Meaning in life is a complex concept that researchers have broken down into three primary dimensions: mattering, purpose, and coherence. These components work together to create a sense of meaningfulness in one’s life.
What do you want to exist even if you don’t?
Mattering
Mattering, also referred to as significance, is the degree to which people feel their existence is important and valuable to the world[1][3]. It involves:
- Believing that one’s life has inherent value
- Feeling that one’s actions contribute to family, friends, and community
- Sensing that one’s impact extends beyond their individual existence
Research has shown that mattering consistently emerges as a significant precursor to judgments of meaning in life, even more so than purpose and coherence[4].
Purpose
Purpose relates to the extent to which people experience life as being directed and motivated by valued goals[1][2]. It encompasses:
- Having a sense of direction or mission in life
- Feeling that one’s life journey is oriented towards personal growth
- Being able to see one’s past, present, and future as part of a coherent trajectory
Purpose provides a motivational component to meaning, driving individuals towards their goals and aspirations.
Coherence
Coherence, also known as comprehension, refers to the degree to which people perceive a sense of understanding regarding their own lives and their place in the world[1][3]. It involves:
- Perceiving structure and order in one’s life and the broader world
- Understanding one’s place in the world
- Feeling that life, overall, makes sense
Coherence contributes to meaning by providing a cognitive framework through which individuals can interpret their experiences and surroundings.
Interplay of Components
While these three dimensions are distinct, they work together to create an overall sense of meaning in life. Some researchers argue that these components form a complex relationship and exist separately, rather than being interchangeable[2]. The combination of mattering, purpose, and coherence results in feelings of meaningfulness, providing individuals with a sense that their lives are significant, directed, and comprehensible.
It’s important to note that meaning in life is distinct from happiness, although the two concepts are related. While happiness tends to be more fleeting and focused on self-interest, meaning in life is often considered more enduring and encompasses a broader perspective that includes one’s impact on others and the world[3].
Sources [1] Four Dimensions of Meaning in Life - by Mahon McCann https://www.mahonmccann.com/p/four-dimensions-of-meaning-in-life [2] Realizing Your Meaning: 5 Ways to Live a Meaningful Life https://positivepsychology.com/live-meaningful-life/ [3] How to (Scientifically) Lead a Meaningful Life: Part 1 - Everyday Psych https://everydaypsych.com/how-to-scientifically-lead-a-meaningful-life-part-1/ [4] Meaning is about mattering: Evaluating coherence, purpose, and … https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30614732/ [5] [PDF] Meaning is about mattering: Evaluating coherence, purpose … https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Meaning-is-about-mattering:-Evaluating-coherence,-Costin-Vignoles/4834a348fa8c91dcfa87564ec1005d5ebcf02c57 [6] Three Ways to See Meaning in Your Life https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/three_ways_to_see_meaning_in_your_life [7] The 3 Types of Meaning—and 10 Ways to Build Them https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-matters-most/201905/the-3-types-meaning-and-10-ways-build-them [8] Meaning in Life as Comprehension, Purpose, and Mattering: Toward … https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1037/gpr0000077
Reflecting on the components of meaning in life—mattering, purpose, and coherence—can be a powerful tool for personal growth and self-understanding. Here’s a set of reflection questions designed to help individuals explore these dimensions in their own lives:
Mattering
- In what ways do you feel your existence makes a difference in the world?
- How do your actions contribute to the well-being of your family, friends, or community?
- What unique qualities or skills do you possess that add value to the lives of others?
- Can you recall a time when you felt truly significant? What circumstances led to that feeling?
- How might your life’s work or daily activities have a lasting impact beyond your immediate circle?
Purpose
- What goals or aspirations give your life direction?
- How do your current activities align with your long-term vision for your life?
- In what ways have your past experiences shaped your current sense of purpose?
- What values guide your decision-making and life choices?
- How do you envision your future self, and what steps are you taking to become that person?
Coherence
- To what extent do you feel you understand your place in the world?
- How do you make sense of the challenges and successes in your life?
- What beliefs or philosophies help you interpret your experiences?
- In what ways do you see patterns or connections in the events of your life?
- How do you reconcile seemingly contradictory aspects of your life or the world around you?
Integrating the Components
- How do your feelings of mattering influence your sense of purpose, and vice versa?
- In what ways does your understanding of life (coherence) affect your perception of your significance (mattering)?
- How does having a clear purpose contribute to your ability to make sense of your experiences?
- Can you identify a situation where all three components—mattering, purpose, and coherence—aligned to create a profound sense of meaning?
- Which of these three components do you feel is strongest in your life right now, and which might benefit from more attention or development?
Reflecting on these questions can provide valuable insights into one’s sense of meaning in life. It’s important to approach these reflections with honesty and openness, recognizing that meaning can evolve over time and that there are no universally “correct” answers. The process of reflection itself can contribute to a deeper understanding and appreciation of one’s life journey.