Psychological Empowerment, Conscious Mindfulness, and Life Engagement in Seafarers: Mediating Patience and Moderating Hope

Abstract

This study investigates the complex interrelations between psychological empowerment, conscious mindfulness, and life engagement among active seafarers, explicitly focusing on the mediating and moderating roles of hope and patience. A total of 460 seafarers currently serving on board participated in the study. Demographic variables were collected, including age, marital status, income level, and vessel type. Hope and patience's mediation and moderation effects on the relationships between psychological empowerment, conscious mindfulness, and life engagement were examined using the PROCESS macro within the IBM SPSS version 27 software. The results indicate that neither hope nor patience significantly mediates the relationship between psychological empowerment and life engagement. However, patience partially mediates the relationship between conscious mindfulness and life engagement, while hope does not. Moderation analyses reveal that hope significantly moderates the relationship between conscious mindfulness and life engagement, enhancing its positive effect. In contrast, patience does not exhibit a significant moderating role. The findings highlight patience as a key psychological factor in amplifying the positive effects of conscious mindfulness on life engagement among seafarers. This study contributes to understanding the psychological mechanisms that influence life engagement in high-stress maritime environments. It suggests that cultivating patience may serve as a valuable strategy to support mental well-being and performance in seafaring professionals.