Meaning in midlife : content or process? : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Psychology at Massey University

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dc.contributor.authorO'Connor, Catherine M
dc.date.accessioned2019-04-18T00:56:31Z
dc.date.available2019-04-18T00:56:31Z
dc.date.issued1991
dc.description.abstractThis study takes a qualititative approach to examine midlife experiences of meaning. The trend in previous research has been to find sources of meaning in people's lives. Reker and Wong's (1988) theory of the structure of meaning is explored in relation to previous studies. Depth of meaning is reviewed, and a model proposed of the dimensions of meaning including sources; cognitive, motivational and affective components; breadth; and depth. There were difficulties with the measurement of depth which was found to be non-linear. The model was confirmed by in-depth interviews with 38 adults in midlife, especially the dimensions of components and categories. The results support a process (dimensions) approach to meaning in life. The model was revised in the light of the data, to incorporate the dynamic movement between dimensions, and the formation of cognitive frameworks of meaning.en_US
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10179/14528
dc.language.isoenen_US
dc.publisherMassey Universityen_US
dc.rightsThe Authoren_US
dc.subjectMiddle ageen_US
dc.subjectPsychological aspectsen_US
dc.subjectMeaning (Psychology)en_US
dc.titleMeaning in midlife : content or process? : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Psychology at Massey Universityen_US
dc.typeThesisen_US
massey.contributor.authorO'Connor, Catherine M
thesis.degree.disciplinePsychologyen_US
thesis.degree.grantorMassey Universityen_US
thesis.degree.levelMastersen_US
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Philosophy (M. Phil.)en_US
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