Semantic Field of the Concept “Meaning”: Analysis of Age Differences

Background. Despite significant attention to the topic of the meaning of life in the context of personal development and psychological well-being, there is a lack of research on how meaning changes with age. Objectives. The aim of the work is to study the age differences in the concept of meaning. The study is pilot and represents a preparatory stage for creating a semantic differential “meaning”. Study Participants. The sample consisted of 195 informants aged 18–78 years (M = 37.87; SD = 15.74; 160 women). Respondents were divided into four age groups: 18–33 years (N = 94), 34–47 years (N = 52), 48–59 years (N = 23), 60+ years (N = 26). Methods. The authors conducted an associative experiment using an online survey. Data processing methods: frequency analysis, ranking, semantic similarity coefficient (according to V.P. Serkin), one-way ANOVA (Kruskal — Wallis test), comparative analysis (DSCF test), chi-square test. The most significant frequency associations — associative semantic universals (ASU) were divided into categories and analyzed substantively based on age periodization and V.P. Serkin’s concept of meaning. Results. Significant intergroup differences in the descriptions of the concept of “meaning” were revealed (χ2 = 15.2; df = 3; p = 0.002; ε2 = 0.253). The difference between the youngest and the oldest age groups is the most statistically significant and large (W = 4.48; p = 0.008). In the 18–33-year-old group, descriptions of meaning contain the most pronounced (compared to other groups) motivational component, reflecting a focus on the future, and are also the most abstract and emotional. At the age of 34–47 years old, meanings are more specific and differentiated, associated with family relationships and professional activities. For respondents aged 48–59, the concept of “meaning” is most associated with the concept of “sense”, while for the 60+ group, it is also associated with benefiting others. Conclusions. The description of the concept of “meaning” varies significantly at different ages, which may indicate that meanings change with age.