{"id":28132,"date":"2021-11-18T09:49:49","date_gmt":"2021-11-18T14:49:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/2021\/11\/18\/meaning-of-life-spring-2021-appendix-c-codebook\/"},"modified":"2025-10-20T09:34:25","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T13:34:25","slug":"meaning-of-life-spring-2021-appendix-c-codebook","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alpha.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/global\/2021\/11\/18\/meaning-of-life-spring-2021-appendix-c-codebook\/","title":{"rendered":"Appendix C: Codebook"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Below are the instructions given to researchers who coded the responses to the open-ended question.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are trying to assess what people care about and how they seek meaning in their lives. In these responses, people will mention many different aspects of life. Mark all that apply. Include both positive and negative mentions (e.g., treat \u201cI don\u2019t have enough money\u201d the same as \u201cI have enough money\u201d; treat \u201cI\u2019m glad I\u2019m healthy\u201d the same as \u201cI\u2019m dealing with health problems\u201d) \u2013 we are trying to categorize what people care about and focus on<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, determine if the response actually answered the question. If you encounter a response that cannot be interpreted as actually answering the question in any way (e.g., \u201cI don\u2019t know\u201d or \u201cI don\u2019t want to answer\u201d) then mark it as (1) and move on to the next response. For all other responses \u2013 those that make any<\/em> attempt to provide a substantive answer to the question, even if they\u2019re vague or lacking in specifics \u2013 you should proceed to assess Categories 2 through 17 normally. Finally, check Categories 18 and 19 and assess whether the response mentioned any difficulties or challenges (18) or anything related to COVID-19 (19) regardless of how you coded Categories 2 through 17<\/em>. You may occasionally encounter responses that do not match to any categories (responses like \u201cliving in the moment\u201d that answered the question but don\u2019t mention anything in Categories 2-17) \u2013 simply leave these responses blank and move on. These will be captured as code 0, or \u201cgeneral positive.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Generally speaking, you should think about responses as being composed of \u201cunits of information\u201d \u2013 words or short phrases or statements that tell you something.  Each word or phrase you encounter should belong to only one category (excluding Categories 18 and 19), but responses will contain multiple phrases, so most responses will mention multiple categories. As you\u2019re working through a response, try to break it into discrete statements and take them one at a time. If you are unsure how to categorize a particular statement, focus on its emphasis (i.e., what is the most important or unique<\/em> element of information it\u2019s telling you?) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

(0)<\/strong> General positive<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some responses consist entirely of vague or general statements that cannot be clearly marked as pertaining to any of the below categories. For example, \u201cbeing happy\u201d, \u201cachieving my personal goals\u201d, \u201clive with love\u201d, \u201cbe grateful\u201d, etc. If no other category can be marked, you should flag the response as Don\u2019t know\/refused<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(1)<\/strong> Don\u2019t know \/ refused<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I don\u2019t know, I don\u2019t understand the question, what do you mean, I don\u2019t want to answer, this question doesn\u2019t make sense<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mark if a response is equivalent to a refusal or \u201cdon\u2019t know\u201d \u2013 where the respondent simply chose not to offer any opinions or thoughts at all. Only mark if no other codes are applicable (i.e., they did not answer the question.) Do NOT mark if there\u2019s any way to interpret the response as an answer to the question (e.g., \u201cnone\u201d or \u201cnothing\u201d or \u201cmy life isn\u2019t meaningful\u201d count as legitimate answers, even they do not mention any specifics outside of Difficulties or challenges<\/span>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

If (1)<\/strong> does not apply:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(2)<\/strong> Family and children<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Family, children, kids, being a parent, grandchildren, being a grandparent, my children\u2019s future\/upbringing, my siblings, raising good kids, leaving a legacy, extended family, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, wanting to have kids or a family, not close with family, relationship difficulties with family\/kids<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does NOT include references to \u201cchildren\u201d if it\u2019s absolutely clear that they are not talking about their own (e.g., \u201cI enjoy my job teaching children\u201d). However, if it is ambiguous (e.g., \u201cgiving children a better future\u201d) then include it. When in doubt, count it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(3)<\/strong> Spouse and romantic partners<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spouse, partner, girl\/boyfriend, romance, being in love, being married, being in a relationship, marriage, dating, sex, relationship difficulties with spouse\/partner, \u201cmy relationship\u201d (singular)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Includes \u201cbeing in love\u201d but does NOT include generic references to \u201clove\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(4) Friends, community and other relationships<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Friends, loved ones, relationships, other people, others, socializing, social engagements, social life, spending time with others, meeting new people, relationship difficulties with friends, community, group, being part of a group\/club, belonging to a group, attending group events, membership in a group, (non-work) organizations, online community, not being able to attend group events<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any mention of friends, generic references to relationships, being part of a community or group, \u201cother people\u201d. Coworkers and colleagues should be coded as Occupation and career<\/span> instead. \u201cHelping others\u201d in a general sense, volunteering with or being a part of a charity or service group, and community involvement that\u2019s focused on service (like \u201cgiving back to the community\u201d or \u201ccommunity service\u201d) should be marked as Service and civic engagement<\/span> instead. Church and religious groups should be coded as Spirituality, faith and religion<\/span> instead, unless they specifically mention the community aspect of church (in which case, mark both categories). Includes membership in online communities, social media groups, etc. Do not include abstract identity groups (it must be a tangible group of people they engage with personally.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(5)<\/strong> Service and civic engagement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Making a difference, service to others, volunteering, fighting for a cause, helping other people, contributing to society, making the world a better place, having an impact, activism, being politically engaged or involved, being a productive member of society, helping a charity\/service group<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Helping others (above and beyond<\/em> personal responsibilities like work and taking care of relationships like family and friends). Must refer to personal activities, contributions or involvement; general political opinions do not count. Being a good citizen or serving your country should be coded as Society, places and institutions<\/span> instead. Staying politically informed should be coded as Education and learning<\/span> instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(6) Society, places and institutions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where I live, my town\/neighborhood\/city\/state\/country, patriotism, I appreciate my country or government, glad to live in my country, thankful for government services (transit, transportation, education system, healthcare system, the NHS specifically), national economy, unemployment is low, land of opportunity, glad I don\u2019t live somewhere else, living somewhere with conveniences, political stability, democracy, tax system, social security, pension system, government benefits, healthcare system, education system, GDP growth, country has handled COVID well, living in a land of freedom, well-funded public services, being a good citizen, serving my country, glad to live in my neighborhood\/town\/city\/country, my government\/leaders make me proud<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How they relate to where they live at any level beyond their immediate residence; includes \u201cwhere I live\u201d when no additional context is provided. Includes appreciation of their neighborhood, town, city, state or country, and social amenities and services that they have access to, public or private (public transport, infrastructure, schools, etc.) Includes political frustrations and complaints about government, laws, etc. Includes any mention of their country or nationality (e.g., \u201cI live in Canada\u201d, \u201cas an American\u2026\u201d) Appreciation of their own property or their \u201cliving environment\u201d or \u201cplace of residence\u201d should be marked as Material well-being, stability and quality of life<\/span> instead. Appreciating their country\u2019s natural beauty, \u201crural living\u201d or \u201cliving in the country\u201d should be marked as Nature and the outdoors<\/span> instead. General mentions of freedoms (e.g., \u201cfreedom of speech\u201d) that aren\u2019t specifically linked to their country or government should be marked as Freedom and independence<\/span> instead. If they mention a political or social cause that they are directly involved in themselves and the emphasis is on service or personal action, mark it as Service and civic engagement<\/span> instead. Includes \u201cthe education system\u201d but if it is not absolutely clear that they are referring to the system itself (e.g., access to good schools, etc.) then it should be marked Education and learning<\/span> instead. References to \u201ceconomic level\u201d, \u201ceconomical\u201d, etc. should be assumed to pertain to personal finances and be marked as Material well-being, stability and quality of life<\/span> unless it is clear they are talking about the economy in general. Includes all mentions of \u201chealth care\u201d; if they specifically mention the cost or affordability of health care, then mark Material well-being, stability and quality of life<\/span> as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(7)<\/strong> Material well-being, stability and quality of life<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Standard of living, quality of life, \u201chome,\u201d