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Differential Effects of Optimism and Pessimism on Adolescents’ Subjective Well-Being: Mediating Roles of Reappraisal and Acceptance

Author

Listed:
  • Rong Zou

    (Hubei Key Laboratory of Sport Training and Monitoring, Department of Psychology, College of Health Science, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan 430079, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Xiaobin Hong

    (Hubei Key Laboratory of Sport Training and Monitoring, Department of Psychology, College of Health Science, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan 430079, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Gaoxia Wei

    (CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing 100101, China
    CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Beijing 100101, China
    Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China)

  • Xia Xu

    (Hubei Key Laboratory of Sport Training and Monitoring, Department of Psychology, College of Health Science, Wuhan Sports University, Wuhan 430079, China)

  • Jiajin Yuan

    (Institute of Brain and Psychological Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu 610066, China)

Abstract

Prior research has found the differential strength of optimism and pessimism in predicting physical health. However, whether similar findings would be obtained in predicting subjective well-being and the possible underlying mechanisms are still unclear. This study examined the relative strength of optimism and pessimism in predicting adolescent life satisfaction and depression, and further explored the possible mediating mechanisms from the perspective of emotion regulation. A sample of 2672 adolescents ( M age = 13.54 years, SD = 1.04; 55.60% boys) completed a survey assessing optimism and pessimism, the habitual use of reappraisal and acceptance strategies, life satisfaction, and depression. The results from dominance analysis revealed that the presence of optimism was more powerful than the absence of pessimism in predicting adolescent life satisfaction, while the absence of pessimism was more powerful than the presence of optimism in predicting adolescent depression. Moreover, mediation models showed that reappraisal and acceptance mediated both the link between optimism and life satisfaction and the link between pessimism and depression. These findings suggest possible avenues for intervening in different aspects of adolescent subjective well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Rong Zou & Xiaobin Hong & Gaoxia Wei & Xia Xu & Jiajin Yuan, 2022. "Differential Effects of Optimism and Pessimism on Adolescents’ Subjective Well-Being: Mediating Roles of Reappraisal and Acceptance," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-15, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:12:p:7067-:d:834917
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alberto Sardella & Vittorio Lenzo & George A. Bonanno & Giorgio Basile & Maria C. Quattropani, 2021. "Expressive Flexibility and Dispositional Optimism Contribute to the Elderly’s Resilience and Health-Related Quality of Life during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-14, February.
    2. Antonio Zayas & Ana Merchán-Clavellino & José Antonio López-Sánchez & Rocío Guil, 2021. "Confinement Situation of the Spanish Population during the Health Crisis of COVID-19: Resilience Mediation Process in the Relationship of Dispositional Optimism and Psychological Well-Being," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-12, June.
    3. Ana Blasco-Belled & Radosław Rogoza & Cristina Torrelles-Nadal & Carles Alsinet, 2022. "Differentiating Optimists from Pessimists in the Prediction of Emotional Intelligence, Happiness, and Life Satisfaction: A Latent Profile Analysis," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 23(5), pages 2371-2387, June.
    4. Xiaocen Jia & Yiqing Huang & Wenli Yu & Wai-Kit Ming & Fei Qi & Yibo Wu, 2022. "A Moderated Mediation Model of the Relationship between Family Dynamics and Sleep Quality in College Students: The Role of Big Five Personality and Only-Child Status," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-14, March.
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