Measuring meaning in life by combining philosophical and psychological distinctions: Psychometric properties of the comprehensive measure of meaning

Meaning, a fundamental component of human well-being, can be categorized into seven interrelated subdomains, as our study provides evidence for. These categories nest within a previously established tripartite classification of meaning in life (e.g., coherence, significance, and direction/purpose). We present the psychological and philosophical distinctions that led to the development of the Comprehensive Measure of Meaning (CMM). We provide empirical evidence for the reliability of scores and validity of the CMM using a longitudinal sample of college students (N=4058) and a large, diverse sample from a Latin American financial institution (N=8794). The measurement of individuals’ perception of their meaning in life is internally consistent, and additional evidence supports the distinctions. Finally, we provide researchers with recommendations on using the CMM as a measure of individuals’ perceptions of their meaning in life and avenues for potentially beneficial modifications researchers might consider based on their intended uses.