finances, money, costs, living comfortably, comfort, being comfortable, safety, security, stability, basic needs, feeling safe, feeling secure, expenses, being happy with what we have, being well-off, my living environment, prosperity, wealth, luxury, creature comforts, \u201croof over my head,\u201d \u201cfood on the table,\u201d steady income and employment, having food\/housing, owning a house, having nice things, feeling unsafe, financial uncertainty, making ends meet, can(\u2019t) afford things, being unemployed, not having work, lack of income, wanting to own a house, wish I could afford more, enjoying my home and garden, living an ordinary\/normal\/simple life, living frugally or economically<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any mention \u2013 positive or negative \u2013 about what they have or don\u2019t have, or material things they need or want. Anything pertaining to finances, housing, basic needs, safety, security, material comfort, etc. Includes references to \u201chome,\u201d \u201cbeing at home\u201d, \u201chomelife\u201d, \u201cmy living environment\u201d or \u201cplace of residence\u201d if there\u2019s no additional context to suggest that they are talking about their broader geographic\/societal surroundings.  Includes safety and security (financial or otherwise), making ends meet, covering basic necessities, being able to live comfortably or afford living the way they want, etc. Includes unemployment or lack of income. \u201cEconomic freedom\u201d and work-life balance issues should be marked as Freedom and independence<\/span> instead. Appreciating where they live outside of what they themselves own (e.g., \u201cglad to live in a safe country\u201d, \u201cpublic security\u201d) and mentions of \u201cwhere I live\u201d (without any additional context) should be marked as Society, places and institutions<\/span> instead. Anything related to health care should be marked as Society, places and institutions<\/span>, unless they specifically mention costs or affordability (in which case, mark both). Includes ambiguous references to \u201ceconomic level\u2019, \u201ceconomical\u201d, etc. unless it is clear that they are talking about the economy in general rather than their own personal finances (i.e., obvious references to \u201cthe economy\u201d in general should be marked as Society, places and institutions<\/span> instead.) Includes references to \u201cliving simply\u201d or living an \u201cordinary\u201d, \u201cnormal\u201d or \u201csimple\u201d life (which suggest a sense of stability and living within one\u2019s means). Does NOT include generic references to \u201cwell-being,\u201d \u201cpeace,\u201d \u201cpeaceful life,\u201d or \u201cliving peacefully\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

(8)<\/strong> Retirement<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Retirement, retiring, saving for retirement, (not) being able to retire<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any mention \u2013 positive or negative \u2013 about retirement, in the present or future. If they are retired but mention their former career (e.g., \u201cI am a retired teacher\u201d, \u201cI used to be a lawyer\u201d) then you should also<\/em> mark Occupation and career<\/span>. Mentions of the pension system or social security programs should be marked Society, places and institutions<\/span> instead.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

(9) Freedom and independence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Freedom, having free time, economic freedom, independence, sense of control, freedom of movement, freedom of choice, freedom of speech, freedom of thought, political freedom, religious freedom, freedom of travel, COVID travel restrictions, freedom about how to spend time, work-life balance and freedom from work, working from home, not having enough time to do what I want, no control, feeling restricted, lack of independence\/freedom\/control, freedoms are being threatened, wish I could spend more time at home<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any mention \u2013 positive or negative \u2013 related to their ability to do what they want with their lives, above and beyond their material well-being and comfort. Includes poor work-life balance or having to work too much. Feeling constrained by finances should be marked as Material well-being, stability and quality of life<\/span> instead. When freedoms are linked to their country (e.g., \u201cliving in a land of freedom\u201d, \u201cliving in a country where I have freedom of speech\u201d) mark as Society, places and institutions<\/span> instead. Spending free time with the emphasis on doing something with it (e.g., \u201cspending my free time gardening\u201d) should be marked as Hobbies and recreation<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(10)<\/strong> Occupation and career<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Work, career, job, professional success, colleagues, coworkers, enjoys their job, being good at their job, work is worthwhile, being successful, earning (not just having) money, difficulties with coworkers, work-related stress<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Includes mentions of their former occupation or career. Work-life balance, working from home, having to work too much, and freedom from work should be coded as Freedom and independence<\/span> instead. Being unemployed, job loss or not having enough work should be marked as Material well-being, stability and quality of life<\/span> instead. Going to school so they can get a job or advance in their career should also<\/em> be marked as Education and learning<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(11)<\/strong> Education and learning<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

