An empirical investigation of the relationship between existential meaning-in-life and racial prejudice
Date
2006-12
Authors
Niemand, Johannes Rust
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
This study had two main objectives: Firstly, to investigate the relationship between
existential meaning-in-life and racial prejudice amongst students at Stellenbosch
University; secondly to investigate how quantifiable aspects of existential meaning-inlife
relate to each other to determine existential meaning-in-life in a clear, quantifiable
way. The study was conducted on an ad hoc-sample of 149 students from
Stellenbosch University.
Relevant existential theories were reviewed in order to extract quantifiable aspects of
existential meaning-in-life. The following Scales were used to measure these aspects:
The Self-Transcendence Scale of the Temperament and Character Inventory; the
Conformity Scale; the Self-Reflectivity subscale of the Self-Consciousness Scale; the
Interpersonal Reactivity Index; the Allport-Vernon-Lindzey Study of Values; and the
Purpose in Life Test. A principal components analysis revealed that conformity did
not relate adequately to the other variables. The following underlying dimensions of
existential meaning-in-life emerged: Self-Absolution, Life Appreciation and
Existential Self-Transcendence. These dimensions were entered into multiple
regression analyses to predict the respective subscales of the Color-Blind Racial
Attitudes Scale (COBRAS), which was used to measure racial prejudice. Regression
analyses showed Self-Absolution to predict scores on Subscale A of the COBRAS,
Life Appreciation predicted scores on Subscale B, and all the dimensions predicted
scores on Subscale C. Gender differences in the relationship between predictor
variables and outcome variables emerged. It was found that this relationship was
considerably weaker in women, if not absent: Only Self-Absolution was found to
predict scores on Subscale C, while none of the underlying dimensions could predict
scores on any of the other subscales. Gender differences on other variables also
emerged, suggesting that the underlying dimensions of existential meaning-in-life
may differ between genders.
The results of this study, as well as its limitations are discussed, as are
recommendations for further study.
Description
Thesis (MA (Psychology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006.
Keywords
Meaning (Philosophy), Racism -- Case studies, Existentialism, Life, Dissertations -- Psychology, Theses -- Psychology