Abstract:

A meta-analysis was conducted to explore the relationship between meaning in life and subjective well-being. Forty-five relevant studies met the criteria of meta-analysis were taken into research. All studies included 51 independent samples with a total of 27291 participants. Results of meta-analysis showed that meaning in life has a positive correlation with subjective well-being (r = 0.505, p < 0.001), life satisfaction (r = 0.395, p < 0.001), and positive affect (r = 0.325, p < 0.001) significantly, while a negative relationship with negative affect (r = −0.195, p < 0.1). The relationship between meaning in life and subjective well- being was regulated by gender differences and type of participants (e.g. gender differences could significantly positively adjust this relationship). Results suggested that meaning in life could predict subjective well- being effectively.

Key words: meaning in life, presence of meaning, search for meaning, subjective well-being, life satisfaction, positive affect, negative affect