Meaning in Life Questionnaire: Adaptation process and psychometric properties of the Brazilian version

This study aimed to present the validation process and the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ). Participants were a nationwide sample of 3020 subjects aged 18–91 years old, from 22 different Brazilian states. Exploratory factor analysis supported a two-factor solution (presence of meaning – MLQ-P; and search for meaning – MLQ-S). Adequate reliability indexes were achieved. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) provided evidence that the MLQ-P and MLQ-S scales present better goodness-of-fit indexes when evaluated separately. Multiple group CFA achieved full measurement and structural invariance for gender and age (youngsters, adults and the elderly) groups. Group comparisons were conducted for evaluating gender, age and marital status differences in both MLQ-P and MLQ-S scales. The results are presented and discussed based on the literature. Our results suggest that the MLQ is a reliable measurement to evaluate presence and search for meaning in life in the Brazilian population in a wide variety of age groups.