Purpose and meaning in life can have a significant impact on our mental and physical health. A strong sense of purpose can lead to healthier lifestyle choices, with research showing that those with a higher purpose are more proactive in taking care of their health, are more likely to use preventive healthcare services, and spend fewer nights in hospital.
A 2019 study also found that those without a strong life purpose were twice as likely to die compared to those with a sense of purpose, regardless of financial situation, gender, race, or education level. Additionally, a sense of meaning can help prevent burnout, as shown in a study on firefighters where those with higher levels of personal meaning reported less emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, and more personal accomplishment.
For those struggling to find purpose or meaning, tools like the Personal Meaning Profile created by Canadian psychologist Paul T.P. Wong can help measure people’s perception of personal meaning in their life.
Key Takeaways:
- Having a strong sense of purpose can lead to healthier lifestyle choices and proactive health maintenance, according to research.
- A study from the University of Michigan School of Public Health found that individuals over 50 with a strong life purpose were less likely to die than those without, regardless of financial status, gender, race, or education level.
- A sense of meaning in life can help prevent burnout, as demonstrated by a study on firefighters, where those with higher levels of personal meaning experienced less emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, and more personal achievement.
“People who feel a strong sense of purpose are more likely to choose healthy behaviors. One compelling study found that people with a higher purpose can be more proactive in taking care of their health. They were more likely to use preventive health care services, and each unit increase in purpose was associated with 17% fewer nights spent in the hospital.”
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