Meaning in Life and Meaning of Life in Mental Health Care: An Integrative Literature Review

Abstract

The aim of this integrative literature review was to identify high quality empirical research and theoretical literature on the sources of meaning in life and people's beliefs regarding the meaning of life. This will inform current mental health clinical practice and research by providing a synthesis of empirical and theoretical literature. Failure to address meaninglessness or the existential crisis can lead to psychopathologies such as depression, anxiety, addiction, aggression, hopelessness, apathy, lower levels of well-being, physical illness, and suicide. Integrative literature reviews incorporate empirical research and theoretical literature. The inclusion criteria were primary research and theoretical papers and books by prominent theorists. Thirty-nine items underwent the critical appraisal process. Thirty-two papers or books were included. Overwhelmingly the results revealed that relationships, particularly relationships with family, are cited as the most important source of meaning in people's lives in all cultures and age groups. There was no consensus identified to answer the meaning of life question. These results and future research will allow mental health clinicians to help patients deepen their understanding of themselves, identify where they find meaning and understand their beliefs about meaning of life, contributing to a reduction in symptomatology and meaninglessness, and an increase in happiness, life satisfaction, positive affect, better coping, psychosocial health and well-being, and more meaningfulness in life.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Much thanks and gratitude goes to the intellectual and librarian support of this project. Intellectual support for XG was obtained via the academic supervisors Professor Michael Hazelton, Associate Professor Ashley Kable and Associate Professor Kerry Inder. Librarian support to XG was obtained from Debbie Booth the University of Newcastle Faculty of Health and Medicine librarian.

Declaration of Interest: The author reports no conflict of interest. The author alone is responsible for the content and writing of this paper.

FUNDING

Much thanks and gratitude for the financial support for X. Glaw which was obtained via an Australian Postgraduate Award and Research Training Scheme at The University of Newcastle.