Is Happiness a moving target? the relationship between residential mobility and meaning in life

Abstract

Despite a long tradition of residential mobility in the United States and a growing trend of international mobility, the impact of frequent moving has only recently become a topic of scientific inquiry. The growing body of literature on residential mobility has considered how moving impacts well-being, but has not directly examined the role of residential mobility in the development and maintenance of meaning in life (MIL). This chapter considers the existing research on residential mobility, exploring the links between moving and various outcomes that could significantly impact MIL, including personal identity development, quality of interpersonal relationships, community involvement, and the experience of positive affect. Based on the accumulated evidence, three competing models for the possible relationship between moving and meaning in life are proposed, and the need for empirical research is discussed.