Investigating the Interplay between Social Exclusion and Meaning in Life: The Catalytic Influence of Psychological Flexibility and Basic Psychological Needs

Background Researchers found that social exclusion would influence meaning in life negatively, but the mediated mechanism and moderated boundary were not wholly concerned. Thus, this study examined the mediated effect of basic psychological needs between social exclusion and meaning in life; the moderating of psychological flexibility was also investigated. Methods Through a quantitative research design with a three-wave time lag, a sample of 1021 college students from China were investigated with questionnaires on social exclusion, meaning in life, basic psychological needs, and psychological flexibility. Results Social exclusion was negatively related to meaning in life, with basic psychological needs mediating (indirect effect = − 0.19, p  < 0.01). Psychological flexibility significantly moderates the relationship between social exclusion and basic psychological needs (interaction effect = 0.14, p  < 0.01). However, psychological flexibility moderates the mediating effect of basic psychological needs. Conclusion First, this study indicated that social exclusion might negatively affect college students’ purpose in life. Thus, more resources and opportunities are required to fulfill students' various needs and assist them in obtaining interpersonal support. Second, educators should prioritize training to enhance the mental health of college students with low psychological flexibility and implement effective psychological adjusting measures and interventions. This result was intended to help college students accept the current situation, switch to a positive way of thinking, and enhance their meaning in life.