Presence of Meaning Mediates the Relationship Between Meaning Search and Outcome: A Cross-Cultural Study

Abstract

Search for meaning (SFM) is associated with many well-being measures. The mechanism behind remains unclear. This study explores presence of meaning (POM) as a mediator to explain the association. While dialectical thinking in Eastern cultures values both process and outcome, oppositional thinking in Western cultures makes the two opposing. Since dialectical thinking increases with age, we hypothesize that with increased age, SFM is associated with POM more positively (less negatively). This heightened POM results in better well-being. We surveyed 2014 participants (aged 18-96, Mage= 55.6) in Eastern cultures: Hong Kong and Taiwan; Western cultures: Germany, United States and the Czech Republic. In Eastern cultures, SFM was positively associated with POM and life satisfaction. POM partially mediated the relationship between SFM and life satisfaction (b=0.328, p