A network analysis of daily stressors, subjective well-being, psychological distress and psychological capital during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: There is already considerable evidence suggesting the potential existence of a comprehensive system that reflects how individuals utilize psychological capital (PsyCap) to preserve mental health amid daily stressors during the COVID-19 pandemic. To explore the underlying mechanism of this system, the current study is the first to use network analysis showing the dimension-level correlation patterns of daily stressors, subjective wellbeing (SWB), psychological distress and PsyCap during the pandemic. Method: We recruited 1556 participants in China and assessed daily stressors, SWB, psychological distress, and PsyCap through self-report questionnaires. A dimension-level network analysis was conducted to identify key dimensions and their associations. Relative importance analysis examined the contribution of each PsyCap dimension to SWB and psychological distress. Result: Depression, anxiety and stress demonstrated high strength, and life satisfaction exhibited the highest bridge strength in the network. The great majority dimensions of daily stressors had positive connections with stress and anxiety, while financial restrictions and dissatisfaction with education/occupation had negative connections with life satisfaction. Self-efficacy and optimism were positively connected with life satisfaction. Hope and resilience were negatively connected with stress, as well as hope and optimism were negatively connected with depression. Optimism and self-efficacy made the highest contribution to SWB, while resilience made the highest contribution to psychological distress among PsyCap dimensions. Conclusion: The findings elucidate the intricate relationship between daily stressors, SWB, psychological distress and PsyCap during the pandemic. Targeted interventions focusing on the specific PsyCap dimensions may enhance mental health outcomes in the post-COVID-19 era.