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The purpose of this study was to see whether 3 types of social support (enacted support, negative interaction, and anticipated support) are associated with change in meaning in life. Data from a nationwide longitudinal survey of older people suggested that greater anticipated support (i.e., the belief that others will provide assistance in the future if needed) is associated with a deeper sense of meaning over time. The same was true with respect to emotional support received from family members and close friends. In contrast, the findings revealed that, at least initially, negative interaction lowers an older person's sense of meaning in life.

Researchers in the social and behavioral sciences have argued that people have a fundamental need to derive a sense of meaning in life. For example, Frankl, a psychiatrist, maintained that “man's search for meaning is the primary motivation in his life” (1959/1985, p. 121). Similar views were expressed by Berger (1967), a noted sociologist, and Maslow (1968), a highly regarded psychologist. Although it is difficult to find a good definition of meaning in life, a number of investigators rely on the insights of Reker. He defined meaning as “the cognizance of order, coherence, and purpose in one's existence, the pursuit and attainment of worthwhile goals, and an accompanying sense of fulfillment” (Reker, 2000, p. 41).

Given the crucial role played by meaning, it is not surprising to find that researchers are becoming increasingly interested in seeing whether it is associated with health and well-being. A small but rapidly growing body of research has suggested that people who develop a deep sense of meaning in...