Abstract
<p>Background and Objectives: Previous research on distressing life events primarily emphasized negative mental health outcomes. However, there has been a growing focus on positive mental health factors in recent times. To reflect this broader perspective, the present study investigated the relationship between distressing life events, including emotionally impactful or potentially traumatic experiences, and positive mental health, life satisfaction, subjective happiness, and depression, anxiety, and stress. Design and Methods: The sample included N = 426 students who participated in an online study testing protective and risk factors in the context of mental health and reports secondary analyses of these data. Results: Correlational analyses including the full sample showed that experiencing a distressing life event was linked to lower levels of positive mental health and life satisfaction, and higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Post-hoc group comparisons supported this pattern. Among those who experienced a distressing life event, higher current distress due to the event correlated with lower levels of positive mental health, life satisfaction, and subjective happiness, and higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Conclusions: This study showed robust correlations between the experience of a distressing life event and levels of both positive and negative mental health. These findings underscore the emotional and psychological impact of adverse life events, highlighting the potential value of targeting transdiagnostic protective factors, such as positive mental health and resilience, in approaches aimed at preventing and reducing mental health problems following distressing life events.</p>