Author(s)

Zhang Xin ¹

Affiliation(s)

¹ College of Teachers, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610106, China

Corresponding Author

Zhang Xin

ABSTRACT

This study systematically explored the relationship between sense of meaning in life and suicidal ideation among adolescents using meta-analysis. A total of 14 studies meeting the meta-analysis criteria were included, with a combined sample size of 22,096 participants. The meta-analysis results revealed a significant negative correlation between sense of meaning in life and suicidal ideation (r = -h0.33, p < 0.001), indicating that a higher sense of meaning in life is associated with lower suicidal ideation. Furthermore, in terms of gender, the negative correlation between sense of meaning in life and suicidal ideation strengthened as the proportion of females increased. Regarding age groups, the negative correlation was most pronounced among high school students. These findings further validate the significant role of sense of meaning in life as a psychological protective factor and provide theoretical foundations and practical guidance for mental health interventions targeting adolescents.

KEYWORDS

Sense of meaning in life; suicidal ideation; adolescents

CITE THIS PAPER

Zhang Xin, The relationship between adolescents' sense of meaning in life and suicidal ideation: a meta-analysis based on a Chinese sample. Applied & Educational Psychology (2025) Vol. 6: 137-146. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.23977/appep.2025.060120.

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