Resilience is an innate capacity to rebound from adversity and change through a process of positive adaptation. In life, resilience is a fluid, dynamic process that is influenced over time by life events, temperament, insight, skill sets, and the primary ability of care givers and the social environment to nurture and provide them a sense of safety, competency, and secure attachment.
Resource
Defining Resilience
Jane Gillham, PhD, Professor and Chair
Department of Psychology
Swarthmore College
Jane Gillham, PhD, Professor and Chair
Department of Psychology
Swarthmore College
Mind Resilience is…
“Persistence”
“Bouncing Back”
“A Sense of Balance”
“Self-affirmations”
Resilience=strengths, skills, and resources that interrupt and prevent downward spirals, and enable and promote upward spirals.”
—Jane Gillham, PhD, Professor and Chair, Department of Psychology, Swarthmore College
Core Concepts of Mind Resilience
- Having determination and persistence
- Demonstrating pride in activities
- Developing & evaluating alternative solutions
- Having the ability to achieve complete tasks
- Having empathy
- Giving back
- Helping out
- Knowing when to compromise
- Giving others the benefit of the doubt
- Seeking help when needed
- Having the ability to self-soothe and self-regulate
- Willingness to admit and learn from mistakes
- Accepting instruction and constructive criticism
- Having a sense of humor
- Believing that things can get better
- Being playful, creative, and willing to explore
- Experiencing joy in accomplisments
- Tolerating frustration
- Understanding how perception influences outcomes
- Being flexible and adapting to change
- Improvising when necessary
- Having spirituality and a sense of higher purpose
- Feeling that you are lovable
- Understanding that your life has value
- Dedication to self-improvement
- Appreciating cultural heritage and traditions
Discover how the Core Concepts of Mind Resilience Apply to Different Age Groups
0-5 Years
Sense of Competency
- Engages in make-believe play
- Interested in new things
- Imitates behavior of others
- Tries to do things for him/herself
- Tries out new words or builds vocabulary
Caring & Respect of Self & Others
- Listens to others; shows patience
- Enjoys interacting with others
- Seeks comfort from familiar adults
- Tries to comfort others
- Acts happy when praised
Problem Solving & Coping Skills
- Willing to accept redirection
- Keeps trying when unsuccessful
- Early development of self control
- Can easily go from one activity to another
- Tries different ways to solve a problem
Optimism & Hope for the Future
- Enjoys social play
- Accepts alternative choices
- Shows interest in his/her surroundings
- Says positive things about the future
- Trusts familiar adults and believes what they say
Ability to Reframe Stress
- Uses imagination to build skills
- Cooperates with others
- Begins to accept rules for behavior
- Begins to identify patters and routines
- Can calm self down when upset
Sense of Purpose & Meaning
- Enjoys imitating people in play
- Begins to show willful behavior
- Asks questions; tells stories
- Wants to please others and be with friends
- Displays joy and curiosity
6-12 Years
Sense of Competency
- Can begin to generalize learned skills
- Shows patience in meeting a goal
- Desires to be the best one can be
- Self-Efficacy; “I Can!” attitude
- Begins to be able to organize time
Caring & Respect of Self & Others
- Beginning capacity for self-sacrifice
- Can accept that life is not always fair
- Shows concern for a bullied classmate
- Completes chores for the benefit of the family
- Can recognize their own strengths
Problem Solving & Coping Skills
- Not afraid to ask for help with an assignment or task
- Can use positive self talk to feel better
- Healthy risk taking
- Can make change based on other’s input
- Acts persistent; tries other ways to solve problems
Optimism & Hope for the Future
- Laughs and shares jokes with a friend
- Can give examples of positive outcomes
- Involved in clubs/sports/hobbies
- Likes to explore environment/nature
- Enjoys school and learning
Ability to Reframe Stress
- Open to new ideas
- Begins to learn to manage stress
- Able to identify alternative solutions
- Demonstrates ability to adapt to changing situations
- Doesn’t give up even when disappointed
Sense of Purpose & Meaning
- Shows understanding of the life cycle
- Feels loved and has secure relationships
- Wants to challenge self to do better
- Participates in and values family rituals
- Can decide between right and wrong
13-18 Years
Sense of Competency
- Self-motivated/ sense of autonomy
- Has initiative; sees things through to completion
- Has integrity, high standards
- Incorporates new knowledge
- Forming coherent sense of self
Caring & Respect of Self & Others
- Values win-win solutions
- Can show forgiveness
- Cares about what happens to others
- Has capacity for intimacy
- Shows grattitude for successes
Problem Solving & Coping Skills
- Seeks others’ expertise
- Has self-management skills
- Takes ownership and responsibility
- Ability for abstract thinking
- Understands cause and effect
