Resilience is a term that is used to describe an individual's ability to withstand and recover quickly from difficult conditions. The word "resilience" comes from the Latin word "resilire," meaning "to leap back." This concept is not only important in the field of physics, where it describes a strained body's ability to recover its size and form following deformation, but also in the field of psychology, where it is used to describe an individual's ability to adapt to adversity and maintain a positive state of psychological functioning.
However, defining resilience can be a challenge as the definitions of adversity and positive adaptation may vary based on the historical and sociocultural context within which the research was conducted, the researchers' conceptual proclivities, and the population sampled. Most researchers agree that both adversity and positive adaptation must be evident for resilience to be demonstrated. But, inconsistencies in the specific delineation of these concepts have led to confusion about their meaning, with some researchers questioning the scientific value of resilience itself.
Defining Adversity in Resilience Research
Adversity typically encompasses negative life circumstances that are known to be statistically associated with adjustment difficulties. But, some researchers have taken a less stringent approach, defining adversity as any hardship and suffering linked to difficulty, misfortune, or trauma. It is important that researchers clearly outline their definition of adversity and provide a reasoned justification for its use. Additionally, for most individuals, the adversities they encounter do not constitute major disasters but rather are more modest disruptions that are embedded in their everyday lives.
Negative Connotations Associated with Adversity in Resilience Research
One fundamental issue in resilience research is the negative value-laden connotations associated with the term "adversity" and the majority of work conducted in this area. Existing definitions of adversity associate negative circumstances with negative consequences or they focus on established, statistically significant predictors of maladjustment. However, positive life events that are not typically associated with a higher probability of undesirable outcomes can also be relevant in defining resilience. For example, a job promotion or entering a marriage can also necessitate resilience characteristics in positively adapting to the novel demands inherent in the new role or relationship.
Defining Positive Adaptation in Resilience Research
Positive adaptation has been defined as an individual's ability to maintain or recover a positive state of psychological functioning following exposure to stress, trauma, or adversity. Positive adaptation has also been operationalized as the presence of certain traits, including personal competence, self-esteem, a sense of purpose, and optimism. Positive adaptation is often viewed as a key component of resilience. However, the specific delineation of positive adaptation is subject to some debate.
Resilience is a multifaceted construct that has been operationalized in various ways in the psychology research literature. Although there is general agreement that both adversity and positive adaptation must be evident for resilience to be demonstrated, there are inconsistencies in the specific delineation of these concepts. Defining adversity as a negative event that predicts maladjustment precludes the inclusion of many ongoing daily stressors under the rubric of resilience, despite evidence to the contrary. Moreover, positive adaptation is subject to some debate regarding its specific delineation. Therefore, it is important for researchers to clearly outline their definitions of adversity and positive adaptation and provide a reasoned justification for their use. Despite these challenges, the study of resilience is essential for developing interventions to help individuals and communities cope with adversity and stress.