Psychological Resilience as a Mediator in the Relationship Between Meaning in Life and Psychological Distress in Adolescents

Abstract

Objective: Adolescence is marked by significant physical, psychosocial, and cognitive changes. This developmental stage increases vulnerability to mental health challenges, with several mental disorders first manifesting during this period and potentially persisting into adulthood, thus imposing a substantial societal burden. Addressing interventions and protective factors is crucial for enhancing adolescent mental health. However, the role of meaning in life (MIL)—a principal concept in existential psychology for maintaining psychological well-being—has not been thoroughly investigated. This study explored the relationship between MIL and psychological distress in adolescents and proposed that psychological resilience might mediate this relationship. Methods: The study sample comprised 113 adolescents attending the Silifke State Hospital Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic in Mersin, Türkiye. Data collection occurred through face-to-face interviews based on DSM-5 criteria between February 2024 and March 2024. Results: The findings indicated that the presence of MIL significantly negatively predicted psychological distress (b = –.16 [–.23, –.09], p < .001). Furthermore, psychological resilience completely mediated the association between MIL and psychological distress (b = –.04 [–.07, –.01]). Discussion: Strengthening MIL and resilience may effectively reduce psychological distress among adolescents. Additional longitudinal studies are necessary to further elucidate the relationship between MIL and mental health in this population.