Challenge and hindrance stressors: The mediating role of resource gain and resource loss in stressor appraisals

Abstract

The challenge-hindrance stress model has been the topic of significant empirical investigation, recently incorporating stressor appraisals within the framework. The incorporation of stressor appraisals has alleviated recent concerns surrounding the model, and expanded investigation into new areas such as how or when individuals may differ in their appraisals of challenge and hindrance stressors. The current study seeks to advance this line of thinking through examining the mechanisms underlying stressor appraisals, specifically the role of resource gain and resource loss in an individual’s stressor appraisals. Towards this endeavor, I conducted two studies, first a content validation study for an adapted measure, followed by a daily diary study for ten weekdays across two weeks. Participants for the daily diary study (Level-1 N = 105, Level-2 N = 772) were recruited from Prolific and completed two surveys per day investigating the relationship between stressors and stressor appraisals via resource loss and resource gain. Results revealed that resource loss and resource gain mediated three out of the four hypothesized mediated paths. My findings suggest the integration of the challenge-hindrance stress model with Conservation of Resources theory for further research in this area.