Correlates of self-monitoring: A relationship between self-monitoring, coping, and flourishing

Abstract

This study is an initial attempt to investigate the relationships between self-monitoring, coping, and flourishing. A research model made up of two parts was developed to explore these relationships. Figure 1.1, explored the direct relationship between the criterion variable self-monitoring in relation to the predictor variable flourishing. Figure 1.2, investigated the direct relationship between the criterion variable self-monitoring and the mediator variable coping methods; (i) social support, (ii) escape-avoidance, (iii) planful-problem solving. It also proposed the existence of a direct relationship between the mediator variable coping methods and the predictor variable flourishing. Finally, it proposed that the direct relationship displayed in Figure 1.1 of the model will be mediated by coping methods. Data from two hundred and two surveys were included in the data analysis. This analysis found that predictions within Figure 1.1 and 1.2 of the theoretical model were partially supported. The most significant finding supported the prediction that there exists a direct relationship between self-monitoring and flourishing, and coping methods mediate this relationship. This study had two major purposes: to investigate whether there exists a direct positive relationship between self-monitoring and flourishing; and to investigate whether coping methods will mediate the relationship between self-monitoring and flourishing. This study was designed to challenge previous research that has suggested high self-monitoring individuals are less likely to flourish compared to low self-monitoring individuals (Day and Schleicher, 2006). This present study argues that high self-monitors will experience greater flourishing because they use more effective coping methods and in doing so supporting findings from Leone (2006), who suggested high self-monitoring individuals are less likely to languish. This study used a method of self-report to investigate university employees’ self-monitoring, coping, and flourishing behaviour. Two hundred and twenty academic and non-academic staff completed an online survey that was sent to 1568 university employees. Major implications that can be drawn from this research are the findings that have supported the existence of direct positive relationships between factors of self-monitoring and flourishing. Furthermore, mediating relationships that have indicated coping methods do mediate the relationship between self-monitoring and flourishing. Findings suggest that individuals who self-monitor are more likely to flourish because they cope more effectively, supporting the theory that high self-monitors will experience less languishing than individuals who do not engage in self-monitoring behaviour. This present study demonstrates value to all workplaces interested in increasing flourishing and positive emotions at work.