Citation: Scheier, M. F., Wrosch, C., Baum, A., Cohen, S., Martire, L. M., Matthews, K. A., Schulz, R. & Zdaniuk, B. (2006). The Life Engagement Test: Assessing purpose in life. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 29(3), 291.
PMID or DOI: PMID: 16565785
Main positive psychological well-being construct measured: Purpose in life
Sub-constructs measured: N/A
Available subscales: N/A
Description: The Life Engagement Test is designed to measure purpose in life, defined as the degree to which a person engages in activities that are meaningful to them.
Population: Appropriate for use across gender, age and ethnic groups
Number of items: 6
Example statement/item: “To me, the things I do are all worthwhile”
Response options: 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1-5, 1,“Strongly disagree” and 5,“Strongly agree”.
Total score: Items are then summed, yielding a range from 6 to 30. Higher scores indicate greater levels of purpose in life.
Examples of studies:
1. Mezick, E.J., et al., Low life purpose and high hostility are related to an attenuated decline in nocturnal blood pressure. Health Psychol, 2010. 29(2): p. 196-204.
2. Low, C.A., et al., Psychosocial predictors of coronary artery calcification progression in postmenopausal women. Psychosom Med, 2011. 73(9): p. 789-94.
3. Shahabi, L., et al., Associations of psychological well-being with carotid intima media thickness in African American and White middle-aged women. Psychosom Med, 2016. 78(4): p. 511-9.