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What Does it Really Mean to be Resilient?

What Constitutes Resilience?

When adversity strikes, we are reminded to be "resilient." But what does it really mean to be resilient? For starters, resilience is not a single entity but a broad array of abilities for constructively and positively adapting to risk, adversity, or some monumental negative event (Dunn et al., 2009). Implicit within this definition are the two critical components of resilience – experiencing an adversity and a positive adaptation to it. Positive adaption has variously been defined, and the general consensus is that it connotes not only an absence or low levels of psychological symptoms (e.g., anxiety or depression) but also competence to meet societal and cultural expectations (Masten, 2001). The good news is that resilience is not a personality attribute that is fixed but is a dynamic process that individuals can develop (Luthar et al., 2000). In other words, no one is “born” or “naturally” resilient; it is something you learn and develop over time. Resilience is not a rare phenomenon; approximately 35% - 65% of individuals faced with an adversity follow the path of resilience (Bonanno et al., 2012). Research shows that several factors contribute toward resilience and include the following (Johnson et al., 2011; Kleiman et al., 2013):
  • Attributional style: The manner in which an individual explains events. Positive attributional style (negative events are explained by external causes rather than self-blame) and reduced tendency to overgeneralize negative events leads to grater resilience.
  • Ability to cope.
  • Ability to problem-solve and confidence in problem-solving.
  • Sense of self-efficacy: The perception that one is in control and the initiator of one’s actions and having self-confidence in one’s abilities.
  • Low levels of perfectionism: Individuals with perfectionistic tendencies may perceive themselves as having failed or fallen short of personal standards.
  • High levels of emotional intelligence.
  • High levels of self-esteem and a broader concept of self-esteem.
  • Good social support.
  • Good family support.
  • Hope.
  • Gratitude.
  • Grit: Passion and perseverance that keeps you going in the face of challenges.
  • Spirituality.

What are the Attributes of Resilient People?

It is easier to appreciate resilience as a tangible concept by looking at the qualities of a resilient person. These qualities are mostly personal attributes of individuals reflective of their thinking style, reactions to adversities, coping strategies, and relationships amongst other things (Reivich & Shatté, 2002).
In common-sense terms and without using professional jargon, resilient people:
  • seek out new and challenging experiences because they have learned that through struggle and pushing themselves, they can grow
  • are not danger seekers but don’t flounder when confronted with risky or dangerous situations
  • know that failures are not the end of the road
  • are not ashamed of failure but derive meaning from it, which they use to grow
  • tackle problems thoughtfully and diligently
  • have learned not to let their anxiety and doubts overwhelm them
  • handle threats with integrity and grace
  • don’t let even major setbacks distract them from their life course
  • regulate their emotions and control their reaction so that their response is appropriate in any given situation
  • believe that they can directly influence the events in their lives rather than feeling helpless
  • believe that they are in control of what is happening in their lives
  • are more engaging and committed to what they are doing and work to them is a source of meaning in their lives
  • see change as an opportunity for growth rather than as a stressor
At first glance, you must wondering if resilient people are “supercopers.” This is not necessarily true. Resilient individuals are healthy individuals who, despite transient distress, are able to carry on with their lives, i.e., they work, engage in social activities, and perhaps most important, experience intimacy and enjoyment (Bonanno et al., 2012). Resilience is not an “all-or-none” concept and exists on a continuum. You don’t have to have all of the above attributes to be resilient. Moreover, it is not humanly possible to have all these attributes. It is also not a static trait and is under your control. Go over this list and see what areas in your life you are resilient in and where you can improve.

Benefits of Resilience

Research has shown that resilience affords several benefits that promote physical and psychological wellness (Duggal, 2018):
  • Resilience helps you learn skills to deal not only with external facets of an adversity but also skills that help you manage your internal emotions.
  • Resilience enhances your knowledge about the nature of a problem or resources available to deal with a problem.
  • Resilience fosters a psychological sense of mastery.
  • Resilience promotes a sense of confidence about the future (“I survived this, I can deal with other hardships too”).
  • With more self-confidence, you are more likely to remain engaged in an effort to cope, which in itself is an important determinant of success.
  • Resilience, by way of seeking and getting social support from others, strengthens the sense of security in relationships.
  • Resilience contributes to better outcomes and decreases the risk of depression in people being treated for certain medical conditions. 
To summarize, resilience is not an elusive feel-good concept. Rather, it is something we can cultivate through concerted efforts. To learn more about evidence-based self-management techniques that are proven to work for stress and its mental health consequences, check out Dr. Duggal's Author Page.

HARPREET S. DUGGAL, MD, FAPA

REFERENCES

Bonanno, G. A., Westphal, M., & Mancini, A. D. (2012). Loss, trauma, and resilience in adulthood. Annual Review of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 32(1), 189-210.

Duggal, H.S. (2018). The Happiness Guide to Self-Management of Depression. Bloomington, IN: Archway Publishing.

Dunn, D. S., Uswatte, G., & Elliott, T. R. (2009). Happiness, resilience, and positive growth following physical disability: issues for understanding, research, and therapeutic intervention. In S. J. Lopez & C. R. Snyder (Eds.), The oxford handbook of positive psychology (2nd ed.) (pp. 651-664). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Johnson, J., Wood, A. M., Gooding, P., Taylor, P. J., & Tarrier, N. (2011). Resilience to suicidality: the buffering hypothesis. Clinical Psychology Review, 31, 563-591.

Kleiman, E. M., Adams, L. M., Kashdan, T. B., & Riskind, J. H. (2013). Grateful individuals are not suicidal: buffering risks associated with hopelessness and depressive symptoms. Personality and Individual Differences, 55(5), 595-599.

Luthar, S. S., Cicchetti, D., & Becker, B. (2000). The construct of resilience: a critical evaluation and guidelines for future work. Child Development, 71(3), 543-562.

Masten, A. S. (2001). Ordinary magic: resilience process in development. American Psychologist, 56(3), 227-238.

Reivich, K., & Shatté, A. (2002). The resilience factor. New York, NY: Broadway Books.


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