Understanding Resilience in Psychology
Resilience is often misconceived as merely a personal trait—one either has or does not have. However, current psychological and developmental research underscores that resilience is far more dynamic and multifaceted. Originally thought of as a static trait enabling individuals to withstand adversity from a singular traumatic event, resilience has now evolved into a complex construct that develops throughout a person’s life (Stainton et al., 2019).
Resilience is the ability to maintain or regain mental health in the face of significant adversities. This ability is not just about bouncing back but also about using challenges as catalysts for growth and development. Wald, Taylor, and Asmundson (2006) conducted a literature review on the concept of psychological resilience and found that positive attitudes, effective coping strategies, and supportive relationships are all protective factors that strengthen the capacity to manage life’s pressures and setbacks, as well as improve life outcomes.
Key Factors in Building Resilience
Resilience is now understood as a multilevel phenomenon, functioning across and interacting between various systems (Masten, 2007). For instance, at a personal level, resilience is influenced by traits such as openness, extraversion, and agreeableness; self-efficacy; and cognitive appraisal skills, which involve a positive reinterpretation of stressful events and integration of these experiences into one’s personal narrative. At a family level, resilience is strengthened by the presence of consistent, supportive and sensitive caregiving from parent(s) or another carer. Next, schools, sports clubs, and other organisations also play a crucial role in a child’s resilience. More specifically, access to quality education and exposure to enriching activities contribute to positive outcomes. Macro-level factors include the broader community and the society which indirectly impact an individual’s resilience. With supportive community structures and services, a person is more likely to bounce back and develop in the face of adversity, as opposed to withdraw from the community and become isolated.
The following figure, taken from Vella and Pai (2019), summarises resilience as a systematic process between multiple interconnected levels.
Ways To Enhance Resilience
According to the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, there are certain strategies and practices that can help individuals adapt to challenges and recover from setbacks. Here are three effective ways to boost resilience:
- Strengthen Social Connections: Building and maintaining strong relationships with family, friends, and community members can significantly enhance resilience. Social support provides emotional sustenance, practical help, and a sense of belonging and purpose during tough times. Encouraging open communication, offering mutual support, and engaging in community activities can foster closer bonds, providing a robust network that can act as a buffer against stress.
- Develop Coping Skills and Emotional Regulation: Learning and practicing effective coping strategies can greatly improve an individual’s ability to deal with stress and adversity. Approaches such as cognitive-behavioural therapy and problem-solving skills can help manage strong negative emotional responses and maintain mental health. Training in these areas can be facilitated through therapy, workshops, or self-help books. Additionally, regular practice of relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, yoga, and meditation, can help maintain emotional balance and reduce the impact of stress.
- Foster a Growth Mindset and Optimism: Adopting a growth mindset, where challenges are seen as opportunities to learn and grow, can enhance resilience. This perspective encourages viewing failures and setbacks as part of the learning process, not as insurmountable obstacles. Coupling this with a general sense of optimism and positive thinking can motivate individuals to persevere through difficulties. Strategies to develop this mindset include setting achievable goals, celebrating small successes, and reframing negative thoughts into positive or constructive ones.
By integrating these strategies into daily life, individuals can build and enhance their resilience, improving their ability to navigate life’s challenges effectively and maintaining their well-being during periods of stress or adversity.
If you want to learn more about resilience and how to cope with life’s challenges using practical skills, speak to one of our psychologists at the Centre for Clinical Psychology. Simply call 03 9077 0122 or email admin@ccp.net.au.
References
Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. (2025). InBrief: The Science of Resilience. https://www.developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/
Masten, A. S. (2007). Resilience in developing systems: Progress and promise as the fourth wave rises. Development and psychopathology, 19(3), 921-930.
Stainton, A., Chisholm, K., Kaiser, N., Rosen, M., Upthegrove, R., Ruhrmann, S., & Wood, S. J. (2019). Resilience as a multimodal dynamic process. Early intervention in psychiatry, 13(4), 725-732.
Vella, S. L. C., & Pai, N. B. (2019). A theoretical review of psychological resilience: Defining resilience and resilience research over the decades. Archives of Medicine and Health Sciences, 7(2), 233-239.
Wald, J., Taylor, S., Asmundson, G. J., Jang, K. L., & Stapleton, J. (2006). Literature review of concepts: Psychological resiliency. Toronto (ON): Defence R&D Canada.
