The structure of ikigai and similar concepts

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the similarities and differences between ikigai and concepts similar to ikigai. University students (n = 601) responded to a questionnaire using 3 scales related to ikigai and 6 scales related to concepts similar to ikigai: subjective well-being, psychological well-being and quality of life (QOL). All 177 items were subjected to principal component analysis and categorized into 14 principal components. Elements central to ikigai were life-affirmation, goals/dreams, meaning of life, meaning of existence, sense of fulfillment, and commitment. Minor ikigai elements were environmental mastery, positive relations, autonomy, negative affect, personal growth, positive affect, physical health, and life enjoyment. Ikigai and concepts similar to it were represented in a figure consisting of circles drawn using an index of commonality of each element in each of the 9 scales. Results suggested that subjective well-being, psychological well-being, and QOL are not central elements of ikigai; but rather, are elements that differ from ikigai. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)