Bill Tidd, M.A., CASAC, CEAP
EAP Director

Definition of Resilience - (1) The capability of a strained body to recover its size and shape after deformation caused especially by compressive stress and (2) an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change.

Ever wonder why people who encounter the same or similar type of challenge or crisis have very different outcomes psychologically? Stated another way, why do some people find it very hard to continue to function while others seem to have somehow become stronger and function amazingly well?

The term that is often used to describe this experience is known as resilience, which appears to be composed of several factors and has been highly researched. It's something Americans are certainly interested in as we navigate our complicated and fast-paced life style.

I recently had the opportunity to attend a one-day seminar on the topic of resilience and the presenter stated in his opening remarks that "We will just be scratching the surface of the emerging body of research and literature on resilience." This announcement confirmed the fact that there isn't any secret or magical technique that we can quickly turn to during stressful times. So much for the bad news.

But the good news is that researchers and clinicians have identified factors that when pieced together, help us better understand the qualities that contribute to one's resilience. In an article written in the Harvard Business Review in May 2002, Diane L. Coutu summarized what resilient people do into three categories:

1. A staunch acceptance of reality - During difficult times it is easy to become overly optimistic, attempt to avoid the conflict or deny its presence. However, looking at the world through "rose colored glasses" is seldom helpful. Resilient people have the ability to appropriately assess their situations and realistically create strategies for how they will proceed.

2. A deep belief, often buttressed by strongly held values, that life is meaningful - A theme that runs throughout the resilience literature is the importance of values, a sense of purpose and having a meaning to our lives. Everyone's ship needs a rudder, especially during difficult times!

3. An uncanny ability to improve - While we like to think of ourselves as being flexible, the truth is that this is often an illusion. Human behavior is composed of thousands of patterns that we repeat over and over because we think they are useful. The research suggests that we are not really all that different at work, at home or in the community. We repeat these patterns daily because we assume they are serving us well, which may or may not be true. Resilient people possess the ability to improvise, be more flexible and alter patterns that are not benefiting them or others.

Years ago at a workshop I attended, the speaker offered the audience his definition of insanity. I readied my pen with the expectation of jotting down some elaborate mental Health, psychiatric phrase composed by a distinguished group of highly trained, experienced professionals. What he said was quite different, but most insightful:

Insanity - Doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome!

This phrase is at the heart of resilience because people who accept reality, build meaning into their lives and understand the importance of adapting to different situations tend to experience the benefits of resilience, which is to have more joy and fulfillment in life and avoid insanity.

For more information about our stress management presentations or to schedule a consultation with an EAP counselor, contact 1-800-EAP-1223. Also you may want to visit the American Psychological Associations Website with more information pertaining to resilience.