What is Resilience?

This post focuses on the concept of psychological resilience in human beings.  Why do some people overcome insurmountable odds to succeed, whereas others have much more difficulty coping with adversity?  Why do some bounce back from tragedy, whereas others just never seem to recover?

While there is no simple answer to these questions, the information below sheds some light on the fascinating concept of resilience, by looking not only at individual factors, but also at broader influences including those at the family, community and societal level.

Personally, I believe that all people are resilient, albeit some in more noticeable and dramatic ways than others.  Simply being alive is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, as life is not easy for anybody, regardless of outer appearances.  So, before going into the information below on resilience, I just want to say that all people should give themselves credit for waking up each morning.  That may sound strange or hokey, but it comes from a place of recognition that people tend to be more self-critical than self-supportive, often focusing on what’s “missing” versus what’s there, what they have to offer, etc.  Plus, better self-esteem is an important factor that contributes not only to resiliency, as you’ll see below, but it also leads to greater engagement in life.

Definitions of Resilience

Let’s look at some definitions of resilience from a few different sources.

From Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

“1: the capability of a strained body to recover its size and shape after deformation caused especially by compressive stress

 2: an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change”

From the Free Dictionary:

“Resilience: an occurrence of rebounding or springing back.”

From a 15 year old high school student:

“Bouncing back from problems and stuff with more power and more smarts.”

From the Resilience Research Centre – a more comprehensive definition of resilience:

“In the context of exposure to significant adversity, resilience is both the capacity of individuals to navigate their way to the psychological, social, cultural, and physical resources that sustain their well-being, and their capacity individually and collectively to negotiate for these resources to be provided in culturally meaningful ways.”

Factors that Contribute to Resilience

The Resilience Research Centre (RRC) is an international consortium of researchers from multiple disciplines, including sociology, psychology, education and medicine.

They have research sites throughout the world, including at the following universities: University of Delhi; University of South Florida; University of British Columbia; Universidad de Antioquia, Columbia; North-West University, South Africa; Tel-Aviv University; and City University of Hong Kong.

Their cross-cultural research evaluates both micro and macro influences on resilience in children and families.  The goal of this research is to foster better understanding of the concept of resilience, as well as to identify ways to intervene among at-risk populations.

The RRC has identified several factors that contribute to resilience, including the following individual, relational, community, cultural and environmental aspects:

“Individual Factors

1.) assertiveness

2.) ability to solve problems

3.) self-efficacy

4.) ability to live with uncertainty

5.) self-awareness

6.) a positive outlook

7.) empathy for others

8.) having goals and aspirations

9.) ability to maintain a balance between independence and dependence on others

10.) appropriate use of or abstinence from substances like alcohol and drugs

11.) a sense of humour

12.) a sense of duty (to others or self, depending on the culture)

 

Relationship Factors

1.) parenting that meets the child’s needs

2.) appropriate emotional expression and parental monitoring within the family

3.) social competence

4.) the presence of a positive mentor and role models

5.) meaningful relationships with others at school, home, and perceived social support

6.) peer group acceptance

 

Community Factors

1.) opportunities for age-appropriate work

2.) avoidance of exposure to violence in one’s family, community, and with peers

3.) government provision for children’s safety, recreation, housing, and jobs when they are at the appropriate age to work

4.) meaningful rights of passage with an appropriate amount of risk

5.) tolerance of high-risk and problem behavior

6.) safety and security

7.) perceived social equity

8.) access to school and education, information, and learning resources

 

Cultural Factors

1.) affiliation with a religious organization

2.) tolerance for different ideologies and beliefs

3.) adequate management of cultural dislocation and a change or shift in values

4.) self-betterment

5.) having a life philosophy

6.) cultural and/or spiritual identification

7.) being culturally grounded by knowing where you come from and being part of a cultural tradition that is expressed through daily activities

 

Physical Ecology Factors

1.) access to a healthy environment

2.) security in one’s community

3.) access to recreational spaces

4.) sustainable resources

5.) ecological diversity”

 

To learn more about this important work by the Resilience Research Centre, please visit their website: http://www.resilienceproject.org.

Professor and psychologist Robert Brooks, an expert in the field of resilience, motivation and family relationships, identified three areas that contribute to resilience in youth.  Like the Resilience Research Centre, these exist on the individual, family and broader community level.

1.) Individual Characteristics: an easy-going temperament and high self-esteem.

2.) Family Characteristics: a family environment that provides emotional support and healthy structure.

3.) Social Environment Characteristics: having supportive relationships in the broader community, such as with extended family members, teachers and organizations.

Dr. Brooks has noted other research which shows how much of an impact even one charismatic and caring adult can have on a child’s self-esteem and hence, resilience.  Within the context of school difficulties, this person is often a teacher.  He states, “We should never underestimate the impact that one caring adult can have on the lifetime of a child with school problems.”

Islands of Competence

One of the ways to enhance self-esteem in youth, and anybody for that matter, is by focusing on their strengths as human beings.  Dr. Brooks coined the phrase “Islands of Competence,” which is a metaphor for strengths and positive attributes.  In his clinical work with children and adults, he noticed that many were struggling with overwhelming negative self-esteem, what he referred to as “oceans of inadequacy.”  He realized that “”If there is an ocean of inadequacy, then there must be islands of competence – areas that have been or have the potential to be sources of pride and accomplishment.”   With this understanding, he goes on to say that “We must help children and adults to identify and reinforce these islands so that at some point they become more dominant than the ocean of inadequacy.”  This shift from a problem focus to more of a solutions and ability focus, can improve self-esteem, hope and motivation – all important factors that contribute to healthy functioning, whether in school, at home or in the workplace.

He notes that “In general, resiliency is linked to a sense of optimism, ownership, and personal control.”

You can learn more about Robert Brooks’ inspirational work at the following websites:

http://www.drrobertbrooks.com

http://www.cdl.org/resource-library/articles/self_worth.php

Conclusion

It’s clear that the concept of resilience is multi-factorial.  This is good news, as it reveals the many different angles from which resilience can be cultivated and strengthened – on the individual, family and broader societal level.