Does meaning in life mediate the relationship between proactive personality and well-being?

Meaning in life (MIL) is an important individual difference characteristic related to well-being, and has been receiving increasing research attention. We investigated the role of MIL in the link between proactive personality and well-being, with a focus on life satisfaction and mental health. Participants were 364 undergraduate students who completed a survey measuring proactive personality, MIL, stress, depression, and anxiety. Results reveal that proactive personality and MIL were positively correlated with life satisfaction and negatively correlated with stress, anxiety, and depression. In addition, MIL fully mediated the relationship between proactive personality and life satisfaction, and fully and independently mediated the association between proactive personality and mental health (stress, anxiety, and depression). Our results confirm the mediating role of MIL in the relationship between proactive personality and well-being. Practical implications of the study include potential methods for interventions that could improve individuals’ well-being by targeting and enhancing MIL.