Development and validation of the Meaning-Making Dimensionality Index (MMDI)

Introduction: The dimensionality of meaning-making reflects the ability of the cognitive system to interpret environmental complexity through different dimensions of meaning. Low dimensionality implies an interpretation based on a few primary components, while higher dimensionality involves additional components. Different studies have shown that psychopathology as well as other forms of representation of reality can be interpreted as a function of the dimensionality of meaning-making. However, to date there is a lack of tools that can accurately and reliably assess such an aspect of human cognition; therefore, the aim of this study was to develop and validate the Meaning-Making Dimensionality Index (MMDI). Methods: The MMDI is a semantic differential-based instrument that analyzes the incidence of the dimensions in the factorial space through which people represent objects with high and low affective content. A total of 223 participants completed the MMDI along with other scales. Correlations and Mann-Whitney U tests were performed for data analysis. Results: The MMDI positively correlated with the Range and Differentiation of Emotional Experience Scale (RDEES), negatively with the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (IT-DERS-SF) and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11), and positively with the Well-Being Index (WHO-5), establishing both convergent and criterion validity. No significant gender differences were found, but educational level differences were observed. Discussion: The MMDI proved to be a valid instrument for detecting dimensionality of meaning-making, and the results showed that reduced dimensionality had a dysfunctional impact on the quality of regulation, and conversely, high dimensionality positively impacted overall levels of adjustment. The use of MMDI to study human cognitive processes represents a new and promising perspective that can capture the fundamental dynamics that can inform and complement both clinical research and psychological research in general.