The multidimensional existential meaning scale: turkish validity and reliability study

Abstract

Once meaning in life began to be examined on the basis of individual experience in psychology, it became one of the field's core research topics. A substantial portion of this effort-particularly since the second half of the twentieth century-has proceeded within studies aiming to measure and delineate its dimensions. Recent research has proposed that meaning comprises three fundamental components: comprehension, purpose, and mattering. Building on this theoretical background, the present study aimed to adapt the Multidimensional Existential Meaning Scale (MEMS) into Turkish and to conduct its validity and reliability analyses. In line with this aim, data were collected online, and the study was carried out with three distinct cohorts: linguistic equivalence (n = 30), test-retest (n = 64), and the main sample (n = 312). Within the linguistic equivalence phase, semantic equivalence between the English and Turkish versions was established. To test construct validity, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed, and the three-component structure of the scale was confirmed. The MEMS showed positive, significant associations with presence of meaning and with theoreti-cally related variables-life satisfaction, happiness, and religiosity-supporting convergent validity. Regarding reliability, the test-retest method indicated high temporal stability, and Cronbach's alpha for the overall scale was calculated as alpha = .96. Corrected item-total correlations further indicated high internal consistency. Overall, the findings show that the Turkish version of the MEMS, comp-rising comprehension, purpose, and mattering, exhibits strong psychometric properties and can be used with confidence to assess individuals' levels of meaning in clinical screening and psychological counseling, in mental health research, and in spiritual care services.