The Existential Circumplex: meaning in life and self-transcendence as orthogonal dimensions of existential functioning

The search for meaning has long been regarded as a central dimension of human psychological functioning within existential and humanistic psychology. However, most empirical research conceptualises meaning in life as a unidimensional construct, typically assessed through single-scale measures of purpose or life satisfaction. The present study proposes an alternative structural perspective, suggesting that existential functioning may be represented within a circumplex framework organised around two theoretically distinct dimensions: meaning in life and self-transcendence.

Building on Viktor Frankl’s logotherapeutic tradition and on circumplex models of personality, this work introduces the Existential Circumplex Model, which conceptualises existential experience as a dynamic field structured by these two dimensions. Within this framework, different configurations of existential functioning emerge as regions of a circular psychological space characterised by varying degrees of existential orientation and relational openness.

To examine the empirical plausibility of this model, the Circumplex Questionnaire of Existential Forces (CQEF-40) was developed. The instrument comprises eight subscales designed to represent distinct sectors of the proposed circumplex. A pilot study was conducted with 300 participants. Psychometric analyses included internal consistency estimates, correlations with established measures of meaning in life and self-transcendence, multidimensional scaling (MDS), and exploratory factor analysis (EFA).

The results provide preliminary support for the proposed structure. Reliability indices were satisfactory across most subscales, and correlations showed meaningful associations with established measures. Multidimensional scaling indicated a spatial configuration broadly consistent with a circular organisation, while exploratory factor analysis supported a bidimensional latent structure interpretable in terms of existential orientation and transformative openness.

Overall, the findings suggest that existential functioning may display a multidimensional organisation compatible with a circumplex framework. The model offers a heuristic conceptual map for future research in existential psychology, psychotherapy, and personal development.