Psychometric properties of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire – Hausa version among internally displaced persons in Nigeria

Abstract

Valid measurement of meaning in life (MIL) is crucial for cross-cultural understanding of the construct. The Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), a widely used measure of MIL, has yet to be translated into any indigenous African language. The current study presents a preliminary report of a Hausa language translation of the MLQ, the MLQ-Hausa version (MLQ-H), and its reliability and validity in a Nigerian sample. Participants were 809 internally displaced persons (IDPs) (50.7% males) in Kabusa IDP Centre in Abuja Municipal Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. They completed Hausa versions of the MLQ, the Brief Personal Meaning Profile (PMP-B), and scales of the Symptoms Distress Checklist (SCL-90). Results of a confirmatory factor analysis supported the original two-factor model of the MLQ comprising presence of meaning (5 items) and search for meaning (5 items). The two factors had adequate reliability. Responses to the MLQ-H did not differ by sociodemographic factors. Concurrent validity of MLQ-H was suggested by significant correlations between MLQ-H and psychopathology symptom scales. Importantly, we found convergent validity through positive correlations of MLQ-H with the PMP-B. Results indicate that the MLQ-H is a psychometrically sound measure of MIL among Hausa IDPs and may be applied in research on meaning in life among other Hausa-speaking populations.

The Psychometric Properties of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ) in Patients with Life-Threatening Illnesses

“…is finding is consistent with the results of some studies [1,33] and contradicts some others that have reported a significant correlation between the MLQ and sociodemographic variables [23].…”

“…As for the question of whether or not the MLQ has construct validity, a confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to explore its factor structure and construct validity. CFA supported the two-factor model, including the Presence of Meaning and Search for Meaning subscales, consistent with the results of several previous studies [1,[29][30][31][32][33][34]40]. e results also showed that item 9 ("My life has no clear purpose"), which is the only reversed item in the MLQ-P, had a significantly lower factor loading (P < 0.05) onto the other items on this subscale (MLQ-P � 0.18, MLQ-S � 0.44) and seems to be a problematic item.…”

“…is item also demonstrated a low correlation with the MLQ-S items, especially with items 2, 8, and 10 (r � 0.25, 0.19, and 0.13). In line with the present study, some scholars emphasized the inappropriate assignment of item 9 to the MLQ-P subscale [33,42,43]. Schutte et al discussed the poor performance of item 9 based on the Rasch rating scale model and suggested the removal of this item [31].…”

“…This questionnaire has been investigated in various healthy populations as well, including college students [ 29 , 30 ] and healthy adults [ 31 , 32 ]. The review of literature showed that, concerning negative stressful life events, the MLQ has been examined in displaced populations [ 33 ], people diagnosed with serious mental illnesses [ 34 ], the caregivers of patients with chronic illnesses [ 35 ], and students from earthquake-stricken areas [ 36 ].…”

“…It seems that the population of patients with life-threatening illnesses is overlooked in the MLQ literature, and no evidence was found on the empirical evaluation of the MLQ among patients with life-threatening illnesses. It should be noted, however, that apart from the MLQ, studies on meaning in life for populations with an experience of trauma or in hardship are generally scarce [ 33 ] and this subject therefore needs further consideration.…”