Understanding Individual Differences in Adversity Quotient: A Life-Span and Socio-Demographic Analysis

Abstract

This study examines the variation of Adversity Quotient (AQ) among IT professionals in India, focusing on key demographic factors such as age, gender, work experience, educational qualification, monthly income, and marital status. AQ, a psychological concept introduced by Stoltz (1997), reflects an individual’s ability to withstand and recover from adversity. Drawing from the life-span developmental psychology framework (Baltes, 1987), the study investigates how AQ evolves across the lifespan, particularly in the high-pressure IT industry. Data from 508 lower- and middle-level IT professionals across Delhi NCR and Chandigarh revealed significant differences in AQ based on age, work experience, and education. Specifically, older participants, those with more work experience, and those with specialised qualifications exhibited higher AQ. Gender, income, and marital status showed no significant impact on AQ. These findings indicate that professional experience and lifelong learning have a greater influence on AQ than demographic factors like gender or income. Implications for IT organisations include targeting resilience training based on experience level, promoting continuous learning, and fostering a psychologically safe work culture. The study also emphasises the importance of tailored talent management strategies to enhance resilience among employees. Limitations include the cross-sectional design, which precludes causal conclusions about AQ development. Future research employing longitudinal approaches could further explore the developmental trajectory of AQ.