Optimism & Hope for the Future
- Able to laugh at oneself
- Future and goal oriented
- Has creative outlets for self expression
- Seeks out and can enjoy times of peace and quiet
- Sees life as basically good and positive
Ability to Reframe Stress
- Can accept ambiguity/uncertainty
- Connects attitude with behavior
- Deals with adversity and the unexpected
- Has positive outlets to reduce stress
- Puts things in perspective
Sense of Purpose & Meaning
- Explores different belief systems
- Has a belief that one’s life matters
- Wants to plan for a rewarding career
- Has a sense of belonging to a community
- Tries to live by their core values
19-29 Years
Sense of Competency
- Puts effort into skill building and mastery in areas of interest
- Can weigh the pros and cons of different courses of action
- Applies skills and knowledge for success in job/academic settings
- Beginning to trust and rely on one’s own judgement and character
Caring & Respect of Self & Others
- Developing strong friendships and intimacy in relationships
- Creating an identity outside of roles with family and friends
- Has a desire to give back, or to be involved in improving one’s community
- Forming an appreciation of diversity and individual differences
Problem Solving & Coping Skills
- Is curious about life, and how things work
- Recognizes the need, at times, to see beyond the present situation
- Shows integrity in an ability to negotiate and compromise
- Engages in self-reflection and improvement
Optimism & Hope for the Future
- Approaches life with a sense of adventure and possibility
- Developing abilities and confidence to plan and realize goals
- Can articulate present needs, and future aspirations
- Can use humor for enjoyment and engagement
Ability to Reframe Stress
- Uses diverse skills that enhance a sense of well being
- Has insight into how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interrelated
- Values, and tries to maintain, a positive and balanced attitude towards life
- Beginning to form, and live by, a set of core beliefs
Sense of Purpose & Meaning
- Creativity and artistic outlets are valued forms of self-expression
- Has a greater understanding of the complexity of life
- Seeks times of discovery and exploration
- Invested in being active in mind, body, and spirit
30-44 Years
Sense of Competency
- Exhibits confidence in putting words into actions
- Collaborative in personal and professional settings
- Learning the value of interdependence
- Becoming more autonomous, free thinking
Caring & Respect of Self & Others
- Invests in long lasting relationships that enhance life
- Shows increasing compassion for others who are struggling
- Values a sense of self that is maturing and thoughtful
- Nurtures, and relies on, a social support system
Problem Solving & Coping Skills
- Uses trial, error, and success to generalize skills
- Uses energy and imagination in being solution focused
- Increased ability for introspection
- Have creative and physical outlets that improve overall functioning
Optimism & Hope for the Future
- A sense that one’s life, and place in it, is connected and consistent
- Values and demonstrates intrinsic motivation
- Expectation that hard work and commitment will pay off
- Exhibits perseverance during times of uncertainty
Ability to Reframe Stress
- Promotes positive self-talk and beliefs
- Can differentiate subjective and objective stress
- Accepts and embraces change as a given in life
- Recognizes the potential for personal growth that comes with adversity
Sense of Purpose & Meaning
- Personal happiness becomes more tied to the well-being of others
- Life satisfaction becomes more connected to what one values
- Has a desire for a sense of legacy/belonging/”roots”
- Wants to engage in a community effort or cause
45-64 Years
Sense of Competency
- Prioritizes goal attainment, and intrinsic rewards
- Maintains direct and open lines of communication
- Becoming more open to alternative ways for measuring success
- Finds solutions in ways that are practical and applicable
Caring & Respect of Self & Others
- Being willing to be passionate and take a stand for something one believes
- Tries to live by standards that respects the dignity and rights of all people
- Friendships are a source of joy and companionship
- Being closer to family and friends renews a sense of connection and gratitude
Problem Solving & Coping Skills
- Becomes more patient in allowing solutions to unfold, and resolve
- Learns to let go and be okay with not having all the answers
- Seeks opportunities for personal and professional growth
- Has a support system to confide in when in doubt
Optimism & Hope for the Future
- Takes comfort in having strong ethical beliefs
- Takes responsibility for one’s own happiness
- Acceptance of multiple forms of spiritual growth and expression
- Committed to refining one’s best qualities
Ability to Reframe Stress
- Uses successful strategies for mitigating conflict
- Developed sense of competency in response to ongoing change
- Ability to adapt to changing roles, and social and economic influences
