Introducing a New Dimension of Individual Differences in Existential Psychology: Development and Initial Validation of the Existential Reflection Scale

Abstract

Measuring individual differences in existential psychology has traditionally been centred around two key themes: (a) the ways in which individuals seek or attain meaning and purpose in life and (b) the extent of their anxiety related to existence and mortality. We introduce a new dimension of individual differences within existentialism: the extent to which individuals are curious about and enjoy reflecting on their own existence. This is a dimension of individual differences that has not been addressed effectively so far, and we discuss the importance of this trait within different social contexts. The new 11-item Existential Reflection Scale underwent a preliminary validation in seven British samples ( n = 836). The scale showed high internal reliability ( ω = .808) and concurrent validity with existing scales, including measures of meaning and purpose in life. We discuss the ways in which the scale can be of value for predicting cognitive and behavioural tendencies, such as in situations where the concept of mortality is made salient, or when individuals process information of an existential nature.