The relationship between positive resonance and meaning in life among college freshmen: a random intercept cross-lagged panel analysis

Positive resonance plays a key role in effectively helping college freshmen construct meaning in life and smoothly adapt to university life. However, the complex relationship between positive resonance and meaning in life has not been fully explored among Chinese college students. This study examines the developmental changes and interaction between positive resonance and meaning in life among college freshmen. Using convenience sampling, 895 freshmen (aged 17–22, M = 18.34, SD = 0.64) from a university in Shandong Province, China were selected for a six-month longitudinal study with three waves of surveys. Measurement tools included the Perceived Positive Resonance Scale and Meaning in Life Scale. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to test the stability of positive resonance and meaning in life and gender differences. Correlation analysis examined relationships between variables, and a Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Model was constructed to examine longitudinal relationships. Significant time effects were found for both positive resonance (F = 65.87, p < 0.05, ηp² = 0.06) and meaning in life (F = 37.96, p < 0.05, ηp² = 0.04), with no significant gender differences (p > 0.05). Both concurrent and longitudinal correlations between positive resonance and meaning in life were significant (p < 0.05). The Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Model showed good fit (RMSEA = 0.023, χ2/df = 1.49, p < 0.05, CFI = 0.9, TLI = 0.993, SRMR = 0.018). T1 positive resonance significantly predicted T2 meaning in life (β = 0.08, p < 0.05), and T2 positive resonance significantly predicted T3 meaning in life (β = 0.18, p < 0.01). Meanwhile, T1 meaning in life significantly predicted T2 positive resonance (β = 0.18, p < 0.05) and T3 positive resonance (β = 0.07, p < 0.05). This study found that positive resonance plays a significant role in enhancing meaning in life among college students, while meaning in life also contributes to higher levels of positive resonance experienced by freshmen. The findings provide empirical evidence for educators to strengthen life education, cultivate positive attitudes, and build harmonious interpersonal relationships among freshmen.