Factors identified in investigations of trait structure (e.g., the Big Five) are sometimes understood as explanations or sources of the covariation of distinct behavioral traits, as when extraversion is suggested to underlie the covariation of assertiveness and sociability. Here, we detail how trait covariation can alternatively be understood as arising from units common to functionalist and process frameworks, such as self-efficacies, expectancies, values, and goals. Specifically, the expected covariation between 2 behavioral traits should be increased when a specific process variable tends to indicate the functionality of both traits simultaneously. In 2 empirical illustrations, we identify a wide array of specific process variables associated with several Big Five-related behavioral traits simultaneously, and which are thus likely sources of their covariation. Many of these, such as positive interpersonal expectancies, self-regulatory skills, and preference for order, relate similarly to a broad range of trait perceptions in both studies, and across both self- and peer-reports. We also illustrate how this understanding of trait covariation provides a somewhat novel explanation of why some traits are uncorrelated. As we discuss, a functionalist understanding of trait covariation as arising through functionalist or process variables has implications for many basic issues in personality psychology, such as how personality traits should be measured, mechanisms for personality stability and change, and the nature of personality traits more generally.

Objective There is a growing body of literature examining benefit finding, or finding positive outcomes in the face of adversity, among both adults and children with chronic conditions, and to some degree among caregivers. This study examined demographic, medical, and psychosocial predictors of greater benefit finding specifically among caregivers of childhood cancer survivors. Methods Caregivers of children who had completed treatment for cancer (n=83) completed measures assessing child and caregiver demographic information and caregiver coping (active, acceptance, emotion-focused, and avoidant), optimism, social support, caregiving burden, post-traumatic stress symptoms, illness impact (how much caregivers feel impacted by their child's illness in various domains), and benefit finding (positive outcomes). Results Regression analyses indicated that positive spiritual coping, optimism, and illness impact uniquely predicted overall benefit finding for caregivers of childhood cancer survivors. Conclusions Results point to adaptive tendencies that are associated with finding benefits when caring for a childhood cancer survivor and suggest potential avenues for intervention among this population.

Background Benefit finding, or finding positive outcomes in the face of adversity, may play a role in predicting quality of life (QoL) among caregivers, but mixed results suggest that other factors may moderate this relationship. Objective This study examined demographic and psychosocial moderators of the association between benefit finding and QoL among caregivers of childhood cancer survivors. Methods Caregivers of childhood cancer survivors (n=83) completed measures of benefit finding, QoL, coping, optimism, social support, caregiving demand, posttraumatic stress, and demographics. Results The relationship between benefit finding and QoL was moderated by caregiver age, marital status, socioeconomic status, geographic location, acceptance and emotion-focused coping, optimism, caregiving demand, and posttraumatic stress. Benefit finding was more strongly related to QoL among caregivers with fewer demographic/psychosocial resources. Conclusions Results suggest that finding benefits in the cancer experience may have a greater positive impact for caregivers with relatively fewer demographic and psychosocial resources, and may have less of an impact for caregivers with relatively greater resources. Findings further point to the complex nature of QoL among caregivers of childhood cancer survivors. Implications for Practice Results may aid clinicians in identifying caregivers at particular risk for low QoL. They may be counseled to find benefits in their experience or provided with resources to strengthen other factors that impact QoL.