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Sharing Positive Experiences Boosts Resilient Thinking: Everyday Benefits of Social Connection and Positive Emotion in a Community Sample
Author(s) -
Arewasikporn Anne,
Sturgeon John A.,
Zautra Alex J.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
american journal of community psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.113
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1573-2770
pISSN - 0091-0562
DOI - 10.1002/ajcp.12279
Subject(s) - psychology , structural equation modeling , mindset , health psychology , psychological resilience , interpersonal relationship , multilevel model , well being , developmental psychology , positive psychology , social psychology , clinical psychology , public health , psychotherapist , medicine , philosophy , statistics , mathematics , nursing , epistemology , machine learning , computer science
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.