Resilience: Mid-Level Student Affairs Professionals' Lived Experiences

Abstract

This qualitative study used a phenomenological approach to explore resilience in mid-level student affairs professionals. This study described the day-to-day experiences with the phenomenon of resilience, as well as identified how resilience influences professional practice, how it is demonstrated in the professional setting, and how it is challenged and cultivated in the work environment. Data was collected through a series of journal reflections and in-depth interviews from 20 participants. Data analysis revealed participant experiences aligned with six conceptual framework categories: belief, behavior, emotion, environment, cause of stress, and outcome. Three distinct themes emerged from the research: 1) Identity matters: The impact of belief on behavior, 2) Upward and downward spirals: How environment and emotions intertwine, and 3) We are all in this together: The role of coworker connection. These findings indicate that beliefs shape behavior related to resilience, the environment influences emotion – particularly negative environments and negative emotion, and coworkers are essential to the resilience process. Additionally, through the interviews, a population-specific definition of resilience emerged. For mid-level student affairs professionals, resilience is the ability to maintain a positive attitude and to focus on learning and growth while facing challenges head on. The primary risk factor was a negative environment with unrealistic workloads and an organizational culture that did not support staff. The primary protective factor was strong coworker connection.