Exploring Relationships Between Meaning in Life and Emotional Health among Young Adults of Malaysian Undergraduate Students

Abstract

Emotions are one of the vital aspects in ensuring healthy human functioning and psychological well-being. Thus, this study aims to explore another important psychological element, meaning in life and emotional health among Malaysian university students. This study was carried out using the explorative research design using the quantitative approach. Questionnaires consisted of questions relating to respondents’ personal background, meaning in life and emotional health. Trained enumerators distributed questionnaire booklets to undergraduates who were currently residing in Klang Valley. Results showed that there were relationships between meaning in life (presence of meaning and search for meaning) and emotional health (depression r=- 0.59**, p<0.01; anxiety r= -0.29**, p<0.01; and stress r= -0.36**, p<0.01). In addition, further analyses found meaning in life, specifically, presence of meaning, predicted emotional health for depression, F(2, 137) = 37.21, p < 0.01, R2 = 0.34; anxiety F(2, 137) = 0.84 , p < 0.01, R2 = 0.11 and stress F(2, 137) = 11.15, p < 0.01, R2 = 0.14.  Findings indicate the importance to further investigate the role of meaning in life and emotional health with other specific psychological variables such as emotional regulation, coping and personality.