Work

Resilience and distress among young adults with chronic health conditions: A longitudinal study

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To test the beneficial associations of a resilient personality prototype among emerging adults with chronic health conditions (CHC) over an 8-year period. DESIGN: Longitudinal, prospective observation study. METHODS: Data obtained from emerging adults in the Add Health project with a CHC and completed study measures at two time points (286 men, 459 women) were examined. Cluster analysis was used to identify a resilient personality prototype at the first time point, as defined in the Block model of personality. Differences between those with a resilient and non-resilient prototype were examined. A structural equation model (SEM) tested the association of a resilience prototype with positive affect, perceived control and family relationships in predicting distress over time. RESULTS: A resilient personality profile was identified (n = 256). These individuals reported higher positive affect, greater perceived control and less distress at both measurement occasions than those without this profile (n = 489). Women reported more distress than men. SEM revealed the relationship of a resilient prototype to distress was explained by its beneficial association with positive affect and perceived control at the first assessment, and through its beneficial association with perceived control 8 years later. Gender independently predicted distress. CONCLUSIONS: A resilient personality prototype appears to operate through its beneficial association with perceived control to prospectively predict distress reported by emerging adults with CHC. The self-regulatory properties theoretically associated with a resilient personality prototype may function through perceptions of control which, in turn, prevent prolonged experiences of distress. Clinical implications are considered.

Source: British Journal of Health Psychology

DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12667

Authors: Erika Wright, Timothy R. Elliott, Oi‐Man Kwok, Qiyue Zhang, Mikaela Spooner

Institution: Texas A&M University

Language: English

Topic: Resilience and Mental Health

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,120