Transdiagnostic processes in university mental health: the role of psychological inflexibility, impulsivity and stress in depression and life satisfaction using structural equation modeling
Abstract
Background: Perceived stress is a central transdiagnostic process in university mental health, yet the mechanisms linking dispositional vulnerabilities to psychological distress and positive wellbeing remain insufficiently understood. This study examined whether perceived stress mediates the associations of psychological inflexibility and impulsivity with depressive symptoms and life satisfaction among Ecuadorian university students.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 4,524 Ecuadorian university students. Psychological inflexibility, impulsivity, perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and life satisfaction were assessed using validated self-report measures. A theoretically specified structural equation model tested perceived stress as a mediator between psychological inflexibility and impulsivity and both mental health outcomes. Indirect effects were estimated using bias-corrected bootstrapping with 5,000 resamples.
Results: The model showed adequate overall fit, χ2(1) = 27.469, p < 0.001, CFI = 0.997, NFI = 0.997, SRMR = 0.0153, and RMSEA = 0.076, 90% CI [.053,0.102]. Psychological inflexibility was associated with perceived stress (β = 0.587), depressive symptoms (β = 0.475), and life satisfaction (β = -0.261). Impulsivity was associated with perceived stress (β =0.143) and depressive symptoms (β = 0.097). Perceived stress was associated with depressive symptoms (β = 0.290) and life satisfaction (β = -0.371). Significant indirect effects through perceived stress…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause.
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