- Feels positive when involved in healthy activities and self-care
Sense of Purpose & Meaning
- Remains optimistic about life, and one’s role in it
- Curiosity and creativity take on renewed importance
- Life is enriched by accumulated knowledge and experience
- Retrospection is used for self-improvement in going forward
65-79 Years
Sense of Competency
- Self-sufficiency and independence are a priority
- Maintains old skills and engages in new activities
- Engages in opportunities to teach and mentor others
- Tries to remain physically and mentally active
Caring & Respect of Self & Others
- Socially engaged in community/recreational activities
- Practices forgiveness and compassion to self and others
- Sharing of insights and wisdom from lessons learned in life
- Advocates for and promotes the best in others
Problem Solving & Coping Skills
- Self-efficacy
- Learning new adaptive skills
- Letting go of past injuries and reframing disappointments
- Ability for adapt to changing life roles
Optimism & Hope for the Future
- Wants to leave the world a better place
- Appreciation of moments in time
- Viewing one’s self as young at heart and in spirit
- Ability to laugh and to have peace of mind
Ability to Reframe Stress
- Appreciation of the value and passage of time
- Enjoys the freedom of thought and action
- Self confidence in being true to one’s convictions
- Acceptance of the things that cannot be changed, including aging
Sense of Purpose & Meaning
- Explores different belief systems
- Has a belief that one’s life matters
- Wants to plan for a rewarding career
- Has a sense of belonging to a community
- Tries to live by their core values
Elders 80 Years +
Sense of Competency
- Success in llife is redefined and adapted to
- Seeks simplicity in meeting needs
- Has capacity to adapt to multiple losses
- Can be self-directed even within changing roles of functioning
Caring & Respect of Self & Others
- Is respected as the family and community elder
- Is grateful/accepting of others they might be dependent on for support
- Still values and enjoys human interaction and affection
- Reflects on how relationships change over time
Problem Solving & Coping Skills
- Has adapted to numerous social and historical changes
- Uses the wisdom that comes from a lifetime of adjustment
- Open to using adaptive skills to help maintain independence
- Maintains a sense of safety through routine and structure
Optimism & Hope for the Future
- Continues to seek out new experiences and interests/list_item]
- Appreciates their longevity as a source of wisdom and inspiration
- Maintains integrity in the midst of multiple challenges
- Has a sense of belonging to a place and time in history
Ability to Reframe Stress
- Finds pleasure in times of rest and relaxation
- Energy is focused by knowing what works
- Enjoys reminiscing, and sharing memories with others
- Seeks to create a safety, and a peaceful existence
Sense of Purpose & Meaning
- Remains the narrator of their own life story
- Has come to peace with their belief about an afterlife
- Life satisfaction is maintained through quiet reflection
- Enjoys their role as the family and cultural historian
Family & Community Resilience
Sense of Competency
- Provide opportunities for individuals to develop skills to work and live independently
- Leaders demonstrate and promote community equality and justice
- Economic development and success is shared across neighborhoods
- Provides opportunities for healthy and affordable leisure activities for all
Caring & Respect of Self & Others
- Demonstrates fairness and inclusion in community decisions
- Families and individuals are invested in, and take pride in their communities
- All families are valued by their community
- All families are valued by their community
- Families feel they belong, and are engaged in civic groups/ clubs in their communities
Problem Solving & Coping Skills
- Resources and activities are available and used effectively
- Communities are prepared to prevent and respond in crisis situations
- Individuals participate in action that is mutually beneficial
- Families and communities are interdependent, but also promote self-reliance
Optimism & Hope for the Future
- Communities are committed to enhancing the quality of life for all
- Lifelong learning is valued and promoted
- People have, and create, meaningful opportunities to improve their communities
- Efforts to ensure community safety and growth are a priority
Ability to Reframe Stress
- Community challenges are viewed as opportunities for improvement
- Unmet needs are recognized and move communities to collective solutions
- Opportunities are created for quality housing, education, jobs, and health care
- All families have recreational, spiritual, and cultural outlets that improve community health
Sense of Purpose & Meaning
- Communities have a vision for the future, and celebrate success
- Communities and families are committed to enhance the skills and talents of future generations
- An individual’s sense of belonging contributes to the betterment of the community
- The wellbeing of families creates a shared identity and purpose