Systematic review of meaning in life assessment instruments

Monika Brandstätter; Urs Baumann; Gian Domenico Borasio; Martin Johannes Fegg

doi:10.1002/pon.2113

journal article Jan 10, 2012

Systematic review of meaning in life assessment instruments

Monika Brandstätter Urs Baumann Gian Domenico Borasio Martin Johannes Fegg

Psycho-Oncology Vol. 21 No. 10 pp. 1034-1052 · Wiley

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Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThe construct of “meaning in life” (MiL) has raised the interest of clinicians working in psycho‐oncology and end‐of‐life care. It has become a topic of scientific investigation where diverse assessment approaches have been applied. Aims: We present a comprehensive systematic review of existing MiL assessment instruments.MethodsElectronic searches of articles published in English peer‐reviewed journals were performed in Psycinfo, Medline, Embase and Cinahl. Instruments are appraised with regard to ten measurement properties.ResultsIn total, 59 nomothetic and idiographic MiL instruments were identified. Most instruments were developed in North America and meet basic psychometric criteria. They assess presence of and search for MiL, crisis and sources of MiL, meaning making, meaningful activity, MiL in the context of illness, breadth, depth, and other structural indicators. These aspects are largely consistent with existing MiL definitions. Nine out of 59 instruments included cancer populations in test development.ConclusionsThis overview of available instruments underscores the complexity of the construct and might assist researchers to select an appropriate instrument for their research needs. Finally, it points to the need for more integrative theorizing and research on MiL. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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Details

Published: Jan 10, 2012
Vol/Issue: 21(10)
Pages: 1034-1052
License: View

Authors

M

Monika Brandstätter

Interdisciplinary Center for Palliative Medicine Ludwig Maximilians University Munich Munich Germany

U

Urs Baumann

Department of Psychology Paris Lodron University Salzburg Austria

G

Gian Domenico Borasio

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Service de Soins Palliatifs University of Lausanne Switzerland

M

Martin Johannes Fegg

Interdisciplinary Center for Palliative Medicine Ludwig Maximilians University Munich Munich Germany

Cite This Article

Monika Brandstätter, Urs Baumann, Gian Domenico Borasio, et al. (2012). Systematic review of meaning in life assessment instruments. Psycho-Oncology, 21(10), 1034-1052. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.2113

Systematic review of meaning in life assessment instruments

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