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Bidirectional longitudinal relationship between maximizing style and meaning in life
Min Ma1, Shenglin Zhai1, Keke Jia1
1Department of Psychology, School of Sociology and Psychology, Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing, China.
Acta Psychologica
|May 14, 2026
Summary
Maximizing style and meaning in life have a two-way connection. This study found that having a maximizing style boosts life meaning, and a meaningful life encourages a maximizing style.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Previous research suggests a link between maximizing style and life meaning.
- The longitudinal dynamics of this relationship remain underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the bidirectional longitudinal relationship between maximizing style and meaning in life.
- To examine how these two constructs influence each other over time.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study design was employed.
- Data were collected from 565 participants across three time points.
- Statistical analyses were used to assess the predictive relationships.
Main Results:
- A significant bidirectional relationship was observed.
- Maximizing style positively predicted meaning in life.
- Meaning in life positively predicted maximizing style.
- A cumulative effect was noted in their reciprocal influence.
Conclusions:
- Maximizing style and meaning in life demonstrate a reciprocal, longitudinal relationship.
- Interventions aimed at enhancing one may positively impact the other.
- The findings highlight the dynamic interplay between personal striving and life purpose.
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