Resilience as a mediator of correlation between positive and negative affectivity with depression and subjective well-being

Abstract

The Broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions posits that they foster lasting personal resources, such as resilience, which in turn enhances well-being. This study examined the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between positive and negative affectivity on subjective well-being and depression. The sample included 1023 participants (61.4% women; M=30.31, SD=10.08 years). Positive and negative affectivity sig nificantly predicted subjective well-being, resilience, and depression, with stronger congruent associations. Resilience was a significant predictor of higher well-being and lower depression. Its mediating effect was stronger for positive affectivity than for negative affectivity. Even when controlling for depression, these indirect effects remained significant. The findings support the idea that positive affectivity contributes to resilience in a distinct way from negative affectivity, aligning with the Broaden-and-build theory. However, due to the study’s design, the effects cannot be asserted as causal.