Meaning in Life Questionnaire

What it measures

Measures two distinct components of meaning in life: the degree to which people currently feel their lives are meaningful (Presence), and the degree to which they are actively seeking meaning (Search). The two subscales have different relationships with wellbeing — high Presence predicts wellbeing; high Search without Presence predicts distress.

Response format

Likert (1–7, absolutely untrue to absolutely true)

Representative items

• I understand my life's meaning. (Presence)
• My life has a clear sense of purpose. (Presence)
• I am looking for something that makes my life feel meaningful. (Search)
• I am always looking to find my life's purpose. (Search)
• I have a good sense of what makes my life meaningful. (Presence)

Usage notes & scoring

Freely available from Michael Steger (michaelfsteger.com). Presence and Search subscales must be interpreted separately — they are largely independent and have opposing relationships with wellbeing outcomes. Widely used in existential psychology, positive psychology, and clinical research on purpose.

Recommended companion scales

Citation

Steger, M.F., Frazier, P., Oishi, S., & Kaler, M. (2006). The meaning in life questionnaire: Assessing the presence of and search for meaning in life. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 53(1), 80–93.

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