Let’s talk about resilience!

The concept of “resilience” is now firmly established in everyday language. In this information-driven society, we’ve all heard of it.

Yet, it’s not uncommon to find that this term remains rather vague for many people.

So, what exactly is this magical concept?

There are a number of definitions that differ depending on the theoretical positions, which contributes to the difficulty we have in defining it precisely. It is, above all, a concept rich in possibilities and potential, and one that has the advantage of highlighting each individual’s resources.

In simpler terms, we can say that resilience is our ability to bounce back from major life difficulties or traumas, our capacity to mobilize our resources to rebuild ourselves in the face of adversity.

To speak of resilience, one must therefore confront an event experienced as traumatic in the individual’s subjectivity. It is a complex, dynamic, and, above all, reconstructive process.

It is therefore not about “going back to how we were before” or even transforming into an “invincible superhuman,” but rather, as Humbeck (2015) so aptly puts it, about achieving a “neo-development” that allows us to find a new way of functioning through a genuine process of finding meaning.

It can be present in each of us, though it may manifest differently. While certainly fostered by positive experiences and a secure attachment style during childhood, it remains
evolving throughout life. Thus, “Every human being is born with an innate capacity for resilience, because there exists within them an innate tendency toward growth and development.” (Rufo M., In Poletti and Dobbs, 2017).

What promotes resilience?

Resilience is made possible by various “resilience factors.” These include an individual’s internal resources, positive life experiences, a secure and supportive environment, and sometimes even professional guidance to stimulate them. It must be initiated by the individual themselves to empower them to be the author and agent of their own change process.

Among external resilience factors, “resilience mentors” play a crucial role. These are individuals who, through their attitude, behavior, and the image they project, facilitate this rebuilding process. They may be part of the family, social, educational, or professional spheres, or even healthcare professionals.

In conclusion…

Admittedly, