Sharing Positive Experiences Boosts Resilient Thinking: Everyday Benefits of Social Connection and Positive Emotion in a Community Sample

The influence of shared enjoyment and positive affect (PA) on resilient thinking was examined in 191 middle‐aged adults (40–65 years), participating in a study of resilience. Participants completed diaries assessing positive events, shared enjoyment, PA, and resilient cognitions (RC). Multilevel str...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of community psychology 2019-03, Vol.63 (1-2), p.110-121
Main Authors: Arewasikporn, Anne, Sturgeon, John A., Zautra, Alex J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptation, Psychological
Adult
Aged
Anxiety - prevention & control
Anxiety - psychology
Arizona
Depression - prevention & control
Depression - psychology
Emotions
Female
Humans
Interpersonal Relations
Male
Middle Aged
Positive emotion
Random Allocation
Resilience
Resilience, Psychological
Social behavior
Social Support
Structural equation modeling
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Summary:The influence of shared enjoyment and positive affect (PA) on resilient thinking was examined in 191 middle‐aged adults (40–65 years), participating in a study of resilience. Participants completed diaries assessing positive events, shared enjoyment, PA, and resilient cognitions (RC). Multilevel structural equation modeling was utilized to examine when and who engages in RC. Participants reported more RC on days they experienced more positive experiences. This relationship was explained by shared enjoyment and PA. Level‐1 proportional reduction of variance (PRV) for shared enjoyment, PA, and RC was 9%, 10%, and 35%, respectively. Individuals reporting more positive experiences trended toward a more resilient mindset; PA accounted for this relationship. Shared enjoyment mediated the relationship between interpersonal events and PA. These findings suggest PA is integral to having a resilient mindset, and shared enjoyment is a potential mechanism that may influence PA. Level‐2 PRV for shared enjoyment, PA, and RC was 22%, 21%, and 55%, respectively. RC were associated with less depression and anxiety; and greater well‐being, vitality, and physical functioning at follow‐up. Highlights Positive mood and shared joy explain the relationship between positive events and a resilient mindset. A resilient mindset is associated with better psychosocial health, physical function, and resilience. Shared positive experiences promote psychosocial health and resilience in midlife.
ISSN:0091-0562
1573-2770
DOI:10.1002/ajcp.12279