Meaningpersonal

Meaningpersonal is a term used to describe the process by which individuals attach personal significance to events, objects, or life experiences. It emphasizes subjectivity and the integration of experiences into a coherent life narrative. Because it is not a widely standardized concept, meaningpersonal is often treated as a descriptive label in discussions of meaning-making rather than a formal theory with established measurements.

Core ideas of meaningpersonal include meaning-making (the interpretive work people do to ascribe value and purpose), personal relevance (the degree to which something matters to the individual), and narrative integration (how experiences are woven into a self-concept and life story). The concept foregrounds agency, values, and individual worldview, distinguishing personal meaning from more universal or objective forms of meaning.

Relation to existing theories is common in discussions of meaning-making, narrative identity, and existential psychology. It aligns with approaches that view meaning as something constructed by the person rather than found in external facts. It is often connected to concepts such as purpose, coherence, and resilience, and may be explored alongside theories like Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy and McAdams’s work on narrative identity.

Methodologically, meaningpersonal is typically studied through qualitative methods—in-depth interviews, autobiographical narratives, and diary studies—to capture how people articulate what matters to them. Potential applications include mental health support, education, and personalized counseling or coaching, where understanding an individual’s personal meaning can inform interventions and motivation.

Critics note that the term can be vague and culturally relative, requiring careful operationalization if used in empirical work. See also meaning, personal meaning, sense-making, and narrative identity.