ORCID

https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4573-0610

Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA in Psychology

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Jeffry S Nevid

Second Advisor

Dana Chesney

Abstract

This study examined the moderating role of spiritual well-being in the relationship between collectivistic ambivalence and psychological distress among Asian Indian Americans. A convenience sample of 102 Asian Indian Americans participated in an online survey measuring collectivistic ambivalence, psychological distress, and spiritual well-being, including existential and religious dimensions. Consistent with hypotheses, collectivistic ambivalence positively correlated with psychological distress, suggesting that internal conflicts between collectivistic expectations and individualistic desires significantly impact mental health in this bicultural population. Spiritual well-being significantly moderated this relationship, with higher spiritual well-being mitigating the psychological consequences associated with collectivistic ambivalence. Further exploratory analyses revealed that existential well-being specifically buffered the ambivalence-distress relationship, whereas religious well-being showed no significant moderation effect. These findings highlight existential dimensions of spirituality such as life purpose, meaning, and satisfaction as particularly protective against psychological distress associated with cultural value conflicts. The current study expands the body of research on collectivistic ambivalence by highlighting existential spirituality as a critical coping resource within bicultural contexts, particularly among Asian Indian Americans. Results underscore the importance of culturally tailored mental health interventions that target existential aspects of spiritual well-being to effectively support individuals navigating bicultural identity conflicts and reduce related psychological distress.

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