Meaning in Life Questionnaire
Does your life have meaning and purpose? This questionnaire assesses two dimensions of meaning in life: the presence of meaning and the search for meaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have another question? Let us know.
What is the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ)?
The MLQ, developed by Michael Steger and colleagues, is a 10-item measure of meaning in life. It assesses two distinct dimensions: Presence of Meaning (how much respondents feel their lives have meaning) and Search for Meaning (how much respondents are actively seeking meaning in their lives).
What are the two dimensions measured by the MLQ?
Presence of Meaning refers to the degree to which people feel their lives are significant, purposeful, and meaningful. Search for Meaning refers to the degree to which people are actively looking for meaning and purpose. These two dimensions are independent of each other.
Can someone have high meaning while still searching for more?
Yes! The two dimensions are independent. Someone can have high presence of meaning while also actively searching for more meaning. This can indicate a growth orientation and desire for deeper understanding of life's purpose.
Show Details
What is the MLQ?
The Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), developed by Michael Steger and colleagues, is a 10-item measure of meaning in life. It assesses two distinct dimensions: Presence of Meaning (how much respondents feel their lives have meaning) and Search for Meaning (how much respondents are actively seeking meaning in their lives).
Two Dimensions of Meaning
Presence of Meaning refers to the degree to which people feel their lives are significant, purposeful, and meaningful. Search for Meaning refers to the degree to which people are actively looking for meaning and purpose. Interestingly, these two dimensions are independent - someone can have high presence of meaning while also actively searching for more meaning.
Why Meaning Matters
Research consistently shows that having a sense of meaning in life is associated with better mental health, greater life satisfaction, stronger resilience, and even physical health benefits. Understanding your current sense of meaning can be the first step toward building a more purposeful life.
Learn More
Ikigai Generator
Find your purpose by exploring what you love, what you are good at, what you can be paid for, and what the world needs.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Questionnaire
Reflect on satisfaction levels at each layer of the hierarchy to understand growth directions.
Flourishing Scale
FeaturedMeasure overall psychological well-being and subjective happiness.
