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Hope, Mindfulness, PTSD, and Well-Being Among Trauma-Exposed Black Adults

Author

Listed:
  • Elijah R. Murphy

    (University of Houston)

  • Jasmin R. Brooks Stephens

    (University of Houston
    Massachusetts General Hospital)

  • Matthew W. Gallagher

    (University of Houston
    Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistics)

Abstract

Approximately 12–14% of Black adults meet the criteria for PTSD each year. Mindfulness is associated with lower rates of PTSD and lower PTSD symptom severity in Black adults. Hope and mindfulness are associated with higher levels of well-being in Black adults. The present study examines the unique, latent associations of hope and mindfulness with PTSD and three domains of well-being among Black adults. 403 adults who identified as African American/Black and reported experiencing a traumatic event on the Life Events Checklist 5 completed questionnaires on hope, mindfulness, PTSD, and well-being. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via Mplus were used to quantify the independent associations of hope and mindfulness with PTSD, psychological, subjective, and social well-being. Mindfulness and hope were associated with greater well-being and lower PTSD. Mindfulness and hope were associated with greater well-being when accounting for one another. Hope had unique, significantly larger relationships with psychological and subjective well-being than mindfulness but did not have an independent association with PTSD when accounting for mindfulness. Mindfulness maintained a unique association with PTSD and the three domains of well-being when accounting for hope. Hope and mindfulness were associated with greater well-being and lower PTSD symptom severity in trauma-exposed Black adults. Mindfulness had a unique relationship with PTSD and well-being, whereas hope had independent associations with well-being. Hope had substantially larger associations with psychological and subjective well-being than mindfulness. Additional research on the differential relevance and effectiveness of such traits among Black adults is needed.

Suggested Citation

  • Elijah R. Murphy & Jasmin R. Brooks Stephens & Matthew W. Gallagher, 2025. "Hope, Mindfulness, PTSD, and Well-Being Among Trauma-Exposed Black Adults," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 26(4), pages 1-20, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:26:y:2025:i:4:d:10.1007_s10902-025-00864-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-025-00864-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Emma Pleeging & Martijn Burger & Job Exel, 2021. "The Relations between Hope and Subjective Well-Being: a Literature Overview and Empirical Analysis," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 16(3), pages 1019-1041, June.
    2. Yukiko Uchida & Vinai Norasakkunkit & Shinobu Kitayama, 2004. "Cultural constructions of happiness: theory and emprical evidence," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 5(3), pages 223-239, September.
    3. Adam Hanley & Alia Warner & Eric Garland, 2015. "Associations Between Mindfulness, Psychological Well-Being, and Subjective Well-Being with Respect to Contemplative Practice," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 16(6), pages 1423-1436, December.
    4. Aymen Sajjad & Wahab Shahbaz, 2020. "Mindfulness and Social Sustainability: An Integrative Review," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 150(1), pages 73-94, July.
    5. Feagin, Joe & Bennefield, Zinobia, 2014. "Systemic racism and U.S. health care," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 103(C), pages 7-14.
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