Resilience is more than coping wiht stress
Resilience and adaptive coping are core aspects of positive psychology (Peterson & Seligman, 2004). While the discipline acknowledges the risk factors that undermine well-being, its greater focus is on protective factors like hardiness, hope, and social support. Positive psychology is not a naive or stress-free theory of life. Instead, it takes a bold stance: humans can rise to meet life’s challenges and thrive—not just endure.
Like any field, positive psychology has its critics (Sandage & Hill, 2001; Cowen & Kilmer, 2002). Some caution against overemphasizing positivity at the expense of acknowledging suffering or negative emotions. Yet paradoxically, negative emotions can be positive when expressed constructively. For example:
Anger can energize us to confront injustice.
Denial can serve as a short-term coping mechanism.
Skepticism can protect us from harm and help us discern truth.
Life isn’t always butterflies and sunshine. Storms will come. Bees will sting. But positive psychology focuses on rising through life’s trials, not ignoring them.
For an in depth and compelling study of resilience I recommend Resilience: The Science of Mastering Life's Greatest Challenges by Steven M. Southwick and Dennis S. Charney. These two doctors who have faced there own challenges present a comprehensive exploration into the science and practice of resilience. Drawing from over two decades of research and interviews with trauma survivors—including prisoners of war, Special Forces instructors, and civilians facing severe adversity—they identify ten key factors that contribute to resilience:
Facing Fear: Confronting fears directly to diminish their power.
Optimism: Maintaining a realistic yet positive outlook.
Moral Compass: Upholding strong ethical beliefs and values.
Religion and Spirituality: Finding strength through faith or spiritual practices.
Social Support: Building and relying on a supportive network.
Role Models: Learning from individuals who exemplify resilience.
Physical Fitness: Engaging in regular physical activity to bolster mental health.
Brain Fitness: Challenging the mind to enhance cognitive flexibility.
Cognitive and Emotional Flexibility: Adapting thinking and emotional responses to changing situations.
Meaning and Purpose: Deriving a sense of purpose from life's experiences.
Each chapter delves into one of these factors, combining scientific research with personal narratives and practical exercises to help readers cultivate resilience in their own lives.
References
Southwick, S. M & Charney D. S. (2018). Resilience: The Science of Mastering Life's Greatest Challenges. New York: Cambridge University Press.