The relationship between meaning in life and mental health of college students: a meta-analysis

• Published in: Current psychology (New Brunswick, N.J.) Vol. 44; no. 15; pp. 13733 - 13745
• Main Authors: Wang, Liling, Fu, Junjun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.08.2025; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Behavioral Science and Psychology; College students; Emotions; Mental depression; Meta-analysis; Psychology; Self esteem; Social Sciences; Meaning in life; College students; Mental health; Dual-factor model of mental health; Meta-analysis
• ISSN: 1046-1310; 1936-4733
• DOI: 10.1007/s12144-025-08137-8

Based on the dual-factor model of mental health, the study used meta-analysis to investigate the relationship between the meaning in life (MIL) and the mental health of college students, as well as the effects of moderator variables on the relationship, to provide an effective reference for improving the mental health of college students. After literature search and screening, a total of 228 studies were included, including 229 independent samples and 188,365 subjects. Random-effects model analysis showed that college students’ MIL has a medium level positive correlation with positive mental health, and a medium negative correlation with negative mental health indicators; the MIL measurement tools and positive mental health indicators have a significantly moderated the relationship of MIL and mental health indicators; while negative mental health indicators and gender have no significant moderating effect on the relationship between the MIL and mental health indicators. These findings indicate that MIL and mental health have a close correlation, and this correlation was moderated by the measurement tools of MIL in college students.