Événements vécus et sens de la vie : vers une différenciation des composantes de sens

Meaning in life (MIL) is a multidimensional concept defined as the way individuals understand themselves and understand their relationships with their external environment. Life events play a critical role in the meaning-making process. The purpose of our study was to examine the links between the MIL's components and the life events through three experiential indicators: normative value, subjective value, and locus of control. A questionnaire assessing a large panel of life events and each component of MIL (direction, sensation, signification) was completed by 117 adults. Analysis of intra-individual and inter-individual differences showed strong links between the experiential indicators although they were not completely redundant. Positive life events perceived as a choice with positive effect and negative life events not perceived as a choice with negative effect were significantly correlated with signification. The relevance of looking at life event through a multivariate and phenomenological approach and at the distinctive role of each component of MIL was discussed in terms of research and practice.