Italian Validation of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire: Factor Structure, Reliability, Convergent and Discriminant Validity

Several studies highlighted the role of meaning in life as a major component of well-being. Researchers developed different instruments to assess the features of this construct. In the present study the psychometric properties of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ; Steger, Frazier, Oishi, & Kaler, 2006) were investigated in the Italian context. The MLQ is a 10-item scale measuring perceived presence of and search for meaning in life, conceptualized as two separate factors. The former refers to perceived meaning and purpose in life, the latter to the active commitment to find meaning in life. Participants were 464 adults aged 20-60 (M=39.34; SD=10.86; 54.7% women). Factor structure was inspected through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses using a split-sample approach. Internal consistency was assessed through Cronbach’s alphas, inter-item and item-scale correlations. Convergent and discriminant validity with measures of well-being, personality, mental and physical health were also evaluated. Factor analyses supported the adequacy of the MLQ two-factor structure in the Italian context; internal consistency measures corroborated the instrument’s reliability; and correlation matrix coefficients sustained convergent and discriminant validity. Results showed that the MLQ is a valid and reliable measure to assess meaning in life and its relationship with well-being within the Italian context.