Constructing Optimism as Anticipatory Resilience: Enacting Resilience Processes Over Time Following Pandemic-Related Job Loss Predicts Optimism of Lessons Learned

Authors

  • Steven R. Wilson University of South Florida
  • Dennis P. DeBeck University of South Florida
  • Timothy Betts Texas Christian University
  • Kai Kuang Tsinghua University
  • Elizabeth A. Hintz University of Connecticut
  • Tess Whipple University of South Florida
  • Patrice M. Buzzanell University of South Florida
  • Josie K. Boumis University of South Florida

Keywords:

communication theory of resilience, anticipatory resilience, optimism, lessons learned, job loss

Abstract

The communication theory of resilience (CTR) conceptualizes resilience as both reactive (i.e., processes enacted in response to current disruption) and anticipatory (i.e., mindsets and resources cultivated proactively over time). To test CTR’s assumption that enacting resilience processes helps cultivate anticipatory resilience, U.S. adults who involuntarily lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic were surveyed about their engagement in resilience processes in spring 2021 (wave 1), as well as two and four months later (waves 2 and 3). In the third wave, participants reported lessons they learned from experiencing job loss during a pandemic, and responses were rated for the degree to which their lessons expressed optimism. Self-reported enactment of CTR processes 2 and 4 months earlier predicted optimism in lessons learned at the final survey after controlling for social and material well-being. Findings extend CTR and have implications for supporting individuals and families experiencing disruption.

Author Biographies

Steven R. Wilson, University of South Florida

Professor, Department of Communication, 765-414-0094

Dennis P. DeBeck, University of South Florida

Ph.D. Student, Department of Communication, 920-615-2213

Timothy Betts, Texas Christian University

Assistant Professor, Department of Communication Studies

Kai Kuang, Tsinghua University

Associate Professor, School of Journalism & Communication

Elizabeth A. Hintz, University of Connecticut

Assistant Professor, Department of Communication

Tess Whipple, University of South Florida

B.A. graduate, Department of Communication

Patrice M. Buzzanell, University of South Florida

Distinguished Professor, Department of Communication, 765-414-0353

Josie K. Boumis, University of South Florida

Ph.D. student, Department of Communication

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Published

2024-10-14

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Section

Articles