Integrating coping and recovery: Review and recommendations for future research

Abstract

Despite the conspicuous similarities between the areas of coping and recovery in adjustment to work-related stressors, much of the research in the two areas has evolved independently. The overarching goal of this article is to briefly review the literature on work-related coping and recovery and identify parallels and differences between the two areas in order to highlight how the two areas of research may complement one another. We begin by discussing the existing conceptualization and operationalization of the two constructs. Next, we discuss the methodological characteristics of the studies pertaining to coping and recovery. Subsequently, we review the role of the environmental support in enhancing coping and recovery. We conclude this review by providing recommendations for advancing research in coping and recovery. Specifically, we highlight areas in which research on coping can learn from the extant literature on recovery, and vice versa.