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What Makes Life Meaningful?

Author

Listed:
  • Jan Berendsen

    (University of Hamburg)

  • Robert Dur

    (Erasmus University Rotterdam)

  • Iris Kesternich

    (University of Hamburg)

Abstract

It has been argued that the search for meaning is among the strongest drivers of human behavior. We ran a survey on a large representative sample to assess how important it is for people to lead a meaningful life, what makes life meaningful, what differentiates meaning from happiness, and whether people who find meaning important lead different lives than people who prioritize happiness. We collect three types of data: open questions, vignettes, and self-reported meaning and happiness. We show that people care strongly about both meaning and happiness and that the drivers of a meaningful and happy life differ in important ways. Moreover, we find interesting gender differences and a substantial underestimation by women of how much children contribute to men's meaning and happiness.

Suggested Citation

  • Jan Berendsen & Robert Dur & Iris Kesternich, 2026. "What Makes Life Meaningful?," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 26-065/I, Tinbergen Institute.
    • Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:20260065
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    File URL: https://papers.tinbergen.nl/26065.pdf
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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D00 - Microeconomics - - General - - - General
    • D9 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics
    • I3 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty

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