Ordinary Magic: Resilience Processes in Development

The now recognized core construct of psychological capital, or simply PsyCap, draws from positive psychology in general and positive organizational behavior (POB) in particular. The first-order positive psychological resources that make up PsyCap include hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism, or the HERO within. These four best meet the inclusion criteria of being theory- and research-based, positive, validly measurable, state-like, and having impact on attitudes, behaviors, performance and well-being. The article first provides the background and precise meaning of PsyCap and then comprehensively reviews its measures, theoretical mechanisms, antecedents and outcomes, levels of analysis, current status and needed research, and finally application. Particular emphasis is given to practical implications, which focuses on PsyCap development, positive leadership, and novel applications such as the use of video games and gamification techniques. The overriding theme throughout is that PsyCap has both scient...

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Psychological capital: An evidence-based positive approach.

In today’s highly competitive and extremely complex global economy, organizational leaders at all levels are facing unprecedented challenges. Yet, some seem to be handling the pressure better than others. Utilizing 4 samples of CEOs/presidents/top (n 205), middle (n 183), and junior (n 202) managers, as well as 107 entrepreneurs, using Structural Equation Modeling we tested the direct effect that their level of mindfulness (heightened awareness) and the mediating effect of their psychological capital (i.e., hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism) may have on their mental well-being. In all 4 samples, mindfulness was found to be negatively related to various dysfunctional outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and negative affect of the managerial leaders and burnout (i.e., emotional exhaustion and cynicism) of the entrepreneurs. For all 4 samples, the model with psychological capital mediating the effects of mindfulness on dysfunctional outcomes fit the data best. The study limitations, future research and practical implications of these findings conclude the article.

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The Role of Mindfulness and Psychological Capital on the Well-Being of Leaders

Although important and of undeniable significance, decades of extensive research on mental illness and dysfunctional behavior in psychology, sociology and other foundational behavioral science disciplines have generally ignored or failed to contribute to the better understanding of the role that human strengths, flourishing and optimal functioning have for overall well-being. Similarly, the study of work stress, burnout, conflict, dysfunctional attitudes, counterproductive behaviors and other negative constructs that have preoccupied organizational behavior and human resources management scholars and practitioners have also not necessarily shed additional light on the characteristics of exceptional performers or the dynamic processes that facilitate excellence in the workplace. This realization motivated positive psychologists and positive organizational behavior (POB) scholars to launch new and exciting streams of research that focus on positivity in its own right, rather than simply extrapolating existing mainstream research. This essay focuses on one of these streams of research, namely psychological capital or simply PsyCap. We use this stream of research as an example and illustration of positive research in terms of rigor and relevance. We present conceptual frameworks in which positivity, particularly PsyCap, can promote well-being, both at and beyond the workplace.

Psychological Capital and Well-being.

Summary
Workplace resilience is a necessity for organizations and employees given it assists them in overcoming adversity and ultimately succeeding. However, organizational scholars have largely overlooked this construct. In this Incubator, we briefly summarize extant research on workplace resilience to highlight opportunities for theory building and advancement of empirical research. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Not if, but when we need resilience in the workplace

Psychological Capital and Beyond

This study investigates the relationship between academic engagement, psychological capital (PsyCap) resources (efficacy, hope, optimism, resilience) and academic performance. Data were collected i...

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Antecedents of academic performance of university students: academic engagement and psychological capital resources

https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1133&context=managementfacpub

Carolyn M. Youssef-Morgan

Papers

Psychological capital: An evidence-based positive approach.

Psychological Capital and Beyond

Psychological Capital and Well-being.

Antecedents of academic performance of university students: academic engagement and psychological capital resources

Positive leadership: Meaning and application across cultures