Positive Personal Resources Research Articles

The role of stress mindset and academic buoyancy in school burnout in middle adolescence

ABSTRACT School burnout, defined as prolonged feelings of exhaustion, cynical attitude and inadequacy feelings towards schoolwork, can lead to mental problems during adolescence. To find effective ways to prevent burnout, this study examined the synergistic role of two positive personal resources, a stress-is-enhancing mindset and academic buoyancy in relation to school burnout dimensions. The participants were 932 Finnish middle-school 9th-grade (age = 14–15) students. The results of SEM revealed that academic buoyancy and stress-is-enhancing mindset were jointly negatively related to one dimension of school burnout, cynicism. However, the stress-is-enhancing mindset had an indirect effect on all dimensions (exhaustion, inadequacy and cynicism) via academic buoyancy. The findings highlight their joint effect and especially the role of academic buoyancy in relation to school burnout. The implications of the results to burnout prevention and stress theories are discussed.

A study protocol for a non-randomised evaluation of a growth-based career construction psychosocial intervention for higher education students

BackgroundDespite promising emerging evidence on the protective properties and interrelationships of posttraumatic growth, career adaptability and psychological flexibility, no studies have reported interventions that promote these positive personal resources among higher education students. Nurturing these positive personal resources in future interventions is recommended to holistically address students’ developmental, academic and career-related challenges associated with major transitions. This paper describes (a) the rationale for and development of a tailored growth-based career construction psychosocial intervention, ‘Sailing through Life and My Career Path’ (SLCP) for higher education students; and (b) a mixed-method non-randomised pre-post study to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed psychosocial intervention in achieving positive participant outcomes.Methods and analysisOver a 12-week period, higher education students will be recruited to take part in group and independent learning activities that are tailored to nurture positive personal resources to overcome challenges related to developmental, academic and career-related transitions. Quantitative data will be collected before and after the intervention and will be analysed using SPSS v26. Follow-up semi-structured interviews with participants (students), interventionists (group facilitators), and administrators will be conducted to explore perceptions of the intervention, to understand its process of change, and to determine its feasibility and acceptability in the higher education setting. All interviews will be transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.DiscussionBy filling in a gap in existing intervention research and practice, the proposed study serves to generate new knowledge and insights by evaluating the effectiveness of a tailored psychosocial intervention that responds to the complex needs associated with major life transitions of higher education students.

Positive Distance Learning Perception, Personal Resources, and Loneliness Among Higher Education Students With ADHD and/or SLD

Positive Distance Learning Perception, Personal Resources, and Loneliness Among Higher Education Students With ADHD and/or SLD

What can we learn about stress and sleep from COVID-19 pandemic-perspective from the theory of preventive stress management.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unique challenges to individuals worldwide, with a significant focus on the impact on sleep. However, the precise mechanisms through which emotional and cognitive variables mediate this relationship remain unclear. To expand our comprehensive understanding of variables, the present study utilizes the Preventive Stress Management theory, to test the relationship between perceived social support and sleep quality, as well as the effect of perceived COVID-19 stress, hope, negative emotions and coping styles. Data were collected in March 2022 from 1,034 college students in two universities located in Liaoning Province, China, using an online survey platform regarding perceived social support, perceived COVID-19 stress, sleep quality, hope, negative emotions and coping styles. The moderated mediation model were conducted using Process macro program (Model 6) and the syntax in SPSS. The results revealed perceived COVID-19 stress and negative emotions sequentially mediated the negative relationship between perceived social support and sleep quality. Furthermore, hope and coping styles were found to moderate the sequential mediating effect. The present study sheds light on the pathways that affect sleep quality among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings highlight the protective roles played by positive social and personal resources, such as perceived social support, hope, and effective coping styles, against sleep problems. These insights have important implications for the development of targeted interventions to improve sleep outcomes during this challenging time.

