The Impact of Meaning in Life and Reasons for Living on Suicidal Behaviour in Young Adults: A Systematic Review
Abstract A systematic review is presented which aims to synthesise relevant literature focused on the influence of Meaning in Life (MiL) and Reasons for Living (RFL) on Suicidal Behaviour (SB) in young adults. Twelve papers of suitable quality were sourced through a rigorous search strategy and a narrative synthesis was performed. This revealed that RFL and MiL act as protective factors against SB in young adults. Additional findings revealed a cultural universality of the protective aspect of MiL/RFL on SB, as well as further insights into the sub-components of life meaning- Search for Meaning in Life and Presence of Meaning in Life. The associated risk factors of SB- Hopelessness, Life Regard and Mental Pain, are also discussed in relation to MiL and RFL. This study paves the way for further research on the same topic and draws attention to something that is frequently neglected in the psychiatric community- consideration of the transcendental aspects of human nature.