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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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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Li Lin & Song Wang & Jingguang Li, 2021. "Association Between The Search For Meaning In Life And Well-Being In Chinese Adolescents," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 16(6), pages 2291-2309, December.
    2. Zhiwei Zhou & Wei Qi & Qinqhuan He & Jie Wen & Miao Miao, 2024. "Which One is the Best for Evaluating the Multidimensional Structure of Meaning in Life Among Chinese: A Comparison of Three Multidimensional Scales," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 19(4), pages 1791-1810, August.
    3. Anne Gadermann & Kimberly Schonert-Reichl & Bruno Zumbo, 2010. "Investigating Validity Evidence of the Satisfaction with Life Scale Adapted for Children," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 96(2), pages 229-247, April.
    4. Hong Zhang & Zhiqin Sang & Changkai Chen & Jiawei Zhu & Weijing Deng, 2018. "Need for Meaning, Meaning Confusion, Meaning Anxiety, and Meaning Avoidance: Additional Dimensions of Meaning in Life," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 19(1), pages 191-212, January.
    5. Michela Zambelli & Semira Tagliabue, 2024. "The Situational Meaning in Life Evaluation (SMILE): Development and Validation Studies," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 25(1), pages 1-24, February.
    6. To, Siu-ming, 2016. "Loneliness, the search for meaning, and the psychological well-being of economically disadvantaged Chinese adolescents living in Hong Kong: Implications for life skills development programs," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 52-60.
    7. Danni Liu & Anouk Dijk & Shanyan Lin & Zhenhong Wang & Maja Deković & Judith Semon Dubas, 2023. "Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Highly Sensitive Child Scale Across Age Groups, Gender, and Informants," Child Indicators Research, Springer;The International Society of Child Indicators (ISCI), vol. 16(4), pages 1755-1780, August.
    8. Jian-Bin Li & Kai Dou & Yue Liang, 2021. "The Relationship Between Presence of Meaning, Search for Meaning, and Subjective Well-Being: A Three-Level Meta-Analysis Based on the Meaning in Life Questionnaire," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 22(1), pages 467-489, January.
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