Meaning in Life as a Mediator in People Who Have Recovered From Depression: A Path Analysis

Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Effective prevention and treatment require understanding the factors that support sustained recovery among people who have recovered from depression.

To examine the role of meaning in life (MIL) in sustained recovery from depression.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 168 adults who had successfully recovered from depression during the 2022 to 2023 period at a medical center in Taiwan. Measures included a demographic questionnaire, the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D), the MIL scale, and the Chinese Mental Resilience Scale (CMRS). Structural equation modeling was employed to perform a path analysis on recovery from depression.

The average age of the participants was 57.8 years. The mean HAM-D score was 3.52 ± 2.22, indicating minimal depressive symptoms and supporting recovery from depression. Participants reported a moderate level of MIL (MIL = 64.67 ± 16.83) and high resilience scores (CMRS = 77.03 ± 15.40). HAM-D was negatively correlated with MIL (r = -.54, p < .001) and CMRS (r = -.54, p < .001), while MIL was strongly positively correlated with CMRS (r = .85, p < .001). MIL moderated sustained recovery from depression. Age, working status, living arrangement, and self-perceived support system were associated with higher levels of MIL.

Enhancing MIL and strengthening supportive systems may help maintain recovery among people who have recovered from depression. Mental health nurses can support recovery by helping individuals identify and engage in personally meaningful aspects of their lives.