Lifestories Across the Lifespan: Meaning, Well-being, and Methodological Issues

Comprehensive Overview This dissertation starts with a theoretical section that is composed of general foundations and reflections about the fundamental concepts and analytical models. The second chapter presents own but attended research which is framed by these essential thoughts. The general discussion reconsiders seminal conclusions, critically disputes the overall outcomes, and elaborates on research questions that emerged from the findings in view of posterior knowledge of this work. Research Activity and Empirical Studies with Reference to this Dissertation (1) A review article presents comprehensive reflections about age-graded interventions that are evident from research on reminiscence and aging, the results are reflected within their respective conceptual and empirical context. Presentation of meta-analytical findings and evidence from a random controlled trial (RCT). (2) Experimental RCT in trauma analogue paradigm explores three brief interventions in a psychopathology model with zero result. Evidence of optimal model complexity on: measurements, choice of outcomes, external validity. Statistical analyses use (a) General Linear Model (GLM) and (b) Latent Growth Curve Modeling (LGCM) within Generalized Equation Estimations (GEE). (3) Temporal framing is studied in a cross-sectional correlational design. The analytical model evaluates measures of well-being and life quality whether they are predictive of a balanced time perspective. Accuracy is externally assessed by cross-validation and ranges in the upper percentile of correct predictions of balancedness. Adding the present time to the model raises the quota of explained variance, showing that time perspective (TP) has a three-dimensional structure. The usage of compound indices incrementally increases fit, suggesting that the metric indicators outperform the originating scales. Furthermore, the results propose a differentiated indication of their usage, depending on whether measuring absence or proximity is the objective. Methodological considerations ought to prioritize establishing a vague prior on even baserates which is precedent in classification tasks. Subjective well-being varies between balanced and unbalanced observations. Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) applies. Conclusion The recognition of self-reflective sameness creates a lifestory of purpose, coherence and meaning. Autobiographical reasoning operates a variety of cognitive-emotional processes, whereby reminiscence and time perception are important.