Abstract

The Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ) is widely used to assess the presence of and search for meaning in life. Yet, no validated Indonesian version exists for adolescent and young adult populations. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties and measurement invariance of the MLQ-Indonesia across sociodemographic groups. A total of 946 students aged 13–24 years (M = 17.3, SD = 2.8; 54.7% female) were recruited from 10 cities across 8 provinces, representing both Java (n = 436) and Outer Java (n = 410) regions. The 10-item MLQ measures two subscales—presence of meaning (MLQ-P) and search for meaning (MLQ-S)—each comprising five items on a 7-point Likert scale. Exploratory factor analysis using Minimum Rank Factor Analysis with oblique rotation and the Hull Method confirmed a two-factor structure. Confirmatory factor analysis with robust maximum likelihood estimation demonstrated adequate model fit for each subscale when tested independently. Both subscales showed high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = .90) and a non-significant interfactor correlation (r = −.03). Multiple-group CFA established full measurement and structural invariance across sex and educational level (ΔCFI < .01). Convergent validity was supported through theoretically consistent correlations with life satisfaction, subjective happiness, and dispositional optimism and pessimism. Among sociodemographic variables, only child status significantly predicted MLQ scores, while sex, educational level, and geographic region yielded non-significant effects. These findings indicate that the MLQ-Indonesia is a psychometrically sound and invariant instrument suitable for assessing meaning in life among Indonesian students, with potential utility in educational and counseling contexts.