Calling and the Good Life: A Meta-Analysis and Theoretical Extension

While a positive view of calling has been ubiquitous since its introduction into the literature over two decades ago, research remains unsettled about extent to which it contributes various aspects good life: an optimal way living well via worthwhile endeavors. Further, scholars have identified conceptual types calling, marked by internal versus external foci; yet their differential impact on outcomes indicative life, such as eudaimonic and hedonic well-being (characterized experience purpose meaning pleasure happiness, respectively), is unknown. Through meta-analysis 201 studies, we provide first systematic review focused these fundamental theoretical issues in literature: how strongly related callings are domains work life type (internally or externally focused) more predicts outcomes, if either. We find that relate than recently argued. further linked outcomes. The converge being associated with many similar but they show some divergence: internally positively less relative callings. This finding supports hierarchically structured, higher-order factor composed correlated distinct lower-order types. Integrating our meta-analytic findings relevant literatures, propose model addresses psychological social need fulfillment through different contribute life.