ABSTRACT
Meaning and purpose shape people's identity and sense of belonging. Positive psychologist Paul Wong has devoted himself to the role of meaning in wellbeing. He outlined the four most essential elements of wellbeing—Purpose, Understanding, Responsible action, and Enjoyment—PURE. Wong identified seven sources of meaning: happiness, achievement, intimacy, relationship, self-transcendence, self-acceptance, and fairness. Values are a core component of meaning. Values have been defined as enduring beliefs that are inextricably linked to human personal and cultural identity. Vision and mission are constructs that appear more in business and organizational development; however, they also have useful application for exploring meaning in life. Transpersonal psychology grew out of the desire to incorporate some spiritual dimensions into theories of human motivation, human development, the workings of the mind, and the practical application of psychotherapy. Some positive emotions are particularly relevant to meaning in life, such as gratitude, equanimity, serenity, and hope.
