Can parenting lead to a greater sense of purpose and happiness? A comparative study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29352/mill0223e.44154Keywords:
meaning in life; happiness; parenthood; adulthoodAbstract
Introduction: Meaning in life and happiness are fundamental components of human flourishing, as described in Seligman’s (2012) PERMA model. Parenthood represents one of the most meaningful and identity-shaping life experiences and may influence how adults perceive purpose, fulfilment, and well-being throughout the lifespan.
Objective: To compare levels of meaning in life and happiness between adults with and without children, while also examining the role of sociodemographic variables such as age, sex, marital status, educational level, and number of children.
Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional design was used. The sample consisted of 467 adults, including 204 parents and 263 non-parents, aged 18 to 86 years (M = 38.88; SD = 13.98). Data were collected through the Portuguese versions of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ) and the Positive Psychotherapy Inventory (PPI), as well as a sociodemographic questionnaire.
Results: Parents reported significantly higher levels of presence of meaning and engaged life, and lower levels of search for meaning. Positive associations were found between the presence of meaning and eudaimonic happiness, with differentiated effects of sociodemographic variables, particularly among parents.
Conclusion: These findings reinforce the notion that parenthood can serve as an important pathway for constructing meaning in life and eudaimonic happiness in adulthood.
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