Understanding Meaning in Life: The Influence of Sensation Seeking, Need for Closure, and Collective Narcissism

Abstract

This study explored how three psychological traits sensation seeking, need for closure, and collective narcissism predict an individual's perceived meaning in life. A sample of participants completed standardized self-report measures assessing these traits alongside their reported levels of life meaning. Regression analysis revealed that both sensation seeking (B = 0.300, β = 0.293, p < .001) and need for closure (B = 0.352, β = 0.332, p < .001) were significant positive predictors of meaning in life. In contrast, collective narcissism demonstrated a small but significant negative relationship (B = -0.175, β = 0.135, p < .05). Together, these variables accounted for 21.8% of the variance in meaning in life (R² = .218). The findings suggest that individuals who pursue novelty and prefer cognitive structure are more likely to perceive their lives as meaningful, whereas inflated, insecure group-based pride may be detrimental to one’s sense of purpose.

Keyword: Life, Sensation Seeking, Closure, Collective Narcissism, Cognitive Structure