Effects of meaning in life on subjective well-being: The mediating role of self-efficacy

Keywords:
meaning in life, subjective well-being, self-efficacy, satisfaction with life, positive affect, negative affect, mental health
Abstract

Previous research has shown that meaning in life is closely related to well-being, a relationship that has been receiving increasing scholarly attention. We explored the mechanism by which people with a high level of meaning in life show enhanced subjective well-being, with a focus on the mediating role of self-efficacy in this link. Participants in this study were 245 undergraduates at three Chinese universities. Data were collected by using the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire. Structural equation modeling results show that self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between meaning in life and subjective well-being. Moreover, the results of a bootstrapping analysis show there were both indirect and direct significant links between meaning in life and subjective well-being through self-efficacy. These findings are useful for those working in public health services to enhance the subjective well-being of individuals by addressing their sense of meaninglessness in life and inspiring confidence.

Author Biographies
  1. Xiuchao Wang, Air Force Medical University
    Department of Military Medical Psychology
  2. Shengjun Wu, Air Force Medical University
    Department of Military Medical Psychology
  3. Wei Xiao, Air Force Medical University
    Department of Military Medical Psychology
  4. Ziwei Wang, Air Force Medical University
    Department of Military Medical Psychology
  5. Fengzhan Li, Air Force Medical University
    Department of Military Medical Psychology
  6. Xufeng Liu, Air Force Medical University
    Department of Military Medical Psychology
  7. Danmin Miao, Air Force Medical University
    Department of Military Medical Psychology
References
Published
2021-01-06
Section
Articles
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