Conceptual analysis and measurement of the construct of ego-resiliency.

Abstract

This investigation explored the meaning, measurement, and validity of the ego-resiliency construct (ER, J.H. Block & J Block) in 3 samples. Study 1 explored the internal structure of ER in observer and self-report data, and the development of a self-report measure is described. Study 2 tested convergent and discriminant relations of ER with personality attributes. Study 3 investigated implications of ER for adjustment and effective functioning in adulthood. Components of ER obtained through exploratory factor analyses--confident optimism, productive and autonomous activity, interpersonal warmth and insight, and skilled expressiveness--formed a unitary construct and mirrored the relations found between ER and other trait domains. Across samples, there were strong relations between ER and effective functioning in diverse areas of life. ER is discussed in relation to generally accepted criteria of adjustment and effective functioning.

Social workers, resilience, positive emotions and optimism

“…Behavioural implications include resourcefulness, flexibility, active engagement and a repertoire of appropriate problem solving strategies. Thus emotional resilience 'has clear implications for individuals' adaptive capacities under conditions of environmental stress, conflict or uncertainty' (Klohen 1996(Klohen , 1068. While much attention has been given to resilience within the context of coping with extreme adversity, emotional resilience can also be expected to play a part in the daily lives of most people, including social workers, when they deal with the demands of their work.…”

“…Researchers on 'stress resistant' children, 'use resilience as a descriptive label that they apply to individuals who appear to function surprisingly well under environmental conditions judged to be adverse and stressful' (Klohen 1996(Klohen , 1068. Earlier work tended to focus on understanding the major protective factors that positively influenced resilience, while attempts have been made also to understand protective processes underlying resilience (Rutter 1987).…”

“…The concept of emotional resilience has been described as 'the general capacity for flexible and resourceful adaptation to external and internal stressors' (Klohen 1996(Klohen , 1067. Personality attributes consistently found to be associated with stress resistance include reflectiveness and positive responses when confronted with new and ongoing situations.…”

Resiliency and subjective health assessment. Moderating role of selected psychosocial variables

“…According to Klohnen (1996), resilient individuals who experience difficulties could concentrate more on the most important aspects of the situation. They see stressful events as a challenge and failures are perceived as a natural element of life (Semmer, 2006).…”

“…It is a disposition towards being able to interpret oneself, one's social surroundings and future in a way that ensures individual adequate functioning in various areas of life including work, interpersonal relations as well as physical and mental health (Charney, 2004;Klohnen, 1996;Mak, Ng, & Wong, 2011;Wells, 2009). …”