Test-Description

The PIL-20 is based on Viktor Frankl’s theory of the search for life’s meaning, where a sense of purpose is considered crucial for psychological well-being. The scale consists of 20 questions, to which participants respond based on a Likert scale, evaluating the extent to which they feel their life has meaning, goals, and direction.

The questionnaire includes items that assess:

The individual’s perception of their life’s direction.

The level of satisfaction with their current life.

The ability to achieve future goals.

Data Analysis and Usage

The data collected from the PIL-20 is used to evaluate an individual’s psychological state and well-being. A sense of purpose in life is associated with various positive psychological states, such as life satisfaction, mental health, and resilience in difficult situations.

Data analysis techniques include:

Statistical analysis to measure the degree of purpose in life and identify levels of meaning in different populations.

Reliability analysis to check the internal consistency of the questionnaire, such as calculating Cronbach’s alpha.

Correlation analysis to examine the relationship between the sense of purpose and other psychological variables, such as anxiety, depression, or resilience.

Purpose

The main goal of the Purpose In Life Test (PIL-20) is to assess the extent to which an individual feels their life has meaning and purpose. Specifically, the scale helps understand:

How optimistic the individual is about their future.

Overall life satisfaction and the values that guide their actions.

Resilience and psychological well-being.

The scale can be used in clinical studies, educational settings, or research focused on measuring well-being and mental health.

Calibration

The calibration of the PIL-20 involves the following procedures:

Reliability analysis to evaluate the internal consistency of the responses. Calculating Cronbach’s alpha is used to estimate the scale’s stability.

Confirmatory factor analysis to ensure the validity of the questionnaire’s structures and confirm the dimensions it measures.

Cross-validation across different populations to check the generalizability of the results and the scale’s applicability in various contexts.

Bibliography

Crumbaugh, J. C., & Maholick, L. T. (1964). An experimental study in existentialism: The psychometric approach to Frankl’s concept of noogenic neurosis. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 20(2), 200-207.

Ryff, C. D., & Keyes, C. L. (1995). The structure of psychological well-being revisited. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 69(4), 719-727.

Steger, M. F., Frazier, P., Oishi, S., & Kaler, M. (2006). The Meaning in Life Questionnaire: Assessing the presence of and search for meaning in life. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 53(1), 80-93.