This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to clarify the associations between meaning in life and physical health using random-effects models. Conceptualisation of meaning (order in world vs. purpose in life), type of health indicators, participants' health status, and age issues were investigated as moderators. Systematic searches of six databases resulted in inclusion of k = 66 studies (total N = 73,546). Findings indicated that meaning in life and physical health formed weak-to-moderate associations (the overall estimate of the average effect = 0.258). Conceptualisation of meaning, participants' health status, and their age did not moderate these associations. Operationalisation of health moderated the relationship between meaning in life and health. The strongest associations were found for subjective indicators of physical health. Significant albeit weak associations between meaning in life and objective indices of health were found. Furthermore, stronger effects were observed when the measures of meaning combined items referring to meaning in life and meaning-related sense of harmony, peace, and well-being, compared to measures focusing solely on meaning in life. Overall, the results point to the potential role of meaning in life in explaining physical health.

General and exercise-specific self-efficacy are moderately related with HRQOL among people with CVD after surgery or during rehabilitation. Results need to be interpreted with caution due to heterogeneity of original research and the dominance of cross-sectional designs. (PsycINFO Database Record

BackgroundIndicators of emotional processes (positive experiences with physical exercises) and functional processes (mobility) were previously found to be associated with positive cognitive resources (meaning in life), and the key outcome in the rehabilitation, namely physical quality of life (QOL). Yet, the mediating roles of such processes were not tested. Therefore, this prospective study investigated whether the relationship between meaning in life and physical QOL was mediated by positive experiences with physical exercises and mobility.MethodsProspective data were collected at two measurement points, 1 month apart. A total of N = 339 participants (aged 19–84 years old, 57.9% women) provided data at Time 1 (T1) at the beginning of inpatient rehabilitation from central nervous system diseases (CNSD, e.g., stroke; n = 89) or musculoskeletal system diseases (MSD, e.g., dorsopathies; n = 250), and n = 234 at Time 2 (T2, the end of rehabilitation; 4 weeks after T1). Mediation analysis with meaning in life as predictor (T1), positive experiences with physical exercises and mobility as sequential mediators (T2), and physical QOL (T2) as the outcome was conducted.ResultsHigher meaning in life (T1) predicted more positive experiences with physical exercises (T2), which were associated with a higher level of mobility (T2), which in turn was associated with better physical quality of life (T2).ConclusionsMeaning in life at the beginning of inpatient rehabilitation may trigger positive experiences with physical exercises and functional changes in mobility levels, leading to better physical quality of life. Screening for low meaning in life may allow to identify patients who are at risk for a lack of improvement of mobility and physical quality of life during rehabilitation.

This study investigated the relationships between global perfectionism (its functional and dysfunctional aspects) and three types of health behaviors: fruit and vegetable intake (FVI), consumption of sweet and salty snacks, and physical activity. It was hypothesized that indices of functional perfectionism would predict engaging in healthy behavior, with gender moderating these associations. participants and procedures Data were collected among 845 adolescents (59.20% girls) aged 13 to 20 years old (M = 16.52, SD = 0.92). At the baseline, participants filled out the Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale and measures of nutrition behavior and physical activity. The measurement of nutrition behavior and physical activity was repeated at 12-month follow-up. results The moderator analysis indicated that FVI as well as consumption of sweet and salty snacks measured at 12-month follow-up were explained by functional global perfection-ism (Organization and Personal Standards dimensions), but this effect was stronger among girls. Physical activity measured at 12-month follow-up was explained by functional perfectionism (Organization and Personal Standards dimensions), but this effect was stronger among boys. The effects were found after controlling for respective behaviors assessed at the baseline. Dysfunctional dimensions of global perfectionism (Concern over Mistakes, Parental Expectations, Parental Criticism, Doubts about Actions) were unrelated to indices of behavior at follow-up. conclusions Functional global perfectionism may represent an individual resource variable, facilitating uptake and maintenance of healthy diet and physical activity, and therefore foster prevention of obesity among adolescents.

Objectives: This study investigated reciprocal associations between meaning in life and physical quality of life (QOL) in the rehabilitation context. It was hypothesized that a higher level of meaning in life at Time 1 (T1) would predict better physical QOL at Time 2 (T2), and that better physical QOL (T1) would predict a higher level of meaning in life (T2). Research Method: This longitudinal study enrolled 339 participants (aged 19–84 years, 57.9% women) who provided self-report data (T1) at the beginning of the inpatient rehabilitation for central nervous system diseases (CNSD; e.g., stroke; n = 89) or musculoskeletal system diseases (MSD; e.g., dorsopathies; n = 250), and at the end of the inpatient rehabilitation (T2, 1-month follow-up). Data were collected in 6 inpatient rehabilitation centers. Manifest cross-lagged panel analyses were conducted for the total sample. Results: Path analyses indicated a significant cross-lagged-effect (.126, p < .002 [95% BCI: 0.020, 0.132]) from meaning in life (T1) to physical QOL at the follow-up (T2). Physical QOL (T1) did not precede meaning in life (T2). Conclusions: Among patients participating in rehabilitation due to CNSD or MSD, a higher level of meaning in life may precede better physical QOL. Interventions aimed at physical QOL improvement among patients who participated in an inpatient rehabilitation may benefit from a focus on raising patients’ meaning in life.