Can resilience training improve well-being for people in high-risk occupations? A systematic review through a multidimensional lens. Issue 5 (3rd September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brassington, Kate; Lomas, Tim
• Is Part Of: Journal of positive psychology. Volume 16:Issue 5(2021)
• Page Start: 573
• Page End: 592
• Publication Date: 2021-09-03
• Subjects: Resilience -- resilience training -- high-risk occupation -- multidimensional -- well-being -- trauma; Positive psychology -- Periodicals; Quality of life -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Happiness -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; 158
• DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2020.1752783
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-9760

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background : Psychological resilience may be central to Positive Psychology as one way to face the dark side of life. But is resilience training universally effective? This paper initiates a systematic review of primary research on resilience training in high-risk occupations. Methods : Examined resilience training outcomes and conducted analysis from a multidimensional perspective. Results : Thirty-three papers totalling 10, 741 participants, 12 occupations, and eight countries. Although 81% (n = 118) of Principal Outcomes reaching statistical significance showed improved well-being, resilience training was less effective in populations with prior trauma exposure or already experiencing the negative sequelae of trauma. Conclusion : Given the moral imperative to adequately prepare people in high-risk occupations for exposure to adverse stressors, further research is recommended into improving the effectiveness of resilience training for those already with primary or vicarious trauma exposure; and whether such training should also be offered to close family and co-workers of people in high-risk occupations.