Personal and interpersonal resilience as predictors of mental well-being among emerging adults at risk for depression: the mediating role of interconnectedness

Emerging adulthood is a transitional stage characterized by self-exploration and identity formation, often accompanied by feelings of instability, vulnerability, and increased susceptibility to mental health challenges. Building resilience is recognized as a key factor in promoting mental well-being among emerging adults. Drawing from an online survey sample of 920 emerging adults at risk for depression, this cross-sectional study investigates the relationships between personal and interpersonal resilience, interconnectedness, and mental well-being among emerging adults at risk for depression. Results indicate that both personal resilience and interpersonal resilience derived from family and friends are positively correlated with mental well-being. Furthermore, mediation analysis reveals that interconnectedness partially mediates the relationship between all sources of resilience and mental well-being. These findings underscore the salience of multiple sources of resilience and interconnectedness to promote mental well-being, particularly among emerging adults experiencing depressive symptoms.