Abstract
The present study sought to test the broaden-and-build model of trait positive emotions by examining hope agency and hope pathways as potential mediators in accounting for different aspects of psychological well-being (e.g., self-acceptance, purpose in life, & personal growth) in a diverse sample of 140 (88 female & 52 male) elite student-athletes (NCAA Division I). Results of conducting bootstrapped mediation testing with multiple mediators indicated that positive mood was indirectly associated with 4 out of 6 dimensions of psychological well-being through hope agency, but not through hope pathways. In support of partial mediation, however, the association between positive mood and dimensions of psychological well-being remained significant even after including hope components in the model. Some potential implications of the present findings for fostering psychological well-being in elite athletes are discussed. Overall, in accounting for psychological well-being in elite athletes, the present findings suggest that there does not need to be a way, if there is a will.
Recommended Citation
Chang, Edward
(2026)
"A Preliminary Examination of the Broaden-and-Build Model of Trait Positive Emotions in Predicting Psychological Well-Being in Elite Student-Athletes: If There’s a Will, Then Must There Always Be a Way?,"
Journal of Sport Behavior: Vol. 49:
No.
3, Article 1.
Available at:
https://jagworks.southalabama.edu/journalofsportbehavior/vol49/iss3/1