Mental Illness, Meaning in Life, and Well-Being

by Tim Delson

Mental Illness, Meaning in Life, and Well-Being

Meaning In Life and Well-Being

Having and feeling meaning in life is really good for your well-being.

Those who acknowledge and live in accordance with their purpose derive a deep sense of meaning in life via the pursuit and attainment of valued goals (Kashdan & McKnight, 2009). They find greater happiness and self-esteem. They view goal pursuits as challenges instead of threats. They have greater resilience when confronted with emotional difficulties and traumatic events (Bonebright, Clay, & Ankenmann, 2000; Boyle, Barnes, Buchman, & Bennett, 2009; McKnight & Kashdan, 2009b; Ryff, 1989).

How then do various mental conditions impact meaning, and thus well-being?

Depression and Meaning

Depression is characterized by a poverty of meaning and purpose (Beck, 1967). Hope about the future is an important component of meaning (Feldman & Snyder, 2005).

Therefor, enhancing meaning, purpose, and related phenomena should be effective in preventing and treating depression (Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 1999; Zettle, 2007).

Social Anxiety Disorder and Meaning

Social Anxiety Disorder can get in the way of the pursuit of one's meaning. A coherent sense of purpose and committed effort towards that purpose may act as a powerful antidote for the emotional suffering experienced by people with social anxiety disorder (Kashdan & McKnight, 2013).

Trauma-Related Disorders and Meaning

Survivors search for meaning in the wake of their trauma, as traumatic events disrupt assumptions about the self and world (Janoff-Bulman, 1989).

For example, adults with a recently deceased parent experience a strengthening of their relationships with others, because they more fully appreciate the transience of meaningful connections with others (Malinak, Hoyt, & Patterson, 1979).

94% of survivors of a sinking cruise ship reportedly “stopped taking life for granted” and 71% noted that they now strive to “live each day to the fullest” (Joseph, Williams, Yule, 1993).

 

 

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