Amor Fati,Mindful Coping,and Psychological Adjustment in Adults: A Test of a Mediation Model

Abstract

The present study examined how amor fati, defined as a positive attitude of joyfully embracing all of one’s life, both the good and the bad, was associated with psychological adjustment through mindful coping behaviors in adults. A sample of 160 (113 female and 47 male) adults from the United States completed measures of amor fati, mindful coping, and psychological adjustment. Components of mindful coping behaviors (viz., awareness, distraction, preventing negative emotions, and constructive self-assertion) were evaluated as potential mediators of the association between amor fati and psychological adjustment (viz., positive affect, happiness, negative affect, and stress). Results indicated that amor fati was indirectly associated with positive affect and stress through preventing negative emotions. Noteworthy, the direct associations involving amor fati with indices of psychological adjustment remained significant in the models tested. Although preliminary, the present findings suggest that amor fati might help mitigate negative emotions from arising in adults given their “balanced” acceptance of the good and bad of life, which in turn can help foster experiences of positive psychological adjustment, and help deter experiences of negative psychological adjustment.