Flourishing
Assessment Tool

Meaning Measure

The Comprehensive Measure of Meaning (CMM) incorporates philosophical discussion into psychology frameworks. It categorizes items in ways consistent with important distinctions derived from the philosophical literature.

10 minutes
20 Questions

Overview

The Comprehensive Measure of Meaning assesses the presence of meaning in life, the search for meaning, and several conceptually related constructs. This measure goes beyond simple happiness to explore the deeper question of whether your life feels purposeful and meaningful. It incorporates insights from both psychology and philosophy to provide a nuanced understanding of meaning in your life.

Meaning in life—a sense that one's life has purpose, direction, and significance—is a fundamental component of well-being and life satisfaction. Distinct from happiness, meaning addresses the deeper question of life's purpose. Research shows that individuals who report high levels of meaning in life experience better mental health, greater life satisfaction, and even improved physical health outcomes. This measure helps you assess and understand your personal sense of meaning.

What You'll Learn

Assess both the presence and search for meaning in your life

Understand your sense of purpose and direction

Comprehensive philosophical and psychological perspective

Identify areas where meaning can be deepened

Connect personal values to daily living

Take the Assessment

Take a few moments to collect yourself and to think about your life over the past several weeks. When you are ready, you may proceed below to answer the questions below. Your responses will range from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree).

1

I have a clear understanding of the ultimate meaning of life.

2

The meaning of life in the world around us is evident to me.

3

I have a framework that allows me to understand or make sense of human life.

4

I understand my life's meaning.

5

I can make sense of the things that happen in my life.

6

I have a philosophy of life that helps me understand who I am.

7

I am living the kind of meaningful life I want to live.

8

Living is deeply fulfilling.

9

I feel like I have found a really significant meaning in my life.

10

The things that I do are important to other people.

11

I have accomplished much in life as a whole.

12

I make a significant contribution to society.

13

I have been aware of an all-encompassing and consuming purpose toward which my life has been directed.

14

I have a sense of mission or calling.

15

I have a mission in life that gives me a sense of direction.

16

I have a sense of direction and purpose in my life.

17

I can describe my life's purposes.

18

My current aims match with my future aspirations.

19

In my life I have very clear goals and aims.

20

I have goals in life that are very important to me.

21

I have definite ideas of things I want to do.

The Science

This assessment is grounded in rigorous psychological research and has been validated across numerous studies.

Key Research

  • Steger, M. F., Frazier, P., Kaler, M., & Oishi, S. (2006). The Meaning in Life Questionnaire: Assessing the presence of and search for meaning in life. Journal of Personality Assessment, 88(3), 235-242.
  • Steger, M. F. (2012). Experiencing meaning in life: Optimal functioning at the nexus of well-being, psychopathology, and spirituality. In P. T. P. Wong (Ed.), The human quest for meaning: A handbook of psychological research and clinical applications (2nd ed.) (pp. 165-184). Routledge.