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Existing research has examined how static or average levels of positive affect (PA) influence purpose in life (PIL), but theoretical work suggests PA fluctuations may also play a role, potentially undermining PIL, especially in older adulthood. To this end, the present study examined the longitudinal association of PA fluctuations on PIL and the moderating role of age among 1,294 midlife and older adults in the United States, over a 9-year period (between 2004 and 2014). Results revealed a conditional effect of PA fluctuations on PIL – particularly among older individuals, and greater PA fluctuations were associated with a poorer sense of purpose over time. This effect persisted even after accounting for individual differences in affective disposition. Findings from the current study deepen our understanding of the intricate relationship between PA fluctuations and PIL across the lifespan, with particular emphasis on the vulnerabilities that emerge in older adulthood.
Chia et al. (Mon,) studied this question.