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.
PMID or DOI: DOI: 10.1037/0022-0167.53.1.80
Main positive psychological well-being construct measured: Meaning in life
Sub-constructs measured: N/A
Available subscales: Presence of meaning in life and Search for meaning in life
Description: The Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ) measures the presence of meaning in life, that is the subjective sense that one’s life is meaningful, and the search for meaning in life, reflecting one’s drive and orientation toward finding such meaning.
Number of items: 10, 5 for Presence and 5 for Search
Example of statement/item: “I understand my life’s meaning.”
Response options: 7-point Likert scale ranging from 1, “absolutely untrue” to 7, “absolutely true”
Total score: Items are summed yielding a range from 5 to 35 for each subscale. Higher scores indicate a stronger presence of/search for meaning in one’s life.
Examples of studies:
1. Hsiao, F. H., Jow, G. M., Kuo, W. H., Huang, C. S., Lai, Y. M., Liu, Y. F., et al. (2014). The partner’s insecure attachment, depression and psychological well-being as predictors of diurnal cortisol patterns for breast cancer survivors and their spouses. Stress, 17(2), 169-175.
2.. Brassai, L., Piko, B. F., & Steger, M. F. (2015). A reason to stay healthy: The role of meaning in life in relation to physical activity and healthy eating among adolescents. J Health Psychol, 20(5), 473-482.