Search for meaning predicts presence of meaning and well-being differently across cultures: A comparison between French and Koreans

The concept of meaning in life has emerged as a crucial factor in understanding well-being. Research indicates that individuals with greater well-being tend to report a stronger sense of life's meaning. Previous research distinguishes the presence of meaning- denoting a sense of purpose and coherence, and the search for meaning- reflecting an active quest to find meaning. While the presence is consistently associated with higher well-being, studies have shown a lack of consistency regarding the search for meaning. However, most of the studies have been conducted in Western countries. This study addressed this gap by conducting two investigations. The first study compared French (n=300) and Korean (n=300) participants, revealing cultural differences. The findings highlight the moderating influence of culture. Among the French, higher presence of meaning and lower search for meaning predicted greater well-being. In contrast, Koreans with a strong search for meaning reported higher well-being and presence of meaning. To go further, the second study used a priming method to examine how cultural beliefs shape the relationship between life meaning and life satisfaction. The finding highlights the mediating role of lay beliefs in the interplay between life meaning and life satisfaction. These results provide valuable insights into how life's meaning operates across cultures and its implications for promoting well-being.