Meaning in Life and Cognitive, Intrapersonal, and Interpersonal Development: The Role of Self-Authorship

• In Event: Development and Learning

Abstract

Researchers are interested in enhancing adults’ sense of meaning which consists of a sense of coherence, purpose, and significance. Self-authorship, a capacity to define one’s beliefs and identity, might be a necessary condition for developing a sense of meaning. The current study explored whether (n = 147) sense of meaning is related to the cognitive, interpersonal, and intrapersonal dimensions of self-authorship. We found that among non-self-authoring people, only purpose was associated with cognitive, intrapersonal, and interpersonal development. Among self-authoring people, coherence, purpose, and significance were all associated with these dimensions. We concluded that self-authorship may be important for the development of a sense of meaning; this may be useful for interventions designed to enhance adults’ sense of meaning in life.

Author

• Ella Anghel, Boston College
  Presenting Author