Finding meaning in unfair experiences: Using expressive writing to foster resilience and positive outcomes

被引:14
作者
Saldanha, Maria Francisca [1 ]
Barclay, Laurie J. [2 ]
机构
[1] Univ Catolica Portuguesa, Catolica Lisbon Sch Business & Econ, P-1649023 Lisbon, Portugal
[2] Wilfrid Laurier Univ, Lazaridis Sch Business & Econ, Waterloo, ON, Canada
关键词
expressive writing; fairness; meaning‐ finding; positive outcomes; resilience; well‐ being; ORGANIZATIONAL JUSTICE; RESOURCES; INJUSTICE; CONSERVATION; SATISFACTION; CONTEXT; INTERVENTION; FORGIVENESS; EMPLOYEES; SUPPORT;
D O I
10.1111/aphw.12277
中图分类号
B849 [应用心理学];
学科分类号
040203 ;
摘要
Decades of research have demonstrated that experiencing workplace unfairness can result in profound negative consequences for employees. Integrating conservation of resources theory with meaning-finding perspectives, we argue that engaging in meaning-finding in the aftermath of unfairness can foster state resilience and promote positive outcomes. To promote meaning-finding, we develop and test a new expressive writing intervention (i.e. a guided writing technique that facilitates the processing of negative experiences). Results indicate that the meaning-finding expressive writing intervention is associated with higher resilience than traditional expressive writing. Moreover, resilience mediates the relationship between meaning-finding (vs. traditional) expressive writing and willingness to reconcile, positive relationships with others, and life satisfaction. Theoretically, our findings highlight that engaging in meaning-finding can transform aversive experiences into opportunities to foster resilience and positive outcomes. Practically, meaning-finding expressive writing provides an effective, simple, and cost-effective tool that can be used by employees and counseling programs to promote recovery.
引用
收藏
页码:887 / 905
页数:19
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