ABSTRACT

This book offers an inspiring exploration of current findings from the psychology of meaning in life, analysing cutting-edge research to propose practical, evidence-based applications. Schnell draws on psychological, philosophical and cognitive perspectives to explore basic concepts of meaning and introduce a multidimensional model of meaning in life.

Written in an accessible style, this book covers a range of topics including the distinction between meaning and happiness, the impact of meaning on health and longevity, meaning in the workplace, and meaning-centred interventions. Each chapter ends with exercises to encourage self-reflection and measurement tools are presented throughout, including the author’s original Sources of Meaning and Meaning in Life Questionnaire (SoMe), to inspire the reader to consider the role of meaning in their own life.

The Psychology of Meaning in Life is essential reading for students and practitioners of psychology, sociology, counselling, coaching and related disciplines, and for general readers interested in exploring the role of meaning in life.

chapter Chapter 1|4 pages

Searching for meaning?

chapter Chapter 2|8 pages

Defining meaning

chapter Chapter 3|15 pages

Measuring meaning in life

chapter Chapter 4|10 pages

Meaning as attribution

chapter Chapter 5|22 pages

Varieties of meaning

chapter Chapter 6|28 pages

Sources of meaning

chapter Chapter 7|17 pages

The social dimension of meaning in life

chapter Chapter 8|12 pages

Crises of meaning – when foundations shake

chapter Chapter 9|17 pages

Existential indifference

chapter Chapter 10|13 pages

Meaning and happiness

chapter Chapter 11|31 pages

Meaning, health and illness

chapter Chapter 12|29 pages

Meaning-centred interventions

chapter Chapter 13|30 pages

Meaning in work

chapter Chapter 14|10 pages

Outlook