An ecology of meaning: an integrative framework for understanding human motivations

Heine, Steven J., Folk, Dunigan P., Guan, Kate W., Benjamin, Rachele, Bahng, J. Miranda and Proulx, Travis ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3763-3138 Elliot, Andrew J., ed. 2024. An ecology of meaning: an integrative framework for understanding human motivations. Advances in Motivation Science. 10.1016/bs.adms.2024.03.004

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Abstract

In this article, we consider how motivations for meaning and meaning in life can integrate much of human thought and behavior. We defend the following claims: Humans evolved to be motivated to share meanings with each other. These shared meanings accumulate to form a shared reality which constitute the cultures within which people live. Living in such ecologies of meaning requires that people learn to master these meanings in order to successfully pursue their basic needs. These shared cultural meanings get internalized into networks of meanings that form a key component of people’s selves. People depend upon meanings in their lives so much that they are motivated to defend these meanings. People’s motivations to defend meanings help them to strive to lead meaningful lives. In sum, we argue that many different aspects of human psychology can be integrated and better understood when they are considered in terms of people’s motivations for meaning.

Item Type:	Book
Book Type:	Edited Book
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Psychology
Publisher:	Advances in Motivation Science
ISBN:	9780443294389
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	3 June 2024
Last Modified:	08 Jul 2024 09:45
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/169451

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