Meaning in life and violations of beliefs and goals: reciprocal relations among individuals with congestive heart failure

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In the context of highly stressful experiences, violations of beliefs and goals and meaning in life may have a reciprocal relationship over time. More violations may lead to lowered meaning, whereas higher meaning may lead to lowered violations. The present study examines this relationship among congestive heart failure (CHF) patients. DESIGN: A cross-lagged panel design was used. METHODS: CHF patients (N = 142) reported twice, six months apart, on their meaning in life and the extent to which CHF violates their beliefs and goals. RESULTS: Overall, results were consistent with a reciprocal relationship, showing that greater goal violations led to negative subsequent changes in meaning, whereas greater meaning led to favorable subsequent changes in violations of beliefs and goals. CONCLUSIONS: Meaning in life and violations may contribute to one another, and therefore, in understanding the adjustment process, it is important to consider their interrelationship. The results are also broadly informative regarding the experience of meaning, showing that disruption of beliefs and goals may undermine meaning.

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