Meaning and Attention Intertwined: Experimental and Experience-Sampling Findings

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Philosophy of Mind
• Well-being Science

Background:

• Meaning is crucial for well-being but its cognitive underpinnings are under-explored.
• Previous research primarily focused on symbolic and philosophical aspects of meaning.
• The cognitive processes linking meaning and attention require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically integrate meaning and attention.
• To empirically investigate the bidirectional relationship between meaning and attention.
• To explore the interplay of meaning, attention, boredom, negative emotions, and well-being.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical integration of meaning and attention.
• Five lab and experience-sampling studies (N=1,654).
• Experimental manipulations and daily diary methods were employed.

Main Results:

• Meaning enhanced attention (Studies 1, 3).
• Attention enhanced meaning when stimuli allowed for it (Studies 2a, 2b, 3).
• A positive association between meaning and attention was found across dispositional, situational, and cross-levels in daily life (Study 4).

Conclusions:

• Paying attention can enhance the experience of meaning in daily activities.
• The findings highlight the cognitive interplay between attention and meaning.
• Understanding this relationship may inform interventions for enhancing well-being.