Exploration of goals among adults in a matrix of presence of and search for meaning

Abstract

Much research has been done investigating the associations between goals and individuals’ sense of meaning, but very little research has explored how presence of and search for meaning (Steger, 2012) are associated with people’s choice of goals. Exploring how goals and the reasons why they are pursued are associated with meaning among adults, may point to new possibilities for enhancing meaning in life. The aim of this study was therefore to explore how presence of and search for meaning are associated with people’s choice of goals and the motives directing their goals. In a mixed methods study, participants (N = 180) were quantitatively selected from South African data collected in a larger project according to the values of the first and third quartiles of the MLQ search and presence scores. In this way a matrix of four profile groups were formed: high search, high presence (HSHP); high search, low presence (HSLP); low search, high presence (LSHP); and low search, low presence (LSLP). Thematic analysis of responses to semi-structured questions on life goals and the reasons for pursuing them revealed that levels of search for and presence of meaning are associated with the type of goals participants set for themselves. The HSHP profile group had a preference for relationship orientated goals. The HSLP profile group were inclined towards goals centred on work. Goals for the LSHP group were focused on goals related to personal well-being. The LSLP profile group was the only group with no discernible preference for a specific goal type, but was found to be heavily focused on positive affect as a reason to strive for goals. Individuals with high levels of presence of meaning exhibited a sense of personal agency with regards to their goals, demonstrating a belief in their ability to take action and to reach their goals, and proved to value reciprocal relationships. Low levels of presence of meaning were associated with a focus on intrapersonal goals and less value attached to reciprocal relationships. Individuals with low levels of search for meaning tended to have a hedonic focus when it came to goals, preferring goals that increased their personal well-being. The study reveals that goals and the reasons that people pursue their goals are associated with levels of presence of and search for meaning. Implications for interventions to increase psycho-social well-being are suggested.