abstract
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There is a growing consensus that perceptions of coherence, purpose, and mattering represent primary indicators of the subjective experience of meaning in life (MIL; Costin & Vignoles, 2019). While these variables are supported by recent empirical research, it is unclear whether they encompass all information people consider when judging the meaningfulness of their lives. Based on the ideas of classic (Frankl, 1986) and contemporary (Martella & Steger, 2016) meaning in life scholars, the current research examines whether valuing ones life experiences, or experiential appreciation (EA), constitutes another unique indicator of MIL. Study 1 provided support for this idea showing that a theorized hub of meaning, generativity, was uniquely associated with purpose, mattering, and EA. Studies 2-4 used cross sectional and daily diary methodology to directly support the claim that EA predicted global evaluation of MIL above and beyond the contribution of coherence, purpose, mattering. Finally, Studies 5 & 6 experimentally influenced EA by exposing participants stimuli high in intrinsic value (awe inspiring videos), and showed that the EA manipulation indirectly influenced MIL. Importantly, in both studies, these indirect effects were not found though other indicators of MIL. Overall, these findings support Frankls argument that valuing ones experiences is uniquely tied to perceptions of meaning. Implications for the incorporation of EA as a primary indicator of MIL are discussed. This manuscript has not yet been published