Michael P. Hand Ph.d.

Psychological Resilience: the Influence of Positive and Negative Life Events Upon Optimism, Hope, and Perceived Locus of Control Michael P. Hand Ph.d.

The research explores the optimal levels of optimism, perceived locus of control, hope, and degree of adversity experienced in life with regard to the development and maintenance of psychological resilience. The relationships between and among these psychological and life dynamics are complex, with optimism, hope, and control interacting differently under various levels of exposure to negative and positive life events. As example, it seems that moderate amounts of life adversity actually provide a positive influence on the development of resilience. Further, it appears that positive life experience has relatively little influence upon perception of control. While much remains to be determined regarding the interplay among these variables, the results suggest potential for educational, military, parenting, and clinical psychology applications.