The longitudinal directional associations of meaningful work with mental well-being – initial findings from an exploratory investigation

BACKGROUND: An increasing number of studies reveal that more meaning in life is positively related to mental well-being. Meaning in life can be derived from different sources, including the workplace. The aim of this study was to explore the longitudinal directional association of meaningful work with mental well-being. METHODS: Prospective data from 292 persons at two timepoints (two-week interval) were used to estimate the cross-lagged relationship and directionality of meaningful work with mental well-being. RESULTS: The cross-lagged panel model had a good fit to the data (Chi(2) ms(90) = 150.9; p < 0.001; RMSEA = 0.048; p = 0.576; CFI = 0.984; TLI = 0.979; SRMR = 0.040) and showed that levels of meaningful work at t(1) had a positive effect on mental well-being at t(2) (β = 0.15, p = 0.010). But mental well-being at t(1) did not affect meaningful work at t(2) (β = 0.02, p = 0.652). Sub-analyses revealed the effects to be mainly driven by women (as opposed to men) and white-collar workers (as opposed to blue-collar workers). CONCLUSION: This study confirmed a directional association of meaningful work on mental well-being, indicating that more meaningful work has beneficial mental well-being effects.