A cross-sectional study investigating the role of meaning and purpose in life among older individuals (>50 years old) in recovery from alcohol use disorder / problem drinking

Background: (Re)discovering meaning and purpose in life (MPL) is one of eight domains of recovery capital (RC). However, there has been limited research on this important recovery support mechanism. Aim: Framed within Viktor Frankl’s theory of meaning (logotherapy), the paper aimed to investigate how MPL among older people in recovery is sustained. Method: Older people (≥50-years old) in recovery responded to a survey containing two measures: the Purpose in Life Test (PIL) and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ). Respondents were divided into two groups, early- and late-onset. Relationships between MPL and the respondents were then investigated against four independent variables: onset-type, gender, continuous years in recovery and recovery pathway. Results: Late-onset AUD/problem drinking was estimated to emerge between 45- and 55-years old; the sample consisted of 249 (65.4%) early- and 132 (34.6%) late-onset respondents. Significant differences were found between PIL and continuous years in recovery (rs = .32, n = 381, p = <0.001) and the presence of meaning in life (MIL) and continuous years in recovery (rs = .30, n = 381, p = < .001). A significant difference was also found between onset-type and the search for MIL (t (308) = -2.45, p = 0.01). Conclusion: The main finding, that there is an association between MPL and continuous years in recovery, was further supported by the finding which suggested the late-onset group, who had been in recovery for significantly less time (M = 3.27 years) than the early-onset cohort (M = 12.71 years), were more likely to be searching for meaning in life.