Systematic review of meaning in life assessment instruments.
BACKGROUND
The construct of "meaning in life" (MiL) has raised the interest of clinicians working in psycho-oncology and end-of-life care. It has become a topic of scientific investigation where diverse assessment approaches have been applied.


OBJECTIVE
We present a comprehensive systematic review of existing MiL assessment instruments.


METHODS
Electronic searches of articles published in English peer-reviewed journals were performed in Psycinfo, Medline, Embase and Cinahl. Instruments are appraised with regard to ten measurement properties.


RESULTS
In total, 59 nomothetic and idiographic MiL instruments were identified. Most instruments were developed in North America and meet basic psychometric criteria. They assess presence of and search for MiL, crisis and sources of MiL, meaning making, meaningful activity, MiL in the context of illness, breadth, depth, and other structural indicators. These aspects are largely consistent with existing MiL definitions. Nine out of 59 instruments included cancer populations in test development.


CONCLUSIONS
This overview of available instruments underscores the complexity of the construct and might assist researchers to select an appropriate instrument for their research needs. Finally, it points to the need for more integrative theorizing and research on MiL.
Interdisciplinary Center for Palliative Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany. monika_brandstaetter@hotmail.com
Monika
M
Brandstätter
Urs
U
Baumann
Gian Domenico
GD
Borasio
Martin Johannes
MJ
Fegg
D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000523:psychology; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011788:Quality of Life; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards; D026712:Value of Life