Purpose in Life Test assessment using latent variable methods.

A psychometric assessment was conducted on a slightly revised version of the Purpose in Life Test (PIL-R). Factor analyses revealed a large general factor plus four primary factors comprising lack of purpose in life, positive sense of purpose, motivation for meaning, and existential confusion. Validity models showed that the PIL-R was positively related to a construct of happiness and was negatively related to suicidality and meaninglessness. Reliability estimates ranged from 0.78 to 0.86. The revised version can be presented compactly and may be less confusing to subjects than the original PIL.