Normative Changes in Meaning in Life and Links to Adjustment in Adolescents From Asian American Backgrounds

Meaning in life is developmentally important, yet few studies have systematically tracked its normative changes over time. Using longitudinal data from 158 Asian American adolescents (60% female; 74% second-generation), yearly changes in search for and presence of meaning and their associations with each other were examined. Despite relatively stable search for meaning, presence of meaning incremen- tally increased with each high school year. Neither concurrent nor lagged associations between search for and presence of meaning were found. Although search for meaning was positively associated with school motivation and school utility, it was maladaptive in predicting higher depression, negative emotions, and lower self-esteem. In contrast, presence of meaning was consistently beneficial, being associated with lower depression and negative emotions, and higher self-esteem, positive emotions, and school adjust- ment. Interactive associations were also found whereby the effects of search for meaning were stronger for those with low presence of meaning. The discussion highlights implications regarding the formation of meaning among Asian American adolescents and its multifaceted role in adjustment. Many adolescents strive to find meaning in their lives. Theoret- ical perspectives from Erikson (1968) have long suggested that a sense of meaning or purpose constitutes a life virtue that arises from the key developmental task of establishing a sense of identity. More broadly, Frankl's (1963) seminal work on "man's search for meaning" suggests that meaning in life is an indelible aspect of human nature and reflects a natural, developmental process. Given its developmental importance, research on adolescents' meaning has gained increased attention in recent years. Although precise definitions have varied, meaning in life is generally considered a primary component of subjective well-being that can be charac- terized by a deep sense of flourishing, self-actualization, and a solid understanding of what individuals would like to accomplish with their lives (Damon, Menon, & Bronk, 2003; Ryan & Deci, 2001; Ryff, Keyes, & Hughes, 2003). Operating from this broad framework, Steger, Frazier, Oishi, and Kaler (2006) delineated two specific dimensions of meaning. Search for meaning has tradition- ally received less empirical attention and refers to an active ex- ploration into finding a sense of meaning, whereas presence of meaning refers to the degree to which an individual finds his or her life to be meaningful. Despite such growing knowledge of the multidimensional nature of meaning in life, and evidence for meaning in life as a primary developmental asset, we still have much to learn about its normative development and impact on outcomes, particularly among adolescents from understudied im- migrant and ethnic minority backgrounds. The present study aims to extend the current literature by examining how adolescents' search for and presence of meaning in life change over time, as well as how they are concurrently and longitudinally associated with each other and with multiple indi- cators of adjustment. We examine these associations among Asian American adolescents who comprise one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the United States, with growth currently outpacing all other minority and immigrant groups (U.S. Census, 2011). Yet, in light of such growth, Asian Americans remain understudied not only in the psychological literature but particularly with respect to positive youth development and well-being, which makes under- standing how meaning in life operates among these youth an especially unique and pressing need.