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    A-HERO: Integrating Authenticity into the Psychological Capital Model
    (Springer Nature, 2024-08-01) Sutton A; Roemer A
    Authenticity was proposed as a potential addition to the Psychological Capital construct several years ago, but the PsyCap model has not yet been expanded. We review the theoretical and empirical support for the inclusion of authenticity and test this proposal in two studies. Study 1 examines the structural model of A-HERO (Authenticity, Hope, Efficacy, Resilience, Optimism) as an extended representation of the PsyCap construct. Study 2 tests the extent to which A-HERO may explain well-being. CFA demonstrates that the addition of authenticity provides slight improvement in overall PsyCap model fit. Hierarchical regression shows that the addition of authenticity to the PsyCap model improves the explanation of well-being, with beta values of comparable size to optimism and greater than efficacy. We therefore recommend that authenticity be included in PsyCap to provide a more holistic understanding of personal resources and to enable the further identification of interactions and potential synergies amongst A-HERO components.
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    Life orientation and life satisfaction : an exploration of a homeostatic model of subjective wellbeing : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University
    (Massey University, 2005) Findlay, Rachel Helen
    The main purpose of the current study was to explore the relationship between life orientation (optimism-pessimism) and life satisfaction. Cummins' (e.g. 1998) homeostatic model of subjective wellbeing was used as the basis for this exploration. The model was proposed to account for the fact that population life satisfaction within Western countries is repeatedly found to fall within the range 75 ± 2.5 percent of the scale maximum score (%SMS). The theory proposes that optimism is involved in the regulation and maintenance of subjective wellbeing. Two other variables, self-esteem and control, are thought to be involved in the regulatory system, however optimism was explored in light of the limited research into the connection between this variable and life satisfaction. According to the homeostatic theory, extreme adverse life events can disrupt the homeostatic system, causing a temporary decline in subjective wellbeing. The sample consisted of 200 adults from the general population of New Zealand. These were volunteers recruited within shopping centres in the Auckland area. Participants were administered a questionnaire consisting of two scales; the Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R) and the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI). The LOT-R is a measure of dispositional optimism-pessimism, and the PWI is a measure of life satisfaction. Additionally, the questionnaire consisted of a section designed to elicit basic demographic information, as well as details pertaining to recent experiences of significant life events. The most notable findings were as follows: After controlling for the effects of student and outlier data, the average level of life satisfaction for the current sample was 71.01 %SMS; life orientation accounted for 42 % of the variance in life satisfaction; and the experience of significant negative life events caused a decrease in mean life satisfaction. It is concluded that, overall, the findings provide support for the homeostatic model. Further research is needed to clarify the nature of the relationship between life orientation and life satisfaction. Suggestions for future research, and implications for mental health, are discussed.
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    Injured athletes : appraisal, coping, optimism, rehabilitation adherence, and rehabilitation engagement : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2015) Langdon, Steven James
    The relationship between optimism, appraisal of injuries, coping processes, engagement with the rehabilitation program, and injury rehabilitation adherence, in injured athletes has not been extensively examined. These factors have been examined extensively individually and some of the factors have been extensively investigated together, but these factors have not been examined in detail as a complete process (Albinson & Petrie, 2003; Chang, 2002; Gustafsson & Skoog, 2012; Walker, Thatcher, & Lavallee, 2007) A group of 23 injured athletes participated in this research. Data collection was undertaken across a period of 8 weeks, with questionnaires being administered online through links sent out via email. The questionnaires were examining demographics, optimism, cognitive appraisal, coping, rehabilitation adherence, and rehabilitation engagement. The optimism, cognitive appraisal, and coping questionnaires were completed prior to or as soon as possible after the athletes first treatment session. The rehabilitation adherence and rehabilitation engagement questionnaires were completed at the end of each week for a period of eight weeks after the initial questionnaires were completed. Psychometric evaluations found an acceptable level of internal consistency for the measures. Correlation analysis found relationships between rehabilitation adherence and rehabilitation engagement. The initial status and rate of change for rehabilitation adherence and engagement were examined. Suggesting that; injured athletes that are high in rehabilitation adherence at the beginning of their rehabilitation treatment become less adherent at a slower rate than injured athletes who are initially low in adherence, athletes who are initially high in rehabilitation engagement become less engaged at a slower rate than injured athletes who initially are low in rehabilitation engagement, and that injured athletes who are becoming less adherent will become less engaged at a faster rate as time passes from when the injured athlete suffered their injury. Limitations and implications for future research are discussed.
