#6 The science of meaning: 5 key thinkers every wellbeing professional should know

Explore the science behind what makes life feel valuable, coherent, and purposeful.

➤ What Know-How are we building?

Many people who are languishing with poor wellbeing feel stuck, aimless, and disconnected from what matters (most) to them. In other words, for many, poor wellbeing is driven by problems related to meaning and purpose. Reconnecting with or building back a sense of meaning and purpose can be a powerful pathway to help people feel engaged, satisfied, joyful and motivated.

We’re not talking about the meaning of life here (a big philosophical question) rather, meaning in life — a measurable psychological construct about what gives our lives value, direction, and coherence, and something that we can build through our day-to-day activities.

Any wellbeing professional who cares about wellbeing should take note of the growing research on meaning and purpose, which spans well over 50 years in the field of psychology. Meaning is associated with vitality, happiness, being goal-directed, kindness, benevolence, and a better ability to cope with adversity. By many wellbeing professionals, it is considered to be an essential ingredient for wellbeing.

That’s why in this Know-How,

Esme

will introduce you to five key thinkers on the topic of meaning and purpose, alongside a glimpse of their foundational theories and/or insights. These researchers offer distinct but complementary insights into what gives life meaning and how we can cultivate meaning and purpose through our daily actions as wellbeing professionals and champions.