Some definitions of resilience...
- A dynamic process encompassing positive adaptation within the context of significant adversity. (1)
- Resilient people are those a) who show better-than-expected outcomes, b) whose positive adaptation is maintained despite the occurrence of stressful experiences, and c) who recover well from such stressful experiences (2)
- Resilience is the concept that is used to describe the flexibility that allows certain children and young people who appear to be at risk to bounce back from adversity, to cope with and manage major difficulties and disadvantages in life, and even to thrive in the face of what appear to be overwhelming odds. Resilient individuals seem to be able to understand what has happened to them (insight), develop an understanding of what has happened to others (empathy) and experience a quality of life that is often denied to others (achievement). (3)
- Clearly resilience is not simply a matter of putting up with life adversities, or even coping with them: the term carries the concept of springing back from major difficulties and negative experiences. While vulnerability refers to an individuals susceptibility to adversity, resilience can be viewed as the capacity to get back in balance after being pushed out of it, to tolerate great challenges without breaking down under the strain. (3)
(1). Luthar, S., Cicchetti, D., & Becker, B. (2000) The Construct of Resilience: A Critical Evaluation and Guidelines for Future Work. Child Development. May/June 2000. Vol 71, No. 3 pp543-563
(2). Masten, A., Best, K., & Garmezy, N. (1990) Resilience and development. Contributions from the study of children who overcome adversity. Development and Psychopathology, 2. 435-444
(3). Dent, R.J., & Cameron, R.J.S., (2003). Developing resilience in children who are in public care: the educational psychology perspective. Educational Psychology in PRactice. Vol 19(1). pp3-19.
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