Background
Meaning in life is part of eudamonia wellbeing and closely related to components of hedonic wellbeing. This study looks at the relationship between meaning in life and wellbeing indicators (subjective happiness, positive emotions, life satisfaction and flourishing) among emerging adults in Malaysia. Social relationships are also important variables in determining wellbeing but their role in relation to meaning in life requires further investigation. Therefore, this study also aims to investigate the role of social relationships in the form of social connectedness, relationship with parents and friendship quality in moderating the relationships between meaning in life and wellbeing.
Research Questions
What are the relationships between meaning in life and wellbeing indicators (subjective happiness, positive emotions, life satisfaction & flourishing)?
What are the roles of social relationships (social connectedness, relationship with parents & friendship quality) in moderating the relationships between meaning in life and wellbeing?
Sample Characteristics and Sample Size
Participants were 584 emerging adults (18 to 29 years old) from all over Malaysia. A majority of the sample (81.84 %) is female.
Design
Online survey was divided into 3 sections; 1) demographic information, 2) instruments related to wellbeing i.e. Subjective Happiness Scale, Scale of Positive & Negative Emotions, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Flourishing Scale 3) Social relationships i.e. Social connectedness Scale, Parent-child relationships Scale & McGill Friendship Scale.
Results
Preliminary findings suggest meaning in life predicts wellbeing indicators and social connectedness, relationships with parents and friendship quality play a significant role as moderators of the relation between meaning in life and wellbeing indicators.
Scientific Contribution
Findings suggest the importance of meaning in life in contributing to wellbeing among emerging adults in Malaysia and the significant role of social relationships in the form of social connectedness, relationship with parents and friendship quality in moderating the relationships.