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Development and Validation of the State of Meaning in Life (SoMIL) Scale among Chinese Adolescents

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  • Yumei Li

    (Xiamen University)

  • Nan Chen

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Sylvia Y. C. L. Kwok

    (City University of Hong Kong)

Abstract

Meaning in life is a complex, multistate, and multicomponent construct, yet existing measures often focus on either states or components without fully capturing both dimensions. Additionally, the applicability of these tools to adolescent populations remains limited. This study first tested the six-state and four-component structures of meaning in life in a sample of 742 Chinese adolescents (347 males; Mean age = 15.39, SD = 1.68, aged 12 to 19). Exploratory structural equation modeling revealed a good fit for both structures. Based on these findings, a 24-item State of Meaning in Life (SoMIL) Scale was developed, incorporating the 6 × 4 state-component structure. A second sample of 668 adolescents (302 males, Mean age = 15.14, SD = 0.49, aged 12 to 18) was used to validate the scale’s structural validity, measurement invariance, internal consistency, and external validity. Results confirmed the SoMIL Scale’s robust psychometric properties, demonstrating its reliability and validity. Furthermore, the scale showed significant associations with quality of life, depression, and anxiety, highlighting its relevance for assessing meaning in life in relation to key psychological outcomes. This research provides a comprehensive, reliable tool for assessing meaning in life in adolescents, underscoring the importance of incorporating both states and components in future assessments, particularly in the context of mental health among adolescents.

Suggested Citation

  • Yumei Li & Nan Chen & Sylvia Y. C. L. Kwok, 2025. "Development and Validation of the State of Meaning in Life (SoMIL) Scale among Chinese Adolescents," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 20(3), pages 1163-1196, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ariqol:v:20:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s11482-025-10455-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s11482-025-10455-9
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