The Communication Model of Transition Resilience (CMTR): Factors That Predict Resilience During Transition Periods

• In Event: Managing Conflict and Negative Events

Abstract

This longitudinal study proposes and tests a communication model of transition resilience (CMTR) to predict resilience during life transitions. A sample of 436 first-year college students reported their communication environment growing up, perceived friend and family support, communication confidence, and communicative resilience at two points in time. Mediational model testing revealed that friend and family support mediate the positive relationship between communication environment and resilience. Communication confidence was also an important positive indirect predictor of resilience. This test of the CMRT focuses on the transition to college, though we propose this model could be used to predict resilience in other transitions. Implications for communication process and resilience scholars are discussed.

Authors

• Elizabeth Dorrance Hall, Michigan State University

• Kristina M. Scharp, The University of Washington