Mental Health, Well-Being, and Psychological Flexibility in the Stressful Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Frontiers in Psychology

article

Grażyna Wąsowicz¹  Szymon Mizak²  Jakub Krawiec²  Wojciech Białaszek² 

[1] Department of Economic Psychology, Kozminski University;DecisionLab: Center for Behavioral Research in Decision Making, Institute of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities

关键词: anxiety;    depression;    flourishing;    mental health;    psychological flexibility;    stress;    well-being;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fpsyg.2021.647975

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

This study investigated the relationships between selected emotional aspects of mental ill-health (depression, anxiety, and stress, DASS) and mental well-health (well-being) experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The theoretical model of the study was based on Martin Seligman’s positive psychology and PERMA theory and Paul Wong’s Existential Positive Psychology 2.0 Theory, which postulates that negative experiences contribute to well-being and personal growth. The static approach was complemented by exploring the mediating role of psychological flexibility (defined as acceptance and action in the current situation) in the relationship between negative emotions and well-being. The data were collected during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic from 277 participants (221 women), aged M = 33.83, SD = 12.77. The results confirmed that negative emotions correlated negatively with various domains of well-being (PERM), except for accomplishment (completing tasks and fulfill daily responsibilities). Moreover, negative emotions were related to the general well-being through psychological flexibility in that higher depression, anxiety, and stress were associated with lower psychological flexibility, which decreased general well-being. Finally, negative emotions were shown to be beneficial, having an adaptive effect that allows individuals to maintain their ability to cope with the situation, reach goals, and fulfill daily duties and responsibilities despite critical, stressful situation (like the COVID-19 pandemic) that limit their psychological flexibility. This observation confirmed the positive potential of negative aspects of life postulated within Existential Positive Psychology.

【 授权许可】

CC BY