Abstract
The present study examined the relationship of meaning in life with emotional distress, suicidal ideation, and life functioning in a sample of 273 active duty Security Forces personnel assigned to two US Air Force bases. Results of regression analyses indicated that stronger meaning in life was significantly associated with less severe emotional distress (p < 0.001, ΔR 2 = 0.047) and suicidal ideation (p = 0.043, ΔR 2 = 0.017), and better functioning at work and in intimate relationships, nonfamily relationships, and recreational activities (p < 0.001, ΔR 2 = 0.073). Meaning in life showed stronger associations with outcomes relative to other predictors and covariates and explained the relationship between belonging and life functioning. Findings suggest that meaning in life is associated with less emotional distress and suicide risk, and greater success and performance across multiple domains in life among military personnel.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 444-452 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Journal of Positive Psychology |
| Volume | 8 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Sep 2013 |
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Keywords
- functioning
- meaning in life
- military
- social support
- suicidal ideation
- suicide
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Psychology(all)
Cite this
Meaning in life, emotional distress, suicidal ideation, and life functioning in an active duty military sample. / Bryan, Craig J.; Elder, William B.; McNaughton-Cassill, Mary; Osman, Augustine; Hernandez, Ann Marie; Allison, Sybil.
In: Journal of Positive Psychology, Vol. 8, No. 5, 09.2013, p. 444-452.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Meaning in life, emotional distress, suicidal ideation, and life functioning in an active duty military sample
AU - Bryan, Craig J.
AU - Elder, William B.
AU - McNaughton-Cassill, Mary
AU - Osman, Augustine
AU - Hernandez, Ann Marie
AU - Allison, Sybil
PY - 2013/9
Y1 - 2013/9
N2 - The present study examined the relationship of meaning in life with emotional distress, suicidal ideation, and life functioning in a sample of 273 active duty Security Forces personnel assigned to two US Air Force bases. Results of regression analyses indicated that stronger meaning in life was significantly associated with less severe emotional distress (p < 0.001, ΔR 2 = 0.047) and suicidal ideation (p = 0.043, ΔR 2 = 0.017), and better functioning at work and in intimate relationships, nonfamily relationships, and recreational activities (p < 0.001, ΔR 2 = 0.073). Meaning in life showed stronger associations with outcomes relative to other predictors and covariates and explained the relationship between belonging and life functioning. Findings suggest that meaning in life is associated with less emotional distress and suicide risk, and greater success and performance across multiple domains in life among military personnel.
AB - The present study examined the relationship of meaning in life with emotional distress, suicidal ideation, and life functioning in a sample of 273 active duty Security Forces personnel assigned to two US Air Force bases. Results of regression analyses indicated that stronger meaning in life was significantly associated with less severe emotional distress (p < 0.001, ΔR 2 = 0.047) and suicidal ideation (p = 0.043, ΔR 2 = 0.017), and better functioning at work and in intimate relationships, nonfamily relationships, and recreational activities (p < 0.001, ΔR 2 = 0.073). Meaning in life showed stronger associations with outcomes relative to other predictors and covariates and explained the relationship between belonging and life functioning. Findings suggest that meaning in life is associated with less emotional distress and suicide risk, and greater success and performance across multiple domains in life among military personnel.
KW - functioning
KW - meaning in life
KW - military
KW - social support
KW - suicidal ideation
KW - suicide
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84881662580&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84881662580&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/17439760.2013.823557
DO - 10.1080/17439760.2013.823557
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84881662580
VL - 8
SP - 444
EP - 452
JO - Journal of Positive Psychology
JF - Journal of Positive Psychology
SN - 1743-9760
IS - 5
ER -