ABSTRACT
To begin with, key terms are clarified. Next, by means of integrating the previous two models, an adaptive model in a simplified form conserving the underlying points about meaning making theory emerges. The two keystones extracted indicate that discrepancy in global meaning instigates meaning making and grief outcomes among elders. In addition, meaning making theory is interpretable with reference to social constructionism. Social aspects of meaning making, as neglected in the existing meaning making model, add new processes to enhance the meaning making model. Furthermore, the meaning system based on the canons and practical views of Confucianism and Daoism on death and life provides fuel for developing the measure of global meaning. Afterward, research questions tailored for both quantitative and qualitative studies are presented and corresponding hypotheses for the quantitative study evolve. The hypotheses focus on the relationship between discrepancy in global meaning and grief outcomes, and between discrepancy in global meaning and meaning making. Moreover, the mediating roles of meaning making in the relationships between predictors and outcomes are emphasised. Finally, the details of methodology are provided.
