The Effect of Resilience and Psychological Flexibility on Affective Wellbeing in Sexual Minority Individuals

Sexual minorities (SM) are at higher risk for various adverse health outcomes. The minority stress model identified possible variables that lead to mental distress in the sexual minority population. Various positive aspects on the contrary like resilience and mental flexibility might support SM’s psychological wellbeing. Within the framework of relational cultural theory, which states that striving for beneficial interpersonal connection is essential for growth and wellbeing, these variables might have a potential influence in reshaping SM’s relationships to others and thus, amending overall wellbeing. The aim of this study was to observe the effects and its interaction of resilience and psychological flexibility on wellbeing in order to potentially substantiate the consequences it might have on social aspects of SMI. It was hypothesized that resilience would exert a significant positive effect on wellbeing and further, a positive partial or full mediation through mental flexibility...Show moreSexual minorities (SM) are at higher risk for various adverse health outcomes. The minority stress model identified possible variables that lead to mental distress in the sexual minority population. Various positive aspects on the contrary like resilience and mental flexibility might support SM’s psychological wellbeing. Within the framework of relational cultural theory, which states that striving for beneficial interpersonal connection is essential for growth and wellbeing, these variables might have a potential influence in reshaping SM’s relationships to others and thus, amending overall wellbeing. The aim of this study was to observe the effects and its interaction of resilience and psychological flexibility on wellbeing in order to potentially substantiate the consequences it might have on social aspects of SMI. It was hypothesized that resilience would exert a significant positive effect on wellbeing and further, a positive partial or full mediation through mental flexibility would be observed in this study. A secondary data analysis from 345 participants and three questionnaires was conducted: the Brief Resilience Scale, the Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory and the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire Short- Form . A regression- and mediation analysis was conducted. The results demonstrated a significant total effect of resilience on wellbeing. Resilience significantly predicted wellbeing (β= .31, p< .001). An indirect effect and a partial mediation effect of psychological flexibility between resilience and wellbeing was furthermore observed. All results were in line with the hypotheses. The combined effects of resilience and mental flexibility on wellbeing in SMI were evident in this study which is in line with previous literature. Thus, they might be important mental components in dealing with adversity in SM as (consciously) ameliorating views into a constructive direction on relational situations and thus strengthening resilience through incremental social support might finally yield the desired benefits that SMI often still lack despite growing awareness of the general state of wellbeing.Show less

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The Effect of Resilience and Psychological Flexibility on Affective Wellbeing in Sexual Minority Individuals