Psychological Distress and Well-Being in Emerging Adult Women: The Role of Positivity and Coping Strategies

Women in emerging adulthood face increased challenges. Positive Life Orientation (PLO) and Coping have proved essential for successfully adapting individuals to developmental challenges affecting mental health. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional methodology, the study aims to (i) analyze the primary sources of stress of emerging adult women and the coping strategies most used; (ii) analyze the levels of well-being and psychological distress; (iii) analyze the role of PLO and coping strategies in predicting well-being and psychological distress. A total of 240 emerging women aged between 18 and 25 years participated in the study. PLO was measured using the Positivity Scale, coping using the Brief Cope, well-being using the Mental Health Continuum Scale, and psychological distress using The Anxiety, Depression, and Stress Scale. Studies constituted the primary stress factor, followed by interpersonal relationships and work. The most used coping strategies were planning, active coping, acceptance, positive reframing, self-distraction, emotional and instrumental support, and venting. Women presented moderate levels of anxiety, mild levels of stress, and mild to moderate levels of depression. All well-being scores were lower than the reference means for the Portuguese population. Results from hierarchical multiple linear regressions show the predictive role of PLO and coping strategies in well-being and psychological distress. PLO is a positive predictor of all dimensions of well-being and a negative predictor of depression. Active coping strategies predict higher levels of well-being and lower levels of psychological distress, mainly depression. In other directions, avoidance strategies predict lower psychological distress and higher well-being levels. Results highlight PLOs and coping strategies' crucial role in promoting emerging adult flourishing.