Psychological Resilience: The Influence of Positive and Negative Life Events Upon Optimism, Hope, and Perceived Locus of Control

Psychological Resilience: The Influence of Positive and Negative Life Events Upon Optimism, Hope, and Perceived Locus of Control by Michael Philip Hand Ph.D., New Mexico State University M.A., University of Texas at El Paso B.A., University of Texas at El Paso Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Psychology Walden University August 2003 Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. Abstract The purpose of this study was to clarify the optimal levels of optimism, perceived locusThe purpose of this study was to clarify the optimal levels of optimism, perceived locus of control, hope, and degree of adversity experienced in life, in the development and maintenance of psychological resilience. A sample of 328 male and female students from Walden University and Washington State University completed either online or paper versions of a questionnaire consisting of the Life Orientation Test-Revised, InternalExternal Locus o f Control Scale, HOPE Scale, and the Life Experiences Scale. A series of bivariate correlation and multiple regression analyses tested the relationships between and among the five variables. As predicted, the bivariate analyses produced significant correlations between each of the variables. Contrary to predictions, negative life experience, rather than positive life experience, was predictive of stronger correlations between optimism and hope, optimism and control, and hope and control. The correlation between hope and control varied under differing levels of positive and negative life experience such that both high negative and high positive life experience resulted in the lowest correlation, and intermediate levels (low negative and low positive) resulted in the highest correlation. Hope itself was found not to be significantly correlated with either positive or negative life experience. Stepwise multiple regression analyses explored the relative influence of positive and negative life experience, age, gender and number of life experiences on optimism, hope and perceived locus of control. The analyses revealed unexpectedly strong loadings of age and gender in the predictions of both control and optimism. Suggested implications of the research included clinical approaches to trauma recovery, educational and parental methods to foster development of resilience in children, and military training to proactively prepare for the rigors of combat. Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS “Knowledge is in the end based on acknowledgement.” Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889-1951) I have always loved words; they intrigue and inspire me. And yet I now find my command of them inadequate for expressing my appreciation to all who have guided and sustained me through this adventure. Nevertheless, I shall try. I wish to express my deep appreciation and admiration for my chairman, Dr. Augustine Baron, who has been my advisor and mentor through this journey. I am also indebted beyond measure to the knowledge, support and encouragement generously provided by my other dissertation committee members, Dr. Robert Elunter, Dr. James Carroll, and the faculty representative, Dr. Abbie Brown. This research would not have been possible without the permission and generous support provided by both Walden University and Washington State University, as well as the participants who graciously volunteered their time. In addition, I wish to acknowledge Dr. Mary Boynton whose boundless knowledge, advice and patience helped me wend my way through the labyrinth of statistical analyses. Finally, without the selfless support, encouragement and love provided me by my wife, Sandy, my daughter, Camaryn, and my son, Christopher, I could not possibly have accomplished this goal. They make all things possible, are the source of my strength, and the guiding stars for my journey forward.