Optimism and attributional style impact on the relationship between general insecurity and mental health

Abstract

The current research examined the impact of general insecurity beyond specific domains on mental health, and optimism as the proposed mechanism explaining the aforementioned relationship. We also tested external attribution as a possible moderator. We collected data (N = 219) in two waves. Results showed that general insecurity is negatively associated with mental health, and this relationship was mediated by optimism. Moreover, the external attribution buffered the aforementioned impacts, playing a role of internal resources and an effective coping strategy to protect psychological resources and mental health.