University, school, independent research, learning, learning new things, staying informed, curiosity, appreciating philosophy, pursuit of knowledge, staying politically informed<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Going to school so they can get a job or advance in their career should also<\/em> be marked as Occupation and career<\/span>. Activities like reading, going to libraries or visiting museums should be marked as Hobbies and recreation<\/span> instead. Includes references to the education of their family\/children. Does NOT include general references to \u201cpersonal growth\u201d. References that are clearly describing the education system<\/em> (e.g., access to good schools, etc.) should be marked as Society, places and institutions<\/span> instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(12)<\/strong> Nature and the outdoors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nature, outdoors, the environment, climate, fresh air, mountains, the beach, high biodiversity, green open spaces, countryside, appreciating nature, being with nature, spending time outside, spending time in the country, rural living, protecting the environment, enjoying good weather, access to the outdoors, natural beauty, living near nature, climate change, pollution<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Does NOT include outdoor activities like gardening, hiking, camping, fishing, etc. (which should always be marked as Hobbies and recreation<\/span>) unless they explicitly emphasize the environment (e.g., \u201cspending time outside<\/em>\u201d, \u201chiking in the mountains<\/em>\u201d). Includes responses that express concern about negative environmental situations, such as climate change, pollution, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(13)<\/strong> Pets<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pets, dogs, cats, taking care of my animals<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Intended specifically for the ownership of or relationship with animals. Animal-oriented activities like birdwatching or horseback riding should be marked as Hobbies and recreation<\/span> instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(14) Spirituality, faith and religion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

God, religion, faith, spirituality, worship, prayer, feeling connected or \u201cat one\u201d with the universe, church, parish, not being able to attend church <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Religious freedom should be marked Freedom and independence<\/span> instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(15) Physical and mental health<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Health, \u201cbeing well\u201d, wellness, still alive, still kicking, staying healthy, eating healthy food, trying to lose weight, mindfulness, meditation, exercise, fitness, working out, illness, sickness, medical problems, health concerns, wish I was healthier, depression, mental health problems, stress, anxiety, worrying about getting sick, fears of dying, glad I\u2019m not sick<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any mention \u2013 positive or negative \u2013 of their own health, mental or physical health practices, health conditions (good or bad), or concerns about health. Includes references to the health of family or loved ones.  Does NOT include references to the health of \u201cother people\u201d in general \u2013 i.e., talking about health and health care at a social level \u2013 which should be coded as Society, places and institutions<\/span> instead. Includes general references to \u201cexercise,\u201d \u201cfitness\u201d or \u201cworking out\u201d but mentions of specific physical activities like biking, running, hiking, \u201csports\u201d, etc. should be coded as Hobbies and recreation<\/span> instead. Access to health care or remarks about the cost\/affordability of healthcare should be marked as Material well-being, stability and quality of life<\/span> instead. Appreciation of government health care programs should be coded as Society, places and institutions<\/span> instead. Includes \u201cbeing well\u201d but not \u201cwell-being\u201d or \u201cbeing well off\u201d in American English; similar phrases in other languages should be included only if the predominant interpretation tends to unambiguously refer to health and wellness. Includes descriptions of mental health conditions like stress, worrying, depression and anxiety \u2013 or the lack thereof \u2013 if the focus is on the condition itself <\/em>(e.g. \u201cI am worried all the time\u201d, \u201cI never worry about anything\u201d, \u201cliving without stress\u201d, \u201cI struggle with depression\u201d). However, if the emphasis is on something specific (e.g., \u201cI\u2019m worried about the bills\u201d) then the response should be marked for whatever is being emphasized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(16)<\/strong> Hobbies and recreation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hobbies, relaxing, relaxation, leisure time, having fun, cultural events, TV, movies, \u201cactivities\u201d, personal projects, crafts, video games, eating, drinking, cooking, sports, pastimes, reading, listening to music, playing music, internet, spending time online, painting, drawing, hiking, camping, hunting, surfing, skiing, birdwatching, fishing, cycling, biking, swimming, horseback riding, dancing, running, jogging, weight-lifting, spending my free time on things I enjoy, gardening, working on my house\/car\/garden, housework, going out, visiting museums, opera, going to the movies, restaurants, the