Solution focused thinking and resilience: mediating effect of depression, anxiety, and stress among young adults in Davao del Sur, Philippines

Studies on resiliency revealed Filipino’s ability to bounce back from crisis situations. In this study, the mediating effect of depression, anxiety, and stress (DAS) on the influence of solution focused thinking (SFT) on the resilience of young Filipino adults in Davao del Sur was determined. A convergent mixed-methods design was utilized, allowing for the collection of data from both survey tools and semi-structured interviews. Using purposive random sampling, there were 519 respondents surveyed, and 8 participants interviewed. The statistical tools used were mean, standard deviation, and regression analysis, while Colaizzi’s method was utilized to explicate the qualitative data. Results of the study revealed high level of solution-focused thinking and resilience; however, participants exhibited high levels of depression and stress, with severe anxiety. There was no direct relationship found between SFT and resilience, while DAS was found to have significant influence on resilience. Also, the mediating effect was significant reporting that SFT lowers DAS of respondents, and higher DAS increases resilience of young Filipino adults. The experiences of young Filipino adults further explained the results reporting themes on resilience-shaking adversities (uncertainty about life, psychological distress, and socio-economic and relationship issues), and resilience-building initiatives (ability to reframe one's thought, goal-oriented actions, and internal and external support). Corroborated findings were used as basis for an SFT program to reduce DAS symptoms and strengthen resilience of young Filipino adults in Davao del Sur.