New study shows finding meaning in daily life boosts kids' mental health

Thursday, July 18, 2024.

Recent research published in The Humanistic Psychologist reveals a powerful link between finding meaning in daily life and improved mental health in children.

While adults often benefit from having a sense of purpose, this study shows that kids can also reap big rewards from feeling their lives have meaning.

Let’s explore why meaning matters for Kids.

We all want our kids to be happy and healthy, and it turns out that helping them find meaning in life can make a huge difference.

Meaning, which is all about finding significance and purpose in our lives, is crucial for mental well-being. For adults, having a sense of meaning helps us cope better with tough times and boosts our overall mental health. This study explores whether the same is true for children.

What is a Meaning Mindset?

A "meaning mindset" includes feeling in control of your actions (agency), having hope for the future, feeling good about yourself (self-esteem), and being open to new experiences.

These elements are super important for kids as they grow and learn about the world around them. Researchers wanted to see how these components of a meaning mindset affect kids' mental health.

How the Study Was Conducted

The study involved 62 children from Canadian schools and places of worship. Kids answered two anonymous online questionnaires. One was the Child Identity and Purpose Questionnaire (Ch.I.P.), which measures a child's sense of meaning through questions about agency, self-esteem, hope, and openness to experience. Kids picked characters they related to for each statement, like “Chip is happy to be Chip” versus “Ceira is not happy to be Ceira.”

The second questionnaire was the Interactive Symptom Assessment-long version (ISA), which measures mental health and looks at symptoms like anxiety and depression. Kids rated how much they agreed with statements like “Isa was cheerful this week” on a 10-point scale. They also shared how often they attended religious services.

What They Found

The study found a strong positive link between having a meaning mindset and better mental health. Kids who felt their lives had more meaning reported better mental health and fewer issues like anxiety and depression. In fact, a meaning mindset explained 50% of the differences in mental health scores among the children.

Interestingly, just attending religious services didn’t directly boost mental health, but it seemed to help kids develop a meaning mindset, which then improved their mental well-being.

Each part of the meaning mindset—agency, self-esteem, hope, and openness—played a role in better mental health. Kids who felt more in control of their actions had better mental health.

Higher self-esteem, hope, and openness to new experiences also meant fewer anxiety and depression symptoms.

Why This Matters

As parents, teachers, and caregivers, these findings highlight how important it is to help kids find meaning in their lives. Encouraging kids to discover what gives them a sense of purpose can be a powerful way to support their mental health. This research suggests that fostering a meaning mindset can lead to happier, healthier children.

However, it’s important to remember that the study didn’t look at cultural differences, which might affect how kids find meaning. Future research should include kids from diverse backgrounds to get a fuller picture of how meaning influences mental health across different cultures.

Final thoughts

The study, "Meaning as an Early Determinant of Mental Health in Children," by Elizabeth St. John, Laura Lynne Armstrong, and Emmalyne Watt, shows just how crucial it is for kids to find meaning in their lives. This is a study with spiritual significance.

By helping kids feel in control, boosting their self-esteem, encouraging hope, and being open to new experiences, we can support their mental health and well-being. So, let’s help our kids discover what makes their lives meaningful—they’ll be happier and healthier for it!

REFERENCES:

St. John, E., Armstrong, L. L., & Watt, E. (2024). Meaning as an early determinant of mental health in children. The Humanistic Psychologist, 52(2), 186–205. https://doi.org/10.1037/hum0000328