arts, enjoying good food<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Includes any personal activities they enjoy doing that are not explicitly covered by other categories (i.e., work and school activities, travel, spending time with friends, etc. do not<\/em> belong here) Includes general references to \u201cactivities,\u201d \u201cgoing out,\u201d \u201chaving fun\u201d and \u201crelaxing\u201d. Includes \u201cleisure time,\u201d but \u201cfree time\u201d (which emphasizes having time itself) should be marked as Freedom and independence<\/span> instead. Includes \u201csports\u201d and specific physical activities like biking, running and hiking, but general references to \u201cexercise,\u201d \u201cfitness\u201d or \u201cworking out\u201d (which emphasize health rather than specific activities themselves) should be coded as Physical and mental health<\/span> instead. Mentions of travel, exploration, adventure or doing new things should be marked as Travel and new experiences<\/span> instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(17)<\/strong> Travel and new experiences<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Travel, being able to travel, adventure, doing new things, visiting or exploring new places, exploration, trying new things, new experiences<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Freedom of travel\/movement should be coded as Freedom and independence<\/span> instead. Learning about new things should be marked as Education and learning<\/span> instead. Meeting new people should be marked as Friends, community and other personal relationships<\/span> instead. Does NOT include references to \u201cvacation\u201d or \u201choliday\u201d unless it implies travel (e.g., \u201cgoing on<\/em> vacation\u201d).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

(18)<\/strong> Difficulties or challenges<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNothing\u201d, \u201cNothing is meaningful\u201d, \u201cI don\u2019t feel satisfied\u201d, health difficulties, illness, depression, life sucks right now, nothing gives me meaning, everything is bad, life is difficult, can\u2019t cover basic needs, not enough money, stress, no job, too much work, not enough free time, worrying about the news, apathy, past trauma, medical conditions, loss of a loved one, complaining, being frustrated, political complaints<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mark if they mention negative circumstances, difficulties, frustrations or challenges; complain about something; mention an aspect of their lives that they do not like; express general dissatisfaction with life; or describe frustration with some aspect of life (e.g., living situation, financial circumstances, relationships, job, etc.) Includes responses that indicate \u201cnothing is satisfying\/meaningful\u201d. Includes negative experiences or setbacks in the past or present, or concerns about the future. Includes responses that state that they find nothing meaningful in their lives (e.g., \u201cnone\u201d, \u201cnothing\u201d, \u201cnot too much\u201d, \u201cmy life is not meaningful\u201d). Do not make assumptions if it is ambiguous. It is not uncommon for someone to respond as though they are offering advice, which can sound very similar to someone complaining. If a response lists off meaningful things (e.g., \u201cto find a job, buy a house\u201d, \u201cto have more money\u201d) and it is unclear whether they are describing things they have, versus things they wish<\/em>they had, versus giving general advice \u2013 do NOT mark it as negative. Such responses should only be included if you are fairly certain that respondents are describing aspects of their life that they wish were better. Similarly, mentions of social problems should only be marked as negative if it is implied that they view it as a negative thing (e.g., include references to \u201cclimate change\u201d and \u201cillegal immigration\u201d, but NOT references to \u201cclimate\u201d and \u201cimmigration\u201d unless the phrase is unambiguously negative in its particular linguistic\/cultural context.) Code this regardless of whether they mention anything in categories 2-17.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(19)<\/strong> Any COVID-19<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

COVID, vaccines, lockdowns, masks, safety precautions, quarantining, travel restrictions<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Any explicit mention of the pandemic\/COVID situation, including restrictions, safety precautions, etc. Responses that require you to \u201cread between the lines\u201d DO NOT count. A good rule of thumb is: Ask yourself whether a respondent would have been likely to mention something prior to the pandemic. Mentions of \u201crestrictions\u201d and \u201cmasks\u201d probably wouldn\u2019t have come up had we asked this question in prior years, so we include these as obvious references to the pandemic. On the other hand, phrases that could have previously shown up as references to something else, like politics or personal circumstances (e.g. \u201cafter such a crazy year\u201d, \u201cI wish we could travel right now\u201d) should NOT be included. Code this regardless of whether they mention anything in categories 2-17.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Below are the instructions given to researchers who coded the responses to the open-ended question. We are trying to assess what people care about and how they seek meaning in their lives. In these responses, people will mention many different aspects of life. Mark all that apply. Include both positive and negative mentions (e.g., treat 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