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Topic

Sensitization versus Steeling Following Adversity: The Role of Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction and Frustration

Department of Psychology

Date & location

• Monday, July 28, 2025
• 10:00 A.M.
• Cornett Building, Room A228

Examining Committee

Supervisory Committee

• Dr. Frederick Grouzet, Department of Psychology, ßÉßɱ¬ÁÏ (Supervisor)
• Dr. Jonathan Rush, Department of Psychology, UVic (Member)

External Examiner

• Dr. Breanna Lawrence, Department of Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies, UVic

Chair of Oral Examination

• Dr. Bruce Ravelli, Department of Sociology, UVic

Abstract

The impact of adversity can look different for everyone. However, understanding why some individuals succumb to and others resist the negative effects of adversity remains unclear. The current research uses self-determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2017) to examine how basic psychological need satisfaction (relative to need frustration) during a previous adversity (RNSdpa) predicts resilience later in life. We used data from undergraduate students (n = 728) who completed a survey examining RNSdpa and trait resilience, as well as two subsamples (n = 21; n = 48) who completed a 3-week daily diary assessing reactions to daily stressors (situational resilience). Results from regression analyses highlight a significant and positive association between RNSdpa and trait resilience. Multilevel modeling was then used to estimate the within-person association between daily stressors and perceived daily stress (i.e., situational resilience) and the between-person cross-level interaction of RNSdpa. RNSdpa did not moderate the relationship between daily stressors and perceived daily stress but was negatively associated with perceived daily stress above and beyond daily stressors. These findings illustrate the importance of having a need supportive environment through adverse experiences as well as the implications regarding the conceptualization of resilience as a daily process.