Where Americans Find Meaning in Life

Pew Research Center uses two national surveys, including open-ended responses, to examine what gives Americans meaning and satisfaction. Family is the most frequently named source by a wide margin, followed by work, material well-being, friendship, faith, hobbies and learning. The findings also show that answers change with the way the question is asked: people volunteer some sources of meaning readily, while recognizing others when presented with a list.

Meaning is not distributed independently of circumstance. Adults with higher incomes and more education are more likely to identify friendship, health, travel and financial stability as important sources, while religious commitment strongly shapes the role of faith. The report presents purpose as both intimate and social: rooted in relationships and beliefs, but also influenced by the resources and institutions available to a person's life.