Coping self-efficacy and personal growth in the situation of the COVID-19 threat

IntroductionIn studies of the socio-psychological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, models focused on the negative aspects of stressors, dysfunctions, anxiety We present the attempt to expand the context and include in the field positive personal resources for psychological well-being and even post traumatic personality growth after disasters. Sometimes separation from family and friends, lack of medicines and medical resources, loss of income, social isolation to humanity, do not automatically assume that a person is capable and responsible for effectively coping with life difficulties.Objectives397 (students and patients of clinic average age 26, 2/3 are femaleMethodsPeritraumatic Distress Index (CPDI) (Feng, 2020); Impact of Event Scale (Horowitz, 1979), Coping Self-efficacy Scale (Chespeu et al, 2006); Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (Tedeschi& Calhoun, 1996), MMI (Nuttin, 1986) – adapted by M. Magomed-Eminov.ResultsSignificant negative correlation between coping self-efficacy and intensity of the impact of stressful events (IES) (rS = - 0,140, p < 0,05) was predictable.CPDI and PTG showed significant correlation (Pearson’s r= 0.23, p<0.01) between Peritraumatic Distress Index and Post-Traumatic Growth indicators only in the group of respondents who have had COVID-19. The data is confirmed by the content analysis of incomplete sentences of the subjects of COVID group. The correlation between these indicators in the Non-Covid group was insignificant.Moreover additional information we got from narratives of infected patients: the data has been split into 3 groups of narratives in the context of cultural-historical activity theory which shows the triadic outcome of survivor after trauma : a) suffering, b) adaptation, coping, resilience, c) personal growth.ConclusionsTo interpret the data the authors propose the meaning-activity approach and personality work with negative life experience (Magomed-Eminov, 1998, 2007, 2009, 2021). Authors suggest that further research on the positive consequences of stressful events beside coping styles and mechanisms that would expand the repertoire of tools predicted the ability of a modern person to cope with adversity and use experience for deeper involvement of human resources with the help of personality work with personal experience.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Positive responses to stress in the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic (in Russian sample)

IntroductionThe aim of the study was to adapt the Coping Self-efficacy Scale for research Russian population in the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic for researching positive personal resources to overcome peritraumatic COVID-19 distress. To solve this task we also used Impact of Event Scale (Horowitz) and Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (Tadeshi & Calhoun) - both adapted by M. Magomed-Eminov. These two methods allow us to assess the connection coping self-efficacy with both the traumatic experience and the experience of post-traumatic growth. And to use the results to prevent mental health.Objectives342 participants (students and masters; 18,2% male, 81,8% female; age: 20-30 years).MethodsRussian version of Coping self-efficacy scale developed in Psychological Helping and resocialization Department Lomonosov Moscow State University; Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory – PTGI (Tadeshi & Calhoun), Impact of Event Scale (Horowitz), - both adapted by M. Magomed-Eminov.ResultsRussian version of Coping self-efficacy scale has high reliability-consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.916). Detected significant correlation between coping self-efficacy and post-traumatic growth (rS = 0,261, p < 0,01) and significant negative correlation between coping self-efficacy and intensity of the impact of stressful events (IES) (rS = - 0,140, p < 0,05).ConclusionsThe obtained results confirmed the high psychometric effectiveness of the Self-efficacy Coping Scale. The connections indicate the existence of positive ways of coping to distress. The results obtained suggest that further research on the positive consequences will expand the repertoire of tools predicted the ability of a modern person to cope with adversity and use experience for deeper involvement of human resources.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Subjective Social Status and Mental Health Outcomes: The Role of Mindfulness

