Work

The effect of psychological richness on the meaning in life of college students: the chain mediating effect of sense of coherence and self-compassion

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background Psychological richness is an important factor affecting the meaning in life of college students. Although previous studies have confirmed the association between psychological richness and meaning in life, its mechanism remains unclear. Objective This study aimed to examine the relationship between psychological richness and the meaning in life of college students, and the chain mediating role of the sense of coherence and self-compassion in such a relationship. Methods This study surveyed 2,671 college students in Henan Province, China, using the Psychologically Rich Life Questionnaire, Sense of Coherence Scale, Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form, and Meaning in Life Questionnaire. Results (1) Psychological richness was significantly correlated with sense of coherence (r = 0.385, p < 0.001), self-compassion (r = 0.439, p < 0.001), and meaning in life (r = 0.296, p < 0.001); sense of coherence was correlated with self-compassion (r = 0.478, p < 0.001) and meaning in life (r = 0.375, p < 0.001); self-compassion was correlated with the meaning in life (r = 0.402, p < 0.001); (2) The mediating effect analysis showed that the mediating effect of sense of coherence (95%CI: 0.060 ~ 0.104), self-compassion (95%CI: 0.056 ~ 0.100) and the chain mediating effect of sense of coherence and self-compassion (95%CI: 0.026 ~ 0.047) were significant. Conclusion Psychological richness can not only directly predict college students’ meaning in life, but also indirectly predict their meaning in life through the chain mediating effect of sense of coherence and self-compassion. This research provides valuable suggestions for universities, which will help them adjust their mental health education policies and provide a solid scientific basis for enhancing the sense of meaning in life and improving the mental health status of college students.

Source: Frontiers in Psychology

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1664328

Authors: Qingsen He, Yixin Chen, Shan Cao

Institution: Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801