The influence of socio-cognitive mindfulness and resilience on middle managers' stress and thriving during COVID-19: results from two studies

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the influence of socio-cognitive mindfulness on resilience, stress and thriving among middle managers in higher education at two separate periods during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Study 1, the authors examined how socio-cognitive mindfulness predicted perceived stress and whether the relationship between mindfulness and perceived stress was mediated by resilience. In Study 2, the authors replicated the first study and further hypothesized that the link between mindfulness and thriving was also mediated by resilience.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted cross-sectional correlational studies to test the hypotheses using data from 163 middle managers in higher education early in the pandemic in Study 1 and 204 middle managers a year later in Study 2.FindingsStudy 1 findings showed socio-cognitive mindfulness predicted perceived stress, and that resilience fully mediated this relationship. In Study 2, socio-cognitive mindfulness did not predict perceived stress, but it did predict thriving, and that relationship was fully mediated by resilience.Originality/valueThis research is the first to address how socio-cognitive mindfulness directly impacts perceived stress and thriving and its impact through building resilience. To date, few studies have focused on stress in higher education middle managers or addressed the importance of building socio-cognitive mindfulness and resilience to thrive amid ongoing challenges. Implications of the pandemic's influence on the results are also addressed.

Socio-cognitive mindfulness is a well-being booster: a serial mediation model to test the mindfulness reappraisal hypothesis with managers

“…The findings of this study are also consistent with the empirical demonstrations that have shown the positive relationship between mindfulness and hedonic and eudaimonic well-being (e.g. Slaymaker et al, 2023). The MMT (Garland et al, 2014) developed a background to demonstrate how mindfulness could improve well-being.…”

“…Mindfulness practices enhance well-being through several key mechanisms. Sociocognitive mindfulness has been shown to improve both forms of well-being as it creates flexibility (Slaymaker et al, 2023) and helps individuals regulate their attention and emotions through reappraisal techniques (Turcotte et al, 2022). Furthermore, mindfulness may enhance individuals' well-being as it improves their consciousness towards daily microevents (daily hassles and daily uplifts) which makes them adjust their affective and behavioral reactions to the situations at hand (Junça- ; in other words, more mindful individuals can easily cope with daily hassles and appear to get the greatest benefit of daily uplifts as they can savor them in the moment of its occurrence (Junça Silva, 2022).…”

Thriving in private family firms as a non-family employee: an empirical study

“…WT induces a sense of vitality that brings a feeling of aliveness at work that translates to a sense of attachment to the workplace and a desire for more learning and acquisition of greater skills needed to perform at work (Usman et al, 2023). Furthermore, Slaymaker et al (2023) reported that managers that reported high levels of WT were the most resilient individuals in terms of coping with stressful events. Empirical evidence also indicates that WT influences positive organizational outcomes such as organizational citizenship behavior, innovative work behavior, work engagement, job satisfaction, lower absenteeism and low turnover intentions (Abid and Contreras, 2022).…”

“…, 2023). Furthermore, Slaymaker et al. (2023) reported that managers that reported high levels of WT were the most resilient individuals in terms of coping with stressful events.…”

Manager stress and thriving during a major crisis

“…To explore this possibility, Slaymaker et al . (2023) conduct two similar studies one year apart during the pandemic.…”