Adversity, psychological strengths, and well-being during collective trauma: Results from a nationally representative, probability-based U.S. sample.

OBJECTIVE

Guided by the resilience portfolio model, we examined associations between resilience profiles (defined by adversity exposure and psychological strengths) and well-being-related outcomes across 2 years during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHOD: A longitudinal, representative, probability-based sample of U.S. residents (N = 4,248) completed four surveys between March 2020 and May 2022. K-means clustering identified distinct profiles based on lifetime adversity exposure and psychological strengths, operationalized as four internal assets (i.e., positive affect, awe, cognitive reappraisal, and benefit finding). Sociodemographic indicators were explored as predictors of profile membership. Mixed-effects modeling evaluated how profiles correlated with well-being-related outcomes (global distress, functional impairment, emotional exhaustion) over time, adjusting for preexisting mental health conditions and pandemic-specific stressors.

RESULTS

Four profiles were identified: Profile 1: Lowest-Adversity/Mixed-Strengths (31.5%); Profile 2: Low-Adversity/High-Strengths (24.0%); Profile 3: Moderate-Adversity/Low-Strengths (26.0%); and Profile 4: High-Adversity/High-Strengths (18.5%). Compared to the reference group (Lowest-Adversity/Mixed-Strengths), Moderate-Adversity/Low-Strengths profile members reported higher global distress (p < .001), emotional exhaustion (p < .001), and functional impairment (p < .001). Low-Adversity/High-Strengths profile members showed comparable or slightly better well-being (p < .01 on emotional exhaustion) than the reference group. Despite higher adversity exposure, High-Adversity/High-Strengths profile members reported lower global distress (p < .001) and emotional exhaustion (p < .001) than the Moderate-Adversity/Low-Strengths profile. Female and Black respondents were more likely to belong to High-Strengths profiles (i.e., Low-Adversity/High-Strengths and High-Adversity/High-Strengths, ps < .05) than male and White respondents.

CONCLUSIONS

Combinations of psychological strengths and adversity exposure correlated with well-being-related outcomes during collective trauma. Results underscore the value of including strengths-based, person-centered approaches in multidimensional resilience research and interventions, highlighting the need to foster multiple, complementary psychological strengths. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).