This study explores the effects of stress, trauma, coping and growth orientation on subjective well-being. Based on cognitive stress theory, it was hypothesized that adversity may contribute to increased or decreased well-being, depending on the subsequent meaning these experiences are given. Survey data from Norwegian UN/NATO veterans (N = 142) showed that stress and well-being were negatively associated (r = -0.20, p < 0.05) at the level of zero-order correlations. However, a full structural equation model revealed that the effect of stress on well-being was mediated positively through a problem-focused coping process combined with a growth component. Stress was negatively mediated through an avoidant-focused coping process and a distress component. The effect from stress was fully mediated in the model. The hypothesis that stress can produce both increased and decreased subjective well-being was confirmed. © 2006 The Scandinavian Psychological Associations.
CITATION STYLE
Karlsen, E., Dybdahl, R., & Vittersø, J. (2006). The possible benefits of difficulty: How stress can increase and decrease subjective well-being. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 47(5), 411–417. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9450.2006.00549.x
Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.