A latent profile analysis of dispositional hope and defense styles

Abstract

Dispositional hope and defense styles are linked with mental health. The present study examined profiles of individuals based on combinations of their responses on two dispositional hope indices (pathways: conceptualized routes to a desired goal, and agency: motivation and belief in one's ability to attain goals and overcome goal-related obstacles) and two defense styles (immature and mature). Participants (N=278, M age=39.25 years, SD=12.95) completed measures of dispositional hope, characteristic defense styles, and mental health. A latent profile analysis identified an optimal 3-profile solution: Maladaptive (low pathways, agency, mature defense style; and high immature defense style), Ordinary (average pathways, agency, mature defense style, and immature defense style), and Adaptive (high pathways, agency, mature defense style; and low immature defense style). Individuals in the adaptive profile reported significantly better mental health. Results could inform clinical treatments focusing on these two characteristics to promote favorable mental health outcomes.