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    How do social support and optimism moderate the relationship between traumatic exposure and PTSD symptoms? : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2015) Wojcierowska, Barbara E
    The aim of this research was to look at how individuals within the Auckland region of New Zealand were affected by traumatic events in their lives. The current study’s aims included looking at the relationship between trauma exposure and PTSD symptoms within individuals that had experienced traumatic events in the Auckland region of New Zealand. The current project also aimed to investigate whether optimism and social support had a moderating effect on the PTSD symptoms of Auckland residents who had experienced trauma. A cross-sectional, self-report survey design was used to collect data. This design was selected due to the time constraints of the project and considerations of how data would be collected. The self-report questionnaire was the only method of data collection for our constructs of PTSD, traumatic events, optimism and social support. Participants voluntarily completed the questionnaire online. One hundred and fifty participants attempted the questionnaire. One hundred and eight participants provided complete data. Statistical analysis was conducted to establish the relationship between trauma exposure, within 12 months and lifetime, and PTSD symptom prevalence within a general Auckland, New Zealand population. In addition, moderation analyses were conducted on the relationship between PTSD symptoms and trauma exposure. Results established a statistically significant relationship between trauma exposure within the last 12 months and PTSD symptoms. No moderation effects were found for social support and optimism in the present study for a general Auckland, New Zealand population. This research contributes to existing general population research regarding trauma exposure and also looks at optimism and social support in general populations.
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    Psychological capital as a positive resource to assist with the organisational outcomes of work family conflict : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology, Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2012) Yardley, Katherine
    Psychological Capital (PsyCap) is a powerful positive personal resource with the ability to enhance an individual’s success within a working environment. In this study the effect PsyCap has on the organisational outcomes of Work Family Conflict (WFC) was investigated, using a sample of working parents within New Zealand. The Job Demands-Resources model was used to focus on job stress, burnout and engagement stemming from WFC, and the effect of PsyCap has on these, within individuals returning to work. It was hypothesised that PsyCap would have a positive relationship with engagement, and a negative relationship with job stress and burnout. Additionally it was hypothesised that PsyCap would act as a mediator and moderator variable in relationships between WFC and engagement, job stress and burnout. As PsyCap is malleable, and therefore open to development within individuals, it provides an opportunity for organisations to enhance the success of employees, in particular people reintegrating into the workforce after a period of time away. A self report questionnaire was used to measure PsyCap, WFC, Engagement, Job Stress and Burnout within 108 parents or caregivers within professional occupations who had returned to work over the past 12 months. Analyses looking for correlation, mediation and moderation showed that PsyCap had a positive relationship with engagement, and a negative relationship with burnout and job stress. PsyCap was demonstrated to partially mediate the relationship between WFC and burnout, and additionally with job stress. PsyCap was not shown to mediate the relationship between WFC and engagement. PsyCap was found to moderate the WFC and engagement relationship, showing individuals with higher levels of PsyCap possess higher levels of engagement, even with increased levels of WFC; however PsyCap was not a moderating variable in the WFC and job stress or burnout relationships. This indicates that PsyCap has an effect upon some of the organisational outcomes of WFC, and is worthy of further investigation to enhance the success, wellbeing and performance of employees returning to work after parental leave. This study emphasises the positive value of growing PsyCap in individuals returning to the workforce, and also those already within organisations.