O papel da orientação positiva e das estratégias de coping no bem-estar na transição para a vida ativa

Abstract

Positivity or positive orientation can be defined as a tendency to view life in a positive perspective, integrating three related theoretic dimensions: optimism, self-esteem and life satisfaction. Although recent, this construct has been associated with higher levels of well-being, as well as with other positive dimensions of human functioning. The impact of coping strategies on psychological well-being also seems to be essential for successful adaptation.The transition to working life, a fundamental moment in the individual’s life, has not been studied under this perspective of positive functioning. Thus, the aim of this research is to understand the role of positive orientation and coping strategies in well-being, in the transition to working life. Participated in this study 115 newly graduated individuals, 67% females, ages range between 20 and 54 years old, with a mean of 25.22 years. Data were collected using an online inquiry with the following measures: Sociodemographic Questionnaire; Psychologic Well-being Scales (Ryff, 1989), Brief Cope (Carver & Scheier, 1989) and The Positivity Scale (Caprara et al., 2010). Main results showed that positive orientation is associated, and has a significant effect, on well-being levels, also being a significant predictor of psychological well-being, together with coping efficacy perception and job search duration. Additionally, results showed that age is not associated with positivity neither with psychological well-being. Data is discussed and highlighted future research guidelines for positive orientation, well-being and coping strategies in the transition to working life.

Date of Award	2018
Original language	Portuguese
Supervisor	Maria José Pereira Ferreira (Supervisor)