From Hindrance to Growth: The Role of Life Meaning and Automatic Thinking in the Challenge-Hindrance Stress Framework

Abstract

This study explores the intricate relationship between perceived stress and happiness among adolescents through the lens of the Challenge-Hindrance Stress Framework. Utilizing a sample of 103 Chinese high school students, it investigates how distinct stressors types influence subjective well-being and examines the interplay of Negative Automatic Thinking (NAT) and Perceived Meaning of Life (PML). Findings reveal that higher stress levels are generally linked to lower subjective well-being (SWB), while challenge stressors might slightly promote SWB and hindrance stressors impede SWB, supporting the Challenge-Hindrance Stress Framework. Also, higher sense of meaning is associated with greater happiness. Additionally, Negative Automatic Thinking (NAT) scores are positively correlated with both Challenge and Hindrance stressors, with a stronger association observed between NAT and Hindrance stressors. This research contributes to the growing body of literature by highlighting the cultural dimensions of stress appraisal and suggesting directions for future studies on resilience-building interventions and cross-cultural comparisons.