Finding meaning in self-control: The effect of self-control on the perception of meaning in life

Olga Stavrova, Tila Pronk, Michail Kokkoris

Publikation: Wissenschaftliche FachzeitschriftOriginalbeitrag in FachzeitschriftBegutachtung

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Abstract

The present research explored whether self-control is associated with
the perception of meaning in life. A week-long daily diary study (Study
1) showed trait self-control (but not daily experiences of self-control
failure) to be positively associated with a general sense of meaning in
life and daily experiences of meaning. This association was robust
against controlling for life satisfaction, positive and negative affect.
Study 2 tested two potential mechanisms underlying the association
between trait self-control and meaning in life: Successful goal progress
and experience of structure in life. While self-control was positively
associated with both, only the experience of structure predictedmeaning:
Self-control was positively related to the perception of one's life as
having a clear sense of structure and order, which in turn predicted a
stronger perception of meaning. Study 3 replicated the mediation
path via the experience of structure and showed it to be stronger for
individuals high (vs. low) in the personal need for structure. The
present findings add to the emerging literature on trait (and state)
self-control and dispositional determinants of meaning in life.
OriginalspracheEnglisch
Seiten (von - bis)201 - 218
FachzeitschriftSelf and Identity
Jahrgang19
Ausgabenummer2
DOIs
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - 2020

Österreichische Systematik der Wissenschaftszweige (ÖFOS)

  • 502019 Marketing
  • 501006 Experimentalpsychologie
  • 501021 Sozialpsychologie

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