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Routines and Meaning in Life
Samantha J Heintzelman1, Laura A King2
11 Rutgers University-Newark, NJ, USA.
Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin
|September 19, 2018
Summary
Daily routines are linked to a greater sense of meaning in life (MIL). Studies show that preferring routine and following typical behaviors enhance feelings of MIL, suggesting routines are a key, often overlooked, source of life
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Meaning in life (MIL) is associated with environmental structure and stimulus coherence.
- Routines represent a significant source of structure in daily life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the direct association between routines and MIL.
- To determine if trait preference for routine and adherence to routine predict MIL.
Main Methods:
- Study 1: Cross-sectional survey (N=317) assessing trait preference for routine and MIL.
- Study 2: Experience sampling (N=85) measuring adherence to routine and momentary MIL across 2,590 episodes.
Main Results:
- A positive relationship was found between trait preference for routine and MIL.
- Adherence to typical routines in daily behavior positively correlated with momentary feelings of MIL.
Conclusions:
- Routines are a significant, previously unnoted source of meaning in life.
- Findings suggest that mundane and ubiquitous aspects of life contribute to MIL.
- Further research should explore the roles of boredom, novelty, and individual differences.
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