Using a technology-based meaning and purpose intervention to improve well-being: A randomised controlled study

Increasing the saliency of existing sources of meaning and purpose in life could be a practical focus area for innovative wellbeing interventions. This randomised controlled study aimed to assess the impact of a brief seven-day technology-based intervention on meaning in life, life satisfaction, and affect compared to a waitlist control group. A mobile phone application was used to deliver daily activities and momentary reflection questions. Significant improvements where observed in the presence of meaning in life (p =.02, η =.05), life satisfaction (p =.00, η =.08) and positive affect (p =.02, η = 0.05) for the intervention versus the control group. Ecological momentary assessment data found increases in life satisfaction and meaning in life (b = 0.044, p =.041) and shed insight into activities that fostered fulfillment. These findings pave the way for future meaning and purpose interventions to build mental health and well-being. 2 2 2