Positive Childhood Experiences and Spiritual Well-Being: Psychological Flexibility and Meaning-Based Coping as Mediators in Turkish Sample

J Relig Health. 2024 Aug;63(4):2709-2726. doi: 10.1007/s10943-024-02079-4. Epub 2024 Jun 24.

Abstract

Spiritual well-being enhances life quality, acts as a stress reliever, and mitigates unfavorable feelings. It helps individuals find meaning and purpose, increasing inner peace and happiness while improving stress management and overall well-being. This study examined whether positive childhood experiences are linked to spiritual well-being and if psychological flexibility and meaning-based coping serve as mediators. The sample included 1061 participants (Mage = 39.38; SD = 8.82) from various Turkish cities. Structural equation modeling assessed relationships between spiritual well-being, positive childhood experiences, psychological flexibility, and meaning-based coping. Results showed that positive childhood experiences directly enhance spiritual well-being, mediated by psychological flexibility and meaning-based coping. This underscores the significance of fostering positive childhood experiences to promote spiritual well-being and coping mechanisms.

Keywords: Meaning-based coping; Positive childhood experiences; Psychological flexibility; Spiritual well-being.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Quality of Life / psychology
  • Spirituality*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Turkey
  • Young Adult