The role of mindfulness, psychological capital, and social capital in the well-being of refugees in Uganda

Refugees experience numerous psychological and social problems associated with experiences in their home countries, during asylum-seeking, and conditions in their new environment. Therefore, refugees are likely to experience a decline in psychological and social capital, negatively affecting their well-being. Mindfulness is a known trait-like attribute that is associated with superior well-being outcomes. The present correlational study investigated the mediating role of psychological and social capital in the association between mindfulness and well-being outcomes (life satisfaction and happiness) among refugees in resource-constrained settlements in Uganda. As part of the RESS-R (Refugee Entrepreneurship and Skilling for Self-Reliance) project, 576 refugees from rural settlements and urban locations took part in the study. The results of the structural equation model revealed that mindfulness was positively associated with psychological and social capital. However, only psychological capital had a mediating effect in the relationship between mindfulness and the well-being variables. Our findings provide insights into the relationships between positive psychological attributes and well-being outcomes among refugees living in resource-constrained settings.