The search for meaning in life (MIL) constitutes a fundamental human need. Although depression and MIL are strongly associated, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study investigated the relationship between depression and MIL, focusing on the mediating roles of loneliness and core self-evaluation (CSE). The study included 1,255 participants, comprising 203 junior high school students, 225 senior high school students, 524 college students, and 303 middle-aged adults. The results were as follows: (a) Depression and loneliness significantly negatively predicted CSE and MIL, while CSE significantly positively predicted MIL. (b) Loneliness and CSE mediated the relationship between depression and MIL. (c) Depression positively predicted loneliness among senior high school students, negatively predicted MIL among middle-aged adults, and CSE positively predicted MIL among college students. These results underscore a significant negative correlation between depression and MIL across all groups, with notable variations in the mechanisms whereby depression influences MIL according to developmental stage. This study’s findings emphasize the importance of considering age-specific factors when designing interventions aimed at enhancing MIL and mitigating depression.
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