MEANING IN CHALLENGING TIMES: SENSE OF MEANING SUPPORTS COPING WITH PANDEMIC STRESSES

• Published in: Innovation in aging 2022-12, Vol.6 (Supplement_1), p.460-460
• Main Authors: Kero, Katherine, Podlesek, Anja, Kavcic, Voyko
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2399-5300; 2399-5300
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igac059.1791

The COVID-19 pandemic created disruptions in daily life and trauma for many individuals. Traumatic experiences often trigger reflection on meaning in life (MIL), which may result in either resilience or despair. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of MIL in mediating the relationship between COVID-related stressors and well-being outcomes. Further, age-related differences in MIL were examined. Web-based surveys were completed by 831 Slovenian participants in April of 2020. Demographic data; perceptions of stressors related to lacking necessities, movement restrictions, and concerns at home; MIL; perceived overall health status; anxiety; emotional state; and perceived stress were measured. Overall, a moderately strong sense of MIL (M = 5.0, SD = 0.74, range 1-7) was reported by participants. Older age was a significant predictor of greater MIL, (B = 0.098, SE = .036, p < .01). Older adults also experienced less perceived stress, negative emotions, and home-related stressors compared to younger adults, but greater stress from lacking necessities (p < .05). MIL partially mediated the relationship between stressors and well-being outcomes, especially stressors related to lacking necessities and concerns at home (13-27% mediation) and outcomes of anxiety, perceived stress, and negative emotions. A strong sense of MIL was associated with improved well-being and a buffering of the effects of pandemic-related stressors. Older adults were less vulnerable to stress and had a greater sense of MIL than younger individuals. Public health initiatives and media may help improve resilience to pandemic trauma by emphasizing the collective meaning in challenging situations.