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Early parental support and meaning in life among young adults: the mediating roles of optimism and identity

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Abstract

Meaning in life is an important aspect of wellbeing for young adults transitioning into new roles. While research suggests young adults’ quality of family environments is associated with meaning, few studies have examined mechanisms that explain how early parental support may facilitate young adults’ sense of meaning. Understanding factors that contribute to the development of meaning can shape helping practices for young adults, particularly those lacking in earlier parental support. The present study explored the relationship between young adults’ appraisals of childhood parental support and present meaning in life, through mediation effects of dispositional optimism and identity commitment. A sample of 120 young adults aged 18–25 completed assessments of early parental support, optimism, identity commitment, and meaning in life. Parallel mediation was used to examine the hypothesized model, controlling for neuroticism. Analyses supported the association between early parental support and meaning in life being mediated by optimism and identity commitment. The findings may inform prevention and intervention practices in support of healthy development and wellbeing among youth.

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Availability of Data

The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Funding

This study was supported by a grant awarded to the first author by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, grant # 430–2016-01226. Preparation of the manuscript was supported by funding awarded to the first author by the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research, Scholar Award # 18317.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, #420 – 5950 University Blvd, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada

    David Kealy

  2. School of Social Work, University of British Columbia, Okanagan, 1147 Research Road, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada

    Shelly Ben-David

  3. Counselling Psychology Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, #298 – 2125 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada

    Daniel W. Cox

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  1. David Kealy
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Correspondence to David Kealy.

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Kealy, D., Ben-David, S. & Cox, D.W. Early parental support and meaning in life among young adults: the mediating roles of optimism and identity. Curr Psychol 41, 3865–3872 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-020-00907-w

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