Positive Stress Mindset Is Vulnerable: Unpacking the Internal System and External Loop of Dynamic Stress Mindset

Research has shown that individuals' stress mindset-the belief that stress is enhancing or debilitating-can be altered through interventions. However, there is still a lack of findings regarding the dynamic fluctuations of stress mindset and its interplays with psychological outcomes in natural settings. Moreover, few studies have examined the distinct roles of positive and negative stress mindset. The present study aimed to investigate the dynamic characteristics of positive and negative stress mindset in daily life, as well as its reciprocal effects with affective well-being and psychological distress. A total of 365 college students completed the assessment of positive and negative stress mindset, affective well-being (i.e., positive affect and negative affect), and psychological distress for seven consecutive days (five assessments per day). We examined the dynamic characteristics of the internal system of positive and negative stress mindset, as well as their external interactions with affective well-being (i.e., positive affect and negative affect), and psychological distress. Results showed that stress mindset exhibited substantial dynamic fluctuations and individual differences. Both positive and negative stress mindset had significant inertia within a day, and negative stress mindset negatively predicted subsequent positive stress mindset. In addition, there was a self-perpetuating cycle between negative stress mindset and negative affective experiences, whereas positive stress mindset was unidirectionally impaired by psychological distress. These findings highlight the dynamic nature of stress mindset, pinpointing the susceptibility of positive stress mindset to daily negative influences, as such call for targeted interventions on protecting and cultivating a positive view of stress.