The values most important for Gen X are a sense of belonging, security and feedback (Jurkiewicz, 2000). The key economic events that impacted Gen X behaviors include the stock market crash of 1987, the recession in 1990, the dot.com bubble burst in 2000, and the sub-prime mortgage crisis of 2008 (Goldring & Azab, 2021). Generation X are the closest generation, differentiated from Generation Z, who are still present in high percentages in the labor market. We compared Generation Z with Generation X because the transition between one generation and the next is often unclear, and therefore Generation Z may be similar to Generation Y in many respects (Deal et al., 2010). In the current study we seek to examine the difference between Generation Z and a previous generation (Gen X) in terms of coping with a global crisis (COVID-19). For many years generational researchers have called for more studies to enhance the understanding of generational group differences (Sakdiyakorn et al., 2021). Several generations have been identified, including Baby Boomers (born between 19), Generation X (born between 19), Generation Y (born between 19), and Generation Z (born after 1997) (Pew Research Center, 2019). According to the theory of generations, a person’s values are shaped by the major events witnessed while coming of age (Azimi et al., 2022). Mannheim ( 1970) formulated the theory of generations based on the idea that people of similar ages are bonded by historical events and experiences related to factors such as work, learning, consumer behavior, and family relationships. Generational labels describe large, socially defined groups that differ in significant ways a generation is defined as being 20 years in length (Maloni et al., 2019). The importance of understanding the generational attributes of Generation Z calls for research into the unique characteristics of this generation (Sakdiyakorn et al., 2021), especially in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

The coronavirus pandemic is a major event impacting individuals of all generations, but the impact on Gen Z will persist over their lives, according to the generation effect, since Gen Zs are at the life stage when their long-lasting values are still being shaped (Azimi et al., 2022). The oldest cohort of Generation Z is about to enter the adult world, the world of work, career development, and academia, and life as an adult consumer preparing to build a home and family. Generation Z accounts for 32% of the world population, and approximately 42% of the US population (Sakdiyakorn et al., 2021). Despite the magnitude and significance of the crisis, the main values of each generation remained unchanged in many respects, but attitudes of both generations are positive towards hybrid work and consumption. Both generation members had the similar attitudes towards online consumption. In addition, Gen Z were found to be more positive in their attitudes toward flexible learning but no differences between the generations were found as for flexible work. Also, Gen Z members had higher levels of openness to change, and self-enhancement as compared to Generation X (Gen X). It was found that members of Generation Z (Gen Z) were less resilient. Data were gathered in a cross-sectional study 958 participants participated, divided into two age-groups: 508 participants of Generation Z (ages ranged between 18–24 53.9% males 46.1% females ), and 205 participants of Generation X (ages ranged between 40–50 54.2% males 45.8% females ). Based on the theory of generations, we aimed to explore whether different generations have different levels of resilience, values and attitudes during the global crisis. In the current study we seek to examine the difference between Generation Z and Generation X in terms of coping with a global crisis (COVID-19), specifically regarding resilience in times of crisis, personal values and attitudes during that time.

Older gen z age range