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

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Abstract

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.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Emma Howarth, Emma Lowery, Ilana Nathan, Michelle Nguyen, and Pirathat Techakesari for their assistance with data collection.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia

    Stacey L. Parker, Alexandra J. Walsh & Jennifer L. Loakes

  2. School of Management, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia

    Nerina L. Jimmieson

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  1. Stacey L. Parker
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  2. Nerina L. Jimmieson
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  3. Alexandra J. Walsh
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  4. Jennifer L. Loakes
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Correspondence to Stacey L. Parker.

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Parker, S.L., Jimmieson, N.L., Walsh, A.J. et al. Trait Resilience Fosters Adaptive Coping When Control Opportunities are High: Implications for the Motivating Potential of Active Work. J Bus Psychol 30, 583–604 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10869-014-9383-4

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