Positive personal resources have been shown to buffer the relationship between low subjective social status and poor mental health outcomes. However, limited data exist in relation to the role of mindfulness. The current study investigated how mindfulness moderates the relationship between subjective social status with life satisfaction and subjective well-being. Three hundred and twenty-two adults completed measures assessing subjective social status, as measured by the society and community ladders, mindfulness, life satisfaction, and well-being. Using PROCESS, a macro for SPSS and SAS, mindfulness was found to significantly moderate the relationship between society ladder and life satisfaction (△ R2 = .02, 95% confidence interval (CI) [−0.93, −0.15], p = .007) as well as the community ladder and life satisfaction (△ R2 = .01, 95% CI [−.92, −0.11], p = .013). No significant moderating effect was found between the society ladder and subjective well-being (95% CI [−0.59, 1.73], p = .335) or the community ladder and subjective well-being (95% CI [−0.82, 1.54], p = .551). These findings underscore the value of investigating how positive personal resources, such as mindfulness, impact the subjective social status-well-being relationship. Additional research examining the subjective social status–health relationship through a strengths-based lens will be fruitful in identifying resources that promote positive outcomes in the face of economic marginalization.

Positive personal resources and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic: resilience, optimism, hope, courage, trait mindfulness, and self-efficacy in breast cancer patients and survivors

PurposeThis study aims to understand the association between positive personal resources (i.e., optimism, hope, courage, trait mindfulness, and self-efficacy), resilience, and psychological distress (i.e., anxiety, depression, stress) in women with breast cancer and breast cancer survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic. We hypothesized that personal positive resources can directly influence resilience, which in turn prevented psychological distress.MethodsThe research sample consisted of 409 Italian women (49% patients, 51% survivors) who were administered a questionnaire to assess positive resources, resiliency, and distress. structural equation model (SEM) analysis was carried out to confirm the hypothetical-theoretical model.ResultsPersonal positive resources had a direct positive effect on resilience, which prevented from distress. These results were observed across cancer patients and survivors, and regardless the level of direct exposure to COVID-19.ConclusionsIn both patients and survivors, the relationships between positive personal resources, resilience, and psychological distress is strong enough to be not influenced by the level of exposure to COVID-19 and despite COVID-19 pandemic caused the disruption of active treatment plans and delays in routine check-ups.Implications for cancer survivorsImplications of this study suggest the urgency to screen positive resources and to identify women with lower resilience and a potentially higher susceptibility to develop psychological distress. For these women, our findings suggest the implementation of psychological interventions that build resilience.

Is it all about perception? A sustainability viewpoint on psychological capital and life well-being of management graduates

PurposeWell-being and employability are considered important indicators of a sustainable career that must be incorporated into the system at the beginning of a job. Hence, it is essential to explore the role of positive personal resources to improve young managers' well-being. The unending ambivalence in the academic environment and the job market is detrimental to management graduates' well-being. The study aims to look into the possible intervening methods to enhance the well-being of management students during difficult times.Design/methodology/approachA cross-sectional study was conducted among 212 management students from Kerala, India. Multi-stage random sampling was used to collect data. Structural equation modelling using IBM-AMOS was done to gain insights into the proposed relationships.FindingsThe results indicated that psychological capital had a significant impact on the well-being of management students. Both perceived employability and psychological capital are positively related to life well-being. And, perceived employability mediated the relationship between psychological capital and life well-being.Research limitations/implicationsThe theoretical contribution comes from the application of the broaden-and-build theory and resource caravans from the conservation of resource theory as a theoretical framework to understand the positive impact of developing psychological capital among university students. The practical contribution comes from identifying a need for universities to make their campus climate more supportive of the non-academic needs of students by supporting them to become more self-reliant and enhance their positive psychological resources. Developing psychological resources of perceived employability and psychological capital is quintessential to enhance life well-being and career sustainability of early careers talent.Originality/valueThis study is one of the first attempts to discern how psychological capital leads to an accumulation of psychological resources and life well-being in university students and graduates offering opportunities for career sustainability.

The Role of Adolescents' Personal and Social Resources in Achieving Desired Emotional and Behavioral Outcomes during an Anxiety-Provoking Pandemic Outbreak.

Considering adolescents’ developmentally driven stressors and social needs, they may be particularly vulnerable to the anxiety associated with the public health and economic crises due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, they may have difficulty following the mandated contagion prevention directives. The current study focused on the role of adolescents’ positive personal resources (self-control, hope) and environmental resources (peer support) in two desired outcomes during the COVID-19 outbreak: wellbeing (i.e., maintaining/increasing positivity ratio) and contagion prevention behaviors (i.e., increasing handwashing). Path analysis was conducted using online survey data collected from a representative sample of 651 Israeli adolescents (ages 13–17). Positive resources were found to be both positively intercorrelated and negatively correlated with pandemic-related anxiety and positively with increased handwashing. Self-control correlated positively with social support, which, in turn, correlated positively with the positivity ratio (i.e., more positive than negative affects) and pandemic-related anxiety. Self-control and pandemic-related anxiety both correlated positively with increased prevention behavior. This study highlights the vital role of positive resources in achieving desired psychological and behavioral outcomes for adolescents during the anxiety-provoking pandemic. Beyond its theoretical innovation, this study offers practical value by focusing on malleable variables that could be the focus of dedicated interventions.

The Relationship between Personal Resources and Depression in a Sample of Victims of Cyberbullying: Comparison of Groups with and without Symptoms of Depression.

Previous research has highlighted the relationship between being cybervictimised and the presence of clinical symptoms, such as depression. To date, however, there has been no comparative analysis of the personal resources profiles of adolescent victims of cyberbullying with and without depressive symptoms. The current study analysed the relationship between positive personal resources and clinical symptoms in 251 adolescent victims of cyberbullying at several Spanish high schools. It examined how several positive personal resources varied in adolescent victims of cyberbullying who displayed symptoms of depression (n = 89) or did not (n = 162). Victims of cyberbullying who displayed depressive symptoms reported lower levels of personal resources (emotional intelligence, gratitude, optimism, and forgiveness) than those who did not. Logistic regression provided evidence that gratitude was the strongest predictor of depressive symptoms in victims of cyberbullying, followed by emotional intelligence and optimism. These findings expand the existing literature on the role of personal resources in mental health and highlight the need for their development in youths to help them cope more effectively and function better after being cyberbullied.

Transplant Patients’ Isolation and Social Distancing Because of COVID-19: Analysis of the Resilient Capacities of the Transplant in the Management of the Coronavirus Emergency

BackgroundOne of the peculiar aspects of the transplant patient’s life is that, in the post-surgery phase, the patient lives in an “isolation” condition, having to pay particular attention to the living environment and preferring a limited social life given that the immunosuppressive treatment entails immunodepression in the patient. With coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID)-19, as in a post-surgery situation, social isolation is being implemented. Materials and MethodsThe study started on March 17, 2020, and ended on April 24, 2020. Consulting/phone interviews were made. The phone questionnaire, submitted to 71 patients, consisted of a set of 15 questions that investigated structure and psychological resistance. Eight patients have been monitored exclusively for the psychological aspect through a more articulate supporting path. ResultsIn essence, from the overall analysis of the data derived from the study of the positioning of patients based on the stage of renal function, the bands related to the development of psychopathological aspects, and the use of positive personal resources, it emerges that patients in stage V kidney failure are in the first bracket as regards the development of psychopathological aspects (absence of these experiences) and in the third bracket as regards the good use of positive resources to deal with isolation. Therefore, it can be deduced that, although with data that can be expanded, a serious or medium-serious situation from an organic point of view in this socio-health emergency situation is well addressed by the transplanted patient. ConclusionTransplant patients have faced the measure of social distancing adequately and in adherence to the treatment thanks to the phone assistance of all the medical-surgical and psychological team.

Being Positive. Approaching Career Design from the Perspective of Positive Psychology

Constructing a career path based upon positive personal potential and positive individual resources is a significant factor for professional development of employees and their success on today’s labour market. A satisfying career, an inherent element of personal well-being and good life, is linked with an ability to explore and reinforce signature strengths. In order to effectively design programmes which could support young people who are preparing to enter a job market, it is essential to acquire knowledge about values and character strengths and their perceptions among young people living in Poland and abroad. The article presents comparative analysis of signature strengths perceptions among young people in different cultures and discusses the significance of the most striking differences.

La relación entre el síndrome de desgaste profesional y los recursos personales positivos en una muestra de médicos

Medicals, in the exercise of their profession, usually present a series of risk factors for the development of the Burnout, due to aspects such as, long working hours, shift shifts, little personnel and a great demand for attention; Some positive resources of the personality such as commitment, self-control, the expression of emotions, among others, have been considered fundamental to explain and address this problem. The main objective of the present study was to establish the correlation that exists between the dimensions of the syndrome and the positive personal resources evaluated. 249 physicians from a third level hospital participated, 69% (171) were men and 31% (78) women. The variable of Positive Personality called Commitment, correlated in a negative and significant way with the three dimensions of the Syndrome (exhaustion, distancing and loss of expectations). Stimulating the strengthening of the factors associated with the personality dimension commitment, will allow to maintain health in the medical staff.

Subjective Well-Being of Filipino Women who Experienced Intimate Partner Violence: A Person-Centered Analysis

The study inquired into characteristics associated with the subjective well-being of Filipino women who had experienced intimate partner violence (IPV). Using a person-centered analysis, three groups of Filipino women who had experienced IPV were identified in terms of their reported levels of subjective well-being (high, moderate, low). The three groups were compared in terms of several relationship characteristics and also personal internal qualities. Results indicated that the women in the high and moderate subjective well-being groups were more likely to have left their abusive relationship and to report higher levels of optimism, self-esteem, and behavioral intentions that reflected self-mastery. Women in the low-wellbeing group were more likely to still be in their abusive relationship and report lower positive personal resources. The results are discussed in terms of how internal resources might allow women to deal with varied types of experiences in their abusive relationship. Implications for screening and counseling of abused Filipino women are discussed.

Does hotel employees’ quality of work life mediate the effect of psychological capital on job outcomes?

PurposeThis study aims to investigate quality of work life (QWL) as a partial mediator of the impact of psychological capital (PsyCap) on service recovery performance (SRP) and turnover intentions (TI).Design/methodology/approachData were obtained from 288 frontline employees in ten five-star hotels with a one-month time lag in three waves in Busan, Korea. Structural equation modeling was used to assess the direct and mediating effects.FindingsAs expected, PsyCap heightens QWL and SRP, while it reduces propensity to leave the current organization. QWL partially mediates the association between PsyCap and the two critical outcomes.Practical ImplicationsManagement of hotels should recognize the importance of PsyCap and assess candidates’ PsyCap during selection process. Using the PsyCap questionnaire, organizations can select candidates who possess positive personal resources. In addition, hotels may consider the assessment of frontline employees’ PsyCap to ascertain which employees can succeed in challenging situations. It is also important to create a healthy and happy environment where employees are willing to be more productive and contribute more to organizational performance.Originality/valueThe extant hospitality research is devoid of empirical evidence about the outcomes of PsyCap and QWL such as SRP.

Corporate Culture as Praxis: From Purpose to Profit

The concept of purpose is not antithetical to profit. A corporate culture that empowers meaningfulness produces dividends across the board: greater productivity, increased profits, decreased costs, and a system of activity that ties corporate managerial culture to tangible, enduring, and colossally positive human capital results. A well thought out and executed comprehensive system of values, beliefs and norms based on meaningfulness is the most powerful communication a company can choose about how it conducts business. Attempting to provide a company’s belief system using disconnected initiatives or a densely worded mission statement, most often estranged from an average worker’s daily activity, is likely to dilute work effort and commitment. Clear evidence is presented to prove that a strong corporate culture, with meaningfulness of work at its core, is a company’s most strategic asset that directly affects a company’s bottom line and creates an enduring and unique competitive advantage. Specific strategies to build, sustain, and measure a corporate culture within the framework of meaningfulness, where profit and purpose both thrive, are introduced. The positive outcomes of such a culture include significantly decreased workplace absenteeism, presenteeism, employee turnover, and workplace mental health costs, as well as increased profitability and customer satisfaction. Sustaining a meaningful culture can be efficiently managed through a “broaden- and-build” process, an outcome inherent in meaningful work which produces a network of positive emotions and personal resources that strengthens initiative, resilience, broadened attention and thinking that serve each employee well both within and outside the organization.

Mental health of females after mastectomy: a qualitative case study, Gujarat, India

Background: Breast cancer (Ca) is by far the most frequent cancer among women globally. It is now the most common Ca in both developed and developing regions. In India, Ca breast is the first common cause of Ca diagnosed in women and it is estimated to increase in coming years. Although with the availability of treatment, the survival rate of patients has increased, still limited research on the postsurgical mental status of females having Ca breast especially from India. Objectives: Present study explores the mental status of females who underwent mastectomy surgery. Materials and Methods: A qualitative study (mainly in-depth interviews) was conducted among females of Ca breast who underwent mastectomy. Themes include self-reaction and reaction of family members at the time of diagnosis and reaction during pre- and postsurgery period. Coping mechanism adopted pre- and postsurgery were also documented. Interviews were analyzed using Atlas Ti software. Results: The result indicates immense fear of disfigurement, which leads to denial for the surgery. There was also intense fear of relapse, which causes anticipatory waiting for next checkup. Strong social support, high family functioning, and faith in God are reported to be positive personal resources for coping. Conclusion: Present study explores various mental health issues that a woman has to face during diagnosis and the rest of the life, and narrates an urgent need for counseling for the patients and family members. The result of this study reinforces the need for counseling and to consolidate physical and psychological rehabilitation to ensure permanent cancer care.

Examining explanatory mechanisms of positive and expressive writing: Towards a resource-oriented perspective

This study tested the hypothesis that benefits of positive and expressive writing accrue when the intervention matches or activates the participant’s personal resources. Students were randomly assigned to keep a newly developed resource diary (RD, n = 114), which asked the participants to write about positive experiences and personal resources, or an expressive writing diary (ED, n = 114), which asked the participants to engage with negative emotional experiences, at home on three consecutive days per week for four weeks. Participants keeping the RD perceived significantly more social support and reported a significantly better mood at post-test than participants keeping the ED. Compared to a control group (n = 81) treatment effects of both writing interventions were higher for participants with lower pre-test values of well-being and brooding as well as for participants who wrote in an ‘atmosphere of activated resources.’ It is suggested that research should move away from testing deficit-compensating hypotheses towards a stronger resource orientation.

Understanding the utility of emotional approach coping: evidence from a laboratory stressor and daily life

Background: Dispositional emotional approach coping (EAC) marks an adaptive tendency to process and express emotions. EAC's association with cognitions, affect, and intra- and interindividual characteristics that may account for its utility was examined in response to an acute stressor and in daily life. Design: This study included a laboratory stress task and ecological momentary assessment. Methods: Healthy undergraduate students (n = 124; mean age: 20; women: 56%) completed a laboratory component (baseline survey, speech stress task, pre- and posttask measures) and five subsequent days of surveys via palm pilot (six surveys/day). Results: Controlling for sex, neuroticism, and social support, greater EAC was associated with more positive cognitive appraisals, personal resources, and positive affect and less-negative affect during the lab stressor, and with more perceived control and positive affect in daily life. Significant EAC × sex interactions were found for poststressor affect: men with high EAC reported more positive affect and women with high EAC reported less negative affect. Conclusions: Findings provide support that EAC's utility may be independent of intra- and interindividual characteristics, and that men and women may benefit from EAC in different ways in regards to affect. The proclivity to use EAC may come with a resiliency that protects against stress and promotes general well-being.