The resilience curve is the typical temporal pattern Bonanno identified in people exposed to loss or adversity. It includes three trajectories: (1) recovery (most common, majority of people return to previous functioning levels in weeks/months), (2) sustained resilience (maintain functional levels throughout the event), (3) chronic deterioration (minorities affected for months/years). This curve is important when "starting over" because many people anguish thinking their process is "abnormal" when it is actually the most common trajectory.
Concept origin
Bonanno GA. (2004). Loss, trauma, and human resilience: Have we underestimated the human capacity to thrive after extremely aversive events? American Psychologist, 59(1), 20-28. doi:10.1037/0003-066X.59.1.20
How it manifests
- ▸ Wide individual variability in recovery time
- ▸ There is no "one correct way" to recover (myth of the 5 stages)
- ▸ Presence of post-event symptoms does NOT predict chronic deterioration
Therapeutic approach
Normalize the variability of trajectories. Intervention focuses on those showing chronic deterioration, not on those transiting the normal curve. Avoid medicalizing or psychopathologizing natural reactions to difficult events.
Related concepts
Want to put this into practice with concrete tools?
Explore resources →This content is informational and does not replace consultation with a mental health professional. If you are going through a difficult time, speaking with a specialist can make a real difference.