In Hobfoll's theory, initial loss of resources can lead to future resource losses. True or False?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not specified
• D. Only if resources are financial

Answer: (A)

In Hobfoll's Conservation of Resources theory, the risk of resource loss escalating into more losses is a central idea. Resources include things like money, social support, health, and personal skills. When an initial resource is lost, it weakens a person’s coping abilities and resilience, making it harder to protect remaining resources and easier to suffer additional losses. This creates a loss spiral where one depletion feeds another, especially under ongoing stress. Gains in resources can help buffer against losses, but losses tend to have a more powerful and cascading impact. So the statement is true: an initial loss of resources can lead to future resource losses.