Psychometric Properties of the Three Dimensional Meaning in Life Scale (3DM) among Turkish-Speaking Adults

Abstract

Previous research supports the tripartite framework of meaning in life (MiL). The Three Dimensional Meaning in Life Scale (3DM) is a self-report measure drawing upon the tripartite framework, comprising of coherence, purpose, and significance. The primary goal of the present research is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the 3DM, and to assess how 3DM and its subscales relate to mental health and psychopathology indicators in a Turkish-speaking adult sample. The study employs a sample of 702 participants of which 540 are female. The methods employed include confirmatory factor analysis, measurement invariance analyses, Pearson’s correlation tests, reliability analyses, regression analyses, and independent samples t-tests. The 11-item, three-factor structure of the 3DM was verified to be replicated in the Turkish version by the first-order confirmatory factor analysis: [(χ2 = 181, df = 40, p = .00)], CFI = .98, TLI = .97, RMSEA = .071, 90%CI[.060, .081], SRMR = .03. Internal consistency coefficients of the subscales and the 3DM total demonstrated strong reliability with strong item-total correlations. The correlation coefficients of the 3DM supported concurrent and divergent validity. Additionally, the 3DM predicted well-being and psychopathology indicators. Measurement invariance analyses of the subscales revealed that coherence, purpose, and significance scales were consistent and equivalent across gender. According to the findings, the Turkish version of the 3DM is a valid and reliable scale when administered among adult Turkish-speaking individuals.

Keywords

• meaning in life
• coherence
• purpose
• significance
• well-being

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