Research Questions and Hypotheses
Researchers have studied how psychological factors may help individuals and couples cope with stressful life events. This study examined whether individual and couple psychological resources are related to better adaptation to a major life crisis. It also assessed whether certain types of coping strategies mediate this relationship. The research hypothesized that higher levels of individual wellbeing, positive affect, emotional regulation skills, social support, optimism, and self-esteem would be associated with greater resilience in response to crises.
It predicted that adaptive coping styles like acceptance, problem solving, and seeking social support would enhance the buffering effect of these psychological factors.
Study Design and Sample
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1029 heterosexual couples who had experienced a recent crisis, such as the death of a loved one, job loss, or serious illness. Participants completed questionnaires assessing their level of depressive symptoms, anxiety, wellbeing, positive affect, negative affect, emotional reactivity, emotional regulation, self-esteem, optimism, social support, and coping style. Data were analyzed using regression and mediation models.
Results
Results showed that higher levels of wellbeing, positive affect, and self-esteem were significantly associated with better adaptation to a crisis, even after controlling for demographic variables. Emotional regulation and social support did not predict resilience directly but mediated the relationship between psychological resources and outcomes. Acceptance, problem-solving, and seeking social support specifically were more effective at enhancing resilience than other coping strategies. Interestingly, participants' responses varied by gender; women tended to use more adaptive coping strategies while men used less.
This study highlights the importance of individual and couple psychological resources in helping individuals cope with life crises.
How do psychological resources buffer couples against crises?
The ability of psychological resources to buffer couples against crises is heavily dependent on their individual differences, communication patterns, and problem-solving strategies. Psychological resources refer to factors such as resilience, coping mechanisms, empathy, social support, intimacy, and self-esteem that enable individuals to navigate challenges effectively.