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What Is Human Resilience and Why Does It Matter?

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Psychopathology in Women

Abstract

The concept of human resilience is gaining popularity. It has also become a key priority in health, wellbeing and sustainable development policies. But, what is resilience? Given the heightened interest, we need to be explicit about what it is. Resilience has been the centre of psychology and psychiatry. The concept was primarily conceived at the individual level, as a capacity that enables some people to thrive and grow in spite of adversity. However, a narrow focus on inner capacity ignores the outer social world and structures in which lives are embedded. As research on resilience has expanded beyond the mental health field, a more nuanced understanding of the term has emerged. It emphasizes that the cultural context within which individuals live coupled with structural factors— such us unequal power dynamics and social inequalities—are key determinants in supporting or undermining individuals and communities’ resilience. Ignoring these broader dimensions has four implications: (i) it pathologizes natural responses to adversity and trauma; (ii) it creates a bias towards implementing Western-centric policies that do not take into account the complexity of resilience processes across cultures; (iii) it highlights that individuals are held responsible for how they deal with adversity, instead of transforming the system, which increases risks and social inequalities; and (iv) it fosters implementation of gender-blind policies and practices that further exacerbate existing gender inequalities. Resilience is not a neutral concept, but is influenced by conflicting views and values. Researchers, practitioners and policymakers require a holistic understanding moving from definitions to being aware of the political and practical implications of different perspectives.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    This includes (i) the Connor-Davidson resilience scale, (ii) the briefing resilience scale and (iii) the resilience scale for adults.

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    Paula Silva-Villanueva

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    Margarita Sáenz-Herrero

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Silva-Villanueva, P. (2019). What Is Human Resilience and Why Does It Matter?. In: Sáenz-Herrero, M. (eds) Psychopathology in Women. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-15179-9_2

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