Negative Problem Orientation and Wellbeing in Emerging Adulthood: The Mediating Roles of Optimism and Resilience

Understanding the role of problem orientation for wellbeing during emerging adulthood is crucial to assist this cohort in successfully navigating the challenges of the transitional period. In this context, the present study investigates the interplay between negative problem orientation (NPO), resilience, optimism, and wellbeing among emerging adults. For this cross-sectional study, NPO, optimism, resilience, and wellbeing scales were administered to a total of 355 emerging adults (77% female, Mage= 21.33, SD = 2.35). The results revealed that NPO both directly and indirectly predicted wellbeing through optimism. However, contrary to the common assumption about positive resilience outcomes, no significant mediating effects of resilience between NPO and wellbeing were observed. The study concludes with a discussion of the findings’ theoretical and practical implications.