World view and meaning in life

This pilot study explored the relationship between meaning in life and world view within a college undergraduate population. Past research indicated that both variables were particularly relevant to that population but, hertofore, no study had attempted to examine those two variables conjointly wwith validated instruments. Two hundred and fifty three subjects were recruited from the University of Houston - University Park. The only restriction employed was that participants had to be currently enrolled undergraduate students. There were 120 (47.6%) males and 133 (52.4%) females. Subjects ranged in age from 17 years to 40 years, with a mean age of 20.0 years. Most participants were Anglo (74.0%), with the next two largest ethnic groups represented having been Hispanic (8.7%) and Black (8.7%). Lastly, most subjects reported total annual household incomes of less than $10,000. This study was classified as a cross sectional correlational study. Each subject was administered three paper and pen forced choice questionnaires: the Purpose In Life Test [PIL] developed by Crumbaugh and Maholick (1969): the World Hypothesis Scale [WHS] developed by Laird (1973), and; a Demographic Data Sheet. Each of these instruments was given to subjects and the recording of responses was completed by the subject. Administration of all instruments required approximately 45 minutes per subject and was the World Hypothesis Scale [WHS] developed by Laird (1973), and; a Demographic Data Sheet. Each of these instruments was given to subjects and the recording of responses was completed by the subject. Administration of all instruments required approximately 45 minutes per subject and was conducted in a group setting.The data were analyzed by means of chi - square, t-test, and correlational analyses (including Pearson and Spearman correlations). Generally speaking, no statistically significant relationship between purpose in life and world view was discovered. All expectations (N=10) maintaining that purpose in life and world view function independent of demographic variables (i.e., age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and college major) were supported with the dual exceptions of ethnicity and age. That is, world view appeared to be a correlated with both ethnicity and age. These results indicate that purpose in life and world view are separate and distinct constructs. Furthermore, they appear to be largely unrelated and not predictive of each other. However, as with any pilot or exploratory study, further research is warranted. Lastly, these results are pilot in nature and, hopefully, will serve to initiate more refined research in the future.