant difference between before and after color therapy when the level of PIL was measured both in patients and caregivers (p<0.01). These were the same between the color therapy group, compared with the control group (p<0.01). As color therapy progressed to the late phase, patients and caregivers applied increasing number of colors and color intensity. CONCLUSION: These results prove that color therapy will improve PIL of the patients with post-stroke disability and caregivers. Furthermore, color therapy would be a useful adjuvant for improving the quality of life of the patients with stroke and their caregivers.

Análisis factorial confirmatorio de los principales modelos propuestos para el Purpose-In-Life Test en una muestra de universitarios españoles / Confirmatory factor analysis of the main models proposed for the Purpose-In-Life Test in a sample of Spanish undergraduates / Análise fatorial confirmatório dos principais modelos propostos para o Purpose-In-Life Test em uma mostra de universitários espanhóis

En los últimos años varios trabajos han analizado la estructura factorial del Purpose-In-Life Test, instrumento que mide el logro de sentido de la vida desde los planteamientos de la logoterapia, con resultados muy heterogéneos. El objetivo del presente trabajo consistió en poner a prueba distintos modelos propuestos en la literatura anterior, con una muestra de 766 alumnos de dos universidades de la Comunidad Valenciana (España), de los que 220 son hombres y 546 son mujeres, con edades comprendidas entre los 18 y los 36 años (M = 21.96; DT = 3.56). Se realizaron análisis factoriales confirmatorios de dichos modelos y se compararon los valores de ajuste y las estructuras factoriales obtenidas, encontrando apoyo empírico para tres modelos bifactoriales.

In recent years several papers have examined the structure of the Purpose-In-Life Test, which measures the achievement of meaning in life from the approach of logotherapy, having found heterogeneous results. The aim of this study was to test different models proposed in previous literature with a sample of 766 Spanish undergraduates (220 males, 546 females) from two universities of the Valencia Community (Spain), aged between 18 and 36 (M = 21.96; SD = 3.56). Confirmatory factor analysis of these models was conducted. The adjustment values and the factorial structures obtained were compared, finding empirical support for three bi-factorial models.

Nos últimos anos vários trabalhos analisaram a estrutura fatorial do Purpose-In-Life Test, instrumento que mede o sucesso do sentido da vida desde as propostas da logoterapia, havendo sido obtidos resultados muito heterogêneos. O objetivo do presente trabalho consistiu em testar diferentes modelos propostos na literatura anterior, com uma mostra de 766 alunos de duas universidades da Comunidade Valenciana (Espanha), dos quais 220 são homens e 546 são mulheres, com idades compreendidas entre 18 e 36 anos (M = 21.96; DT = 3.56). Realizaram-se análises fatoriais confirmatórias desses modelos e foram comparados os valores de ajuste e as estruturas fatoriais obtidas, encontrando apoio empírico para três modelos bifatoriais.