The differences in the meaning in life (MiL) of people with mental disorders are analyzed. Participants were 157 Spanish out-patients (28 men, 17.83%, and 129 women, 82.17%) age-ranged from 13 to 68 years old (M = 32.58, SD = 13.34) and diagnosed with schizophrenia-spectrum (n = 20), eating (n = 85), anxiety (n = 28), and major depressive disorders (n = 24). A Spanish adaptation of the Purpose-in-Life Test, which showed an excellent internal consistency, v = 0.91, was used. An analysis of covariance showed a significant effect of diagnosis in MiL (F (4, 192) = 27.08, p = 0.000, h2 = 0.371) after controlling for the effects of gender (F (1, 192) = 2.34, p = 0.128), age (F (1, 192) = 0.58, p = 0.447), and length of evolution (F (1, 192) = 0.29, p = 0.589). A Bonferroni post hoc test showed significant differences between both the schizophrenia-spectrum and eating groups and both the anxiety and depression groups were found. MiL might play a positive role in therapeutic interventions in people with mental disorders. The pursuit and attainment of significant life goals are successful in the management of mental disorders and positively influence the therapeutic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se analizan las diferencias en sentido de la vida (SV) en personas diagnosticadas con trastorno mental. Participaron 157 pacientes españoles (28 hombres, 17.83%, y 129 mujeres, 82.17%) con edades entre los 13 y los 68 años (M = 32.58, DT = 13.34) y con diagnóstico de trastorno del espectro esquizofrénico (n = 20), de la conducta alimentaria (n = 85), ansiedad (n = 28) y depresivo mayor (n = 24). Se utilizó una adaptación española del test del Propósito de Vida, que mostró una excelente consistencia interna, v = 0.91. Un análisis de covarianza mostró un efecto significativo del diagnóstico sobre el SV (F (4, 192) = 27.08, p = 0.000, h2 = 0.371), tras controlar los efectos de género (F (1, 192) = 2.34, p = 0.128), edad (F (1, 192) = 0.58, p = 0.447) y tiempo de evolución del trastorno (F (1, 192) = 0.29, p = 0.589). El test de Bonferroni mostró diferencias significativas entre los grupos esquizofrénico y alimentario y los de ansiedad y depresión. El SV podría desempeñar un rol positivo en la intervención terapéutica en personas con trastorno mental. Proponerse y alcanzar metas vitales significativas es exitoso en el manejo de trastornos mentales e influencia positivamente el proceso terapéutico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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