Predictors of Meaningfulness of Life among Tuvans Living in Rural Areas and Cities of Tuva

Abstract

The article presents the results of a study of the characteristics of the value-semantic sphere of Tuvans living in remote rural areas of Tuva. The assumption was tested that one of the predictors of meaningfulness among Tuvans may be ethnicity: features of ethnic identity and values. Tuvans living in three rural districts of Tuva (Erzin, Mugur-Aksy, Toora-Khem) and Kyzyl were compared. 825 people were recruited for this study. To test this assumption, the multiple linear regression method was used: the dependent variable was the indicators of the PIL test, and the indicators of the “Values Questionnaire” by S. Schwartz and “Types of Ethnic Identity” (S.V. Ryzhova, G.U. Soldatova) were considered as predictors. It was shown that significant predictors of meaningfulness among Tuvans are ethnic negativism (-0.307), positive identity (0.148), values of achievement (0.195), power (-0.150) and kindness (0.098). Regression models obtained for individual regions had their own specifics. It was also shown that residents of the districts differ significantly in the indicators of the PIL test, scales of the “Types of Ethnic Identity”, as well as the values of conformity, tradition, kindness and universalism. Based on the results obtained, a conclusion was made about the contribution of ethnicity to the dynamics of meaningfulness among the residents of Tuva.