From spirituality to positive outcomes: meaning in life as a mediator of well-being and life satisfaction

This study examined prosocial beliefs and higher-being beliefs among 945 Chinese undergraduates (Mage = 20.19, SD = 1.15) using structural equation modeling. With outcomes adjusted for gender, and age, and grade level, both dimensions were positively associated with meaning in life and life satisfaction. Only prosocial beliefs showed a significant positive direct association with well-being. Both dimensions showed positive indirect associations with well-being and life satisfaction through meaning in life. These findings extend evidence consistent with Frankl’s logotherapeutic model to a Confucian heritage context and identify meaning in life as a potential focus for university mental health support.