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. 2019 Mar;63(1-2):110-121.
doi: 10.1002/ajcp.12279. Epub 2018 Oct 8.

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

Anne Arewasikporn  1 , John A Sturgeon  1 , Alex J Zautra  1
Affiliations

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

Anne Arewasikporn et al. Am J Community Psychol. 2019 Mar.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Positive emotion; Resilience; Social behavior.

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Figures

Figure 1a.
Figure 1a.
Within-person mediation model depicting shared enjoyment and positive affect as intervening variables partially accounting for the association between positive interpersonal events and resilient cognitions. *p < .05, **p < .01, ***p < .001
Figure 1b.
Figure 1b.
Between-person mediation model depicting shared enjoyment and positive affect as intervening variables partially accounting for the association between positive interpersonal events and resilient cognitions. †p < .10, *p < .05, **p < .01, ***p < .001
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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