The Association between Religiosity and the Purpose-in-Life Test: Does it Reflect Purpose or Satisfaction?

There has been both theory and research to suggest that conservative religiosity is associated with a sense of life purpose. Much of this research has utilized the Purpose-in-Life (PIL) test. There has been some debate, however, regarding the homogeneity of this measure. The present study found that the PIL test consists of two factors, one reflecting life purpose and another reflecting life satisfaction. Conservative religiosity was associated with high scores on the PIL (as a whole), as well as on both purpose and life satisfaction items. Implications for both future use of the PIL and for past research on life purpose are discussed.