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Physical Activity and Meaning in Life: A Scoping Review

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  • Zhanjia Zhang

    (Peking University)

  • Miao Miao

    (Peking University)

  • Xiaoyuan Zhang

    (Peking University)

Abstract

Meaning in life is a key concept in positive psychology and has received increasing attention in recent years. This study aimed to provide an overview of the relationship between meaning in life and physical activity through reviewing the existing literature. A systematic search was conducted in databases including Web of Science, PubMed/Medline, PsycINFO, and SportDiscus for studies of varying designs and populations. Nineteen cross-sectional studies, ten longitudinal studies, and one randomized controlled trial, with a total of 107,954 participants, met the inclusion criteria and were included for further analysis. Overall, despite the considerable heterogeneity in the study characteristics of the included articles, more than 90% of the studies reviewed reported a positive association between MIL and at least one PA indicator. The majority of included studies reported a correlation coefficient ranging from 0.1 to 0.3, indicating small-to-medium effect sizes. In addition, the relationship between meaning in life and physical activity is likely to be reciprocal, as the mutual influence in both directions is supported by substantial evidence. Possible mechanisms were explored in four studies, and health investment, self-efficacy, basic psychological needs, and motivations and barriers of physical activity appear to be potential mediators of the relationship between meaning in life and physical activity. Future research should employ more rigorous methodological designs, such as longitudinal and experimental studies, to better understand the causal pathways between meaning in life and physical activity, and develop and test theoretical models that can comprehensively explain the complex interdependencies between them.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhanjia Zhang & Miao Miao & Xiaoyuan Zhang, 2025. "Physical Activity and Meaning in Life: A Scoping Review," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 26(5), pages 1-18, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:26:y:2025:i:5:d:10.1007_s10902-025-00858-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-025-00858-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pfund, Gabrielle N. & DeLongis, Anita & Sin, Nancy & Morstead, Talia & Hill, Patrick L., 2022. "Being active for a purpose: Evaluating the bi-directional associations between monthly purpose and physical activity," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 310(C).
    2. F. Thomas Juster & Richard Suzman, 1995. "An Overview of the Health and Retirement Study," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 30, pages 7-56.
    3. Johnson, Blair T. & Acabchuk, Rebecca L., 2018. "What are the keys to a longer, happier life? Answers from five decades of health psychology research," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 196(C), pages 218-226.
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