TRSM Research Seminar by Dr. Ellen Choi

Title: Lost Together: How shared experiences of distress support flourishing

Description: Mental health continues to decline and over the pandemic reports that anxiety, stress and loneliness are on the rise, particularly for students. To examine the role of human contact in interventions aimed at enhancing flourishing, this research examines two versions of the same training content over ten-weeks. One training program offered live instruction, and the other offered content asynchronously on a learning management system. Data was collected over four terms (Fall/Winter 2020 and 2021) and measures were assessed at baseline, after the program was completed, and 4-weeks post-program completion. Students who had touchpoints in groups with live instructors increased in flourishing over time; however, students who moved through the program individually and asynchronously decreased in flourishing. The link between the intervention condition and flourishing was mediated by a climate of authenticity, or the extent to which one feels comfortable sharing their distress with others. These results point to the role that community can play in wellbeing interventions by offering opportunities to support others, be supported, and the benefits that can emerge from being in the presence of authentic others.

Speaker Bio: Dr. Ellen Choi is an Assistant Professor in HRM/OB in the Ted Rogers School of Management, Ryerson University. She received her PhD from the Ivey School of Business in 2017, and her MSc from the London School of Economics in 2012. She researches the applications of mindfulness in organizations, for example how mindfulness can enhance reactions to error, resilience, and creativity.