M4L 2013 Lesson 7
Why Meaning Can Make All the
Difference in Your Life
© Paul T. P. Wong, PhD, CPsych
Overview
• Meaning is a Double-edged Sword
• Dysfunctional Beliefs
• Objective vs. Subjective Criteria of Meaningful Living
• The Personal Meaning Profile (PMP)
• Viktor Frankl’s Three Enduring Values
• The PURE Model of Meaningful Living
Meaning is a double-edged sword.
• There are positive and negative sides to
almost every human activity.
• Having a strong sense of meaning is not
always good.
• A dysfunctional meaning system can do much
harm to individuals and society.
• A functional meaning system is our best ally.
Eudaimonic Happiness
Are there objective values?
Dysfunctional Beliefs
• Extremism – radical beliefs
• Negativism – holding a negative view towards
people and life
• Defeatism – “I can’t do it,” “I don’t have a
chance”
• Egotism – “what can I get out of the
situation?”
Subjective Criteria of Meaning
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Meaning is whatever you mean.
Meaning is whatever works for you.
Meaning is whatever makes you feel good.
Meaning is doing whatever you love.
Meaning is doing whatever you do best.
(Subjective criteria can get us into trouble,
when there is a lack of moral concerns.)
Objective Criteria of Meaning
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Rational – Does it make sense?
Empirical – Is it supported by research?
Ethical – Is there any ethical violation?
Values – Is it consistent with enduring values,
such as goodness, truth, and beauty?
• Responsibility – Is it a responsible action with
respect to your loved ones,
humanity & ecology?
The Pros & Cons of
Self-Transcendence
Self-Transcendence is both
a push and a pull.
All these positive resources can be
used for evil ends.
Meaning making can turn
Winter into Summer.
Objective Sources of Meaning
(Wong, 1998)
• Achievement – Striving and attaining worthy life goals
• Relationship – Relating well to others and community
• Intimacy – Having family and close friends
• Acceptance – Being at peace with oneself
• Religion – Have a personal relationship with God
• Self-transcendence – Losing oneself in serving others
• Fairness/justice – Being treated fairly
Frankl’s 3 Enduring Values
Purpose
Involves:
•Life direction
•Calling & mission
•Worthy purpose & end
•Priorities
•Core values
•A sense of significance
•Reasons for living
Understanding
• Understand self and others
• Understand the situation
• Know right from wrong
• Understand one’s role in life
• Achieve a sense of coherence
• Understand the world
Responsibility
• Freedom of will
• Self-determination
• Internal control &
self-efficacy
• Responsible to self,
others, humanity,
and the planet earth
• Civic duties
• A moral agent
Enjoyment/Evaluation
• An appreciative attitude
• The natural outcome of leading a purposeful &
responsible life
• A sense of well-being, serenity, & contentment
• Feel good for doing good
• Involves reflection and re-evaluation of PURE
Meaning That Makes Life Better
1. Affirming the intrinsic meaning & value of life
2. Being mindful of the meaning potential of the
present moment
3. Maintaining good relationships
4. Doing something creative, productive, & helpful
5. Pursuing one’s calling and dreams