Proactive Coping, Positive Affect, and Well-Being

Traditionally, psychological research has focused on negative states, their determinants, and consequences. Theoretical conceptions of coping focus on strategies used to diminish distress. This approach is derived from the perspective that coping is mainly reactive, a strategy used once stress has been experienced. In contrast, proactive coping involves goal setting, having efficacious beliefs, and is associated with resources for self-improvement, including social support. In the present research, a theoretical model was developed in which coping and social support were seen in a synergistic relationship and were associated with a positive state that, in turn, was expected to relate to better psychological functioning. The general theoretical model was tested in three different samples: First year university students coping with depression (n = 68), rehabilitation patients mastering independent functioning following major surgery (n = 151), and employee absenteeism (n = 313). Results of path analyses showed that proactive coping was a partial mediator of social support on positive affect and that positive affect was associated with better psychological functioning. In students only, positive affect mediated the relationship between proactive coping and depression. This research represents a contribution within the field of positive psychology by empirically demonstrating how positive constructs contribute to improved psychological functioning. Theoretical and applied implications of the results are discussed.