| This qualitative study explored how midcareer adults cope with involuntary job loss through their identified coping preference of positive reappraisal. The research combines quantitative and qualitative approaches. It applies a behavioral assessment instrument to identify participants' preferred coping processes, then employs qualitative interviews to deepen and enrich the data gathered. Participants came from corporate settings. They were midcareer adults, between the ages of 35 and 55 years. This research built on prior research by Lazarus and Folkman that identified a coping process called positive reappraisal. This study expands the prior definition of positive reappraisal and applies the new findings to create a new definition and model of the concept. This study supports the author's original definition. Additionally, data analysis revealed the following themes and sub--themes beyond the author's original definition: A Look Inward: Grateful in the Face of Adversity; Personal Growth: A Deepening of Awareness; The Balancing Act: Thoughts and Emotions; Mind Over Matter: Expressing, yet Controlling Feelings; The Pursuit of Happiness: Moving On; Be Who You Are: A New Return to Work Orientation; and Religious Dimension: Turning to a Higher Power. Ultimately each participant's story revealed aspects of an inward journey resulting in a recommitment to work that expressed a new, intended, job-loss outcome described as self-reflection. This process of self-reflection resulted in a personal reevaluation and a desire for re-alignment between self and one's future career aspirations. Mergers, acquisitions, buyouts, and financial collapse, the severe downturn in the housing market and the banking crisis of 2010, along with a host of other influences persisted in corporate America in 2008-2010. These events will likely continue to impact employment for years to come, resulting in job loss continuing to be a problem for employees. This study has implications that can potentially inform career transition professionals, as well as those impacted by job loss, to mitigate the duration and intensity of joblessness and enhance the effectiveness of coaching individuals who are navigating this transition.;Key Words: coping, job loss, involuntary job loss, positive reappraisal... |
