meaning pt. 2 Flashcards
(30 cards)
What is generativity?
The perception that one’s life matters, contingent upon the belief that one’s actions have helped to make the world a better place.
What do highly generative individuals do in their stories?
They involve awareness of others’ suffering, redeem bad situations, and commit to goals that benefit others.
What is generativity an investment in?
The well-being of younger and future generations.
What qualities does generativity blend?
Altruism, creativity, productivity, and future-orientedness.
How does agency contribute to generativity?
Agency shapes a gift that represents one’s values and inclinations.
What is the communal phase of generativity?
Giving the gift to others—liberating it from one’s control.
What do social relationships provide for meaning in life?
A context for all three facets of meaning: they organize our experience, imbue purpose, and make our lives matter.
Why do people feel that their life matters?
Because it matters to the people around them.
How do close relationships help during hard times?
They help us restore meaning by making sense of the situation.
What do cross-sectional and daily diary studies show?
Belonging and positive social interactions predict reports of meaning in life above other covariates.
What symbolic benefit do close relationships offer?
A promise of lastingness and continuity, leading to a sense of symbolic immortality.
How do social groups provide meaning?
By giving stability, shared identity, and higher-order goals.
What kind of groups promote a sense of belonging?
Groups where you feel you really belong.
What is the social support condition?
People who have given you help or support.
What is the social value condition?
People who have given you a compliment.
What did belongingness studies find?
Initial belongingness predicts self-reported meaning 3 weeks later.
What do people with a strong sense of belonging do better?
They express life’s meaning more effectively in their own words.
What effect does thinking of valued relationships have?
It increases feelings of belonging and contributes to life feeling meaningful.
Is belonging the same as just having social relationships?
No, belonging is fitting in with others.
What can death be mistakenly viewed as?
Proof that life has no meaning.
What should we think of death as?
Something that gives life pizzazz and makes it sweet.
What does selectivity theory state?
Limited time makes people prioritize meaningful goals and activities.
What is the dual-existential systems model?
Thoughts of death trigger growth-oriented processes, like spirituality and intrinsic goal pursuit.
What changes after near-death experiences?
What changes after near-death experiences?
