The Conservation of Resources Theory (COR).

Theoretical Framework

The Conservation of Resources theory suggests that individuals are motivated to conserve and build resources to cope with stress and adversity. The term “conservation” signifies the idea of preserving and protecting, while “resources” refers to anything that individuals use to try to manage challenges.

The idea, rooted in the field of stress psychology, emerged as a framework to understand the relationship between resources and stress.

The “COR” theory was primarily coined by Stephen Hobfoll, a renowned psychologist. His research and writings have significantly contributed to the theory’s conceptualization and application.

The resources can be categorized into three main domains:

Personal Resources: These are internal attributes such as skills, knowledge, self-esteem, and optimism.

Social Resources: These are external assets derived from social connections, including support networks, mentorship, and positive relationships.

Structural Resources: These are tangible assets, such as financial resources, equipment, and facilities.

We seek ways to “bounce back”

The COR theory suggests that resources are essential building blocks of resilience. By conserving and building resources, individuals can improve their capacity to cope with challenges and maintain their well-being.

Resilience can be defined as the ability to bounce back from adversity, to withstand stress, and to maintain or regain equilibrium. It involves both psychological and behavioral factors.

The COR theory isn’t just about grand challenges like natural disasters or traumatic events. It’s also about the everyday stresses we all face. In the following and many other everyday situations, the COR theory can help us understand how we (often instinctively) manage our resources to better cope with challenges.

Adapting to and thriving in new responsibilities

The New Job

Sarah had been working at her company for years, but she was starting to feel stagnant. She decided to take a leap of faith and apply for a new position that was a stretch for her. To her surprise, she got the job!

Initially, Sarah felt overwhelmed. The new role was challenging, and she wasn’t sure if she had the skills or experience to succeed. But Sarah was determined to make it work. She started by building her personal resources. She enrolled in online courses to learn new skills and worked on improving her confidence.

Sarah also leaned on her social resources. She reached out to her mentor for advice and joined a networking group to connect with like-minded professionals. She found that having a support system made a huge difference in her ability to cope with the stress of the new job.

As Sarah continued to grow and develop, she realized that she had more structural resources at her disposal than she initially thought. She had access to company resources, such as training programs and mentorship opportunities, that could help her succeed.

With the help of her personal, social, and structural resources, Sarah was able to overcome the challenges of her new job and thrive in her new role. She learned that by conserving and building resources, she could enhance her resilience and achieve her goals.

Here are other resource conservation situations:

Dealing with a Difficult Coworker

Personal Resources: Effective communication skills, patience, and a positive attitude may help you navigate difficult interactions.
Social Resources: A supportive colleague or mentor may offer advice and a listening ear.
Structural Resources: A clear company policy on workplace conduct may provide a framework for addressing conflicts.

Managing Financial Stress

Personal Resources: Budgeting skills, financial knowledge, and a positive mindset can help you cope with financial challenges.
Social Resources: Family and friends can offer emotional support and advice.
Structural Resources: Access to financial counseling or resources can provide practical assistance.

Balancing Work and Family Life

Personal Resources: Time management skills, effective prioritization, and self-care practices may help you achieve a healthy balance.
Social Resources: A supportive partner or family can provide understanding and assistance.
Structural Resources: Flexible work arrangements, childcare options, or community resources can alleviate stress.

Coping with Health Issues

Personal Resources: A positive outlook, healthy lifestyle habits, and strong coping mechanisms can help you manage chronic conditions or unexpected illnesses.
Social Resources: Support groups, friends, and family can provide emotional support and practical assistance.
Structural Resources: Access to quality healthcare, rehabilitation services, or community resources can improve your overall well-being.

COR — an interdisciplinary stress theory

The Conservation of Resources theory primarily falls within the domain of stress psychology, intersecting with other fields such as organizational psychology, health psychology, and social psychology.

Scholars

Besides Stephen Hobfoll, several other scholars have made significant contributions to the COR theory:

Christina Maslach: Known for her work on burnout, Maslach’s research has intersected with COR theory, particularly in understanding the role of resources in preventing burnout.

Richard Lazarus: A pioneer in stress research, Lazarus’s cognitive-appraisal model has influenced COR theory by emphasizing the role of individuals’ perceptions of resources in stress management.

Susan Folkman: Folkman’s work on coping mechanisms has been integrated into COR theory, highlighting the importance of resource-based coping strategies.

Michael Demerouti: Demerouti’s research on job demands and resources has contributed to the application of COR theory in organizational settings.

Paul van den Broek: Van den Broek’s work on resilience has explored the role of resources in promoting positive outcomes in the face of adversity.

Usages in Different Fields

The COR theory has found applications in various fields:

Organizational Psychology: Understanding employee stress, burnout, and job satisfaction.
Health Psychology: Examining the relationship between resources, health behaviors, and well-being.
Social Psychology: Exploring the role of social support and networks in stress management.
Education: Investigating the impact of resources on student performance and resilience.
Disaster Psychology: Understanding how individuals and communities cope with traumatic events.

Building Resilience Through Conservation

Here are concluding examples of how individuals instinctively seek to avoid discomfort and achieve pleasure or comfort through Conservation of Resources strategies:

William, from a young age, recognized the value of financial resources and actively worked to accumulate them. He prioritized saving at an age where most kids prefer to play. He envisioned that money (structural resources) would provide him a buffer against future uncertainties and help him maintain a sense of security.

Stacy, decided to divorce her abusive husband. By leaving a harmful situation, she was able to conserve her mental and emotional resources, prioritizing her personal well-being and allowing her to heal and rebuild her life.

Resources can be both tangible and intangible, they can be built or depleted, hence many individuals naturally recognize the value of conserving and maintaining them — whether they are familiar with names such as Hobfoll or academic frameworks such as the Conservation of Resources theory.