Differential effects of mindfulness and grit on positive mental health outcomes in major depressive and bipolar disorders: A moderation analysis using an ecological momentary assessment approach.
Journal of affective disorders July 23, 2025 Joyce Xu Hao Jin, Heidi Ka Ying Lo, Iris Wai Tung Tsui et al. 2 citations
In people with major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD), positive psychological traits such as mindfulness and grit interact with negative affect to influence positive mental health. Over two weeks, 29 people with MDD, 29 with BD, and 30 healthy controls reported their negative affect, pleasure attainment, and meaning in life five times daily. Lower negative affect strengthened the link between mindfulness and meaning in life in the MDD group but not in the BD or control group. Higher grit reduced the harmful effect of negative affect on pleasure attainment in the BD group but not in the other groups. These findings highlight complex relationships between positive traits and mental health in mood disorders.