Resilience is the capacity to maintain relatively stable psychological functioning (or even grow) in the face of significant adversity. George Bonanno, a central researcher on the topic, showed that most people exposed to adverse events are NOT "destroyed" nor require prolonged therapy: they transit natural resilience curves that combine relief, recovery, and growth.
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
- ▸ Gradual recovery without need for formal clinical intervention
- ▸ Capacity to maintain functioning (work, relationships) during adversity
- ▸ Perceived personal growth after the event (does not negate the pain)
Therapeutic approach
Resilience is not a fixed trait but a process that can be strengthened. CBT-based interventions work on self-observation of personal resources, emotional regulation, and construction of coherent narratives. ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) works on values as anchor during adversity.
Related concepts
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