Relational Meaning Theory: How meaning in life develops through relationships

<p>This paper introduces the Relational Meaning Theory, which seeks to explain how human beings develop meaning in life through the meaning embedded in close personal relationships. Relational Meaning Theory is rooted primarily in the field of existential positive psychology and integrates knowledge from diverse traditions, including developmental psychology, positive psychology, existential-humanistic psychology and philosophy, relational psychodynamic theories, contextual behavioral psychology, systemic psychology, and social constructionism. This paper first reviews evidence supporting the relational character of meaning in life. It then presents the core principles and concepts of the theory, with particular emphasis on the novel construct of relational meaning. Relational meaning is defined as the meaning a person either receives from or attributes to another in terms of relational coherence, relational purpose, relational mattering, relational experiential appreciation, and relational responsibility. The theory further explains how relational meaning is developed across the lifespan through close relationships, and how it provides the structural foundation upon which meaning in life is later built. In addition, the theory proposes key dimensions such as self/other perspective, awareness, reference, and authenticity. Finally, the paper discusses the scientific, social, and cultural implications of this theory, as well as future directions for research and application.</p>