Trait Resilience Fosters Adaptive Coping When Control Opportunities are High: Implications for the Motivating Potential of Active Work

• Published in: Journal of business and psychology 2015-09, Vol.30 (3), p.583-604
• Main Authors: Parker, Stacey L., Jimmieson, Nerina L., Walsh, Alexandra J., Loakes, Jennifer L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptation; Behavioral Science and Psychology; Business and Management; Community and Environmental Psychology; Coping; Employees; Employment; Industrial and Organizational Psychology; Occupational stress; Personality and Social Psychology; Personality traits; Psychology; Social Sciences; Studies
• ISSN: 0889-3268; 1573-353X
• DOI: 10.1007/s10869-014-9383-4

Purpose We examine the interaction between trait resilience and control in predicting coping and performance. Drawing on a person–environment fit perspective, we hypothesized resilient individuals would cope and perform better in demanding work situations when control was high. In contrast, those low in resilience would cope and perform better when control was low. Recognizing the relationship between trait resilience and performance also could be indirect, adaptive coping was examined as a mediating mechanism through which high control enables resilient individuals to demonstrate better performance. Methodology In Study 1 (N = 78) and Study 2 (N = 94), participants completed a demanding inbox task in which trait resilience was measured and high and low control was manipulated. Study 3 involved surveying 368 employees on their trait resilience, control, and demand at work (at Time 1), and coping and performance 1 month later at Time 2. Findings For more resilient individuals, high control facilitated problem-focused coping (Study 1, 2, and 3), which was indirectly associated with higher subjective performance (Study 1), mastery (Study 2), adaptive, and proficient performance (Study 3). For more resilient individuals, high control also facilitated positive reappraisal (Study 2 and 3), which was indirectly associated with higher adaptive and proficient performance (Study 3). Implications Individuals higher in resilience benefit from high control because it enables adaptive coping. Originality/value This research makes two contributions: (1) an experimental investigation into the interaction of trait resilience and control, and (2) investigation of coping as the mechanism explaining better performance.