Core features and psychological correlates of meaning in life among young and middle-aged people living with HIV/AIDS: A network analysis

This study used network analysis to explore core features of meaning in life (MIL) among young and middle-aged people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and to examine its relationships with social support, psychological capital, and perceived discrimination. A total of 472 PLWHA completed the Chinese Meaning in Life Questionnaire, Social Support Rating Scale, Positive Psychological Capital Questionnaire, and Berger HIV Stigma Scale. Network analysis identified a mixed network with 20 nodes and 82 non-zero edges. “My life has a clear sense of purpose” showed the highest expected influence and emerged as the core MIL feature. Hope, optimism, and self-efficacy demonstrated strong positive bridge effects, while subjective support, hope, and concern with public attitudes acted as key bridge nodes linking external factors to MIL. These findings highlight psychological capital, social support, and perceived discrimination as critical potential influences on MIL and provide preliminary evidence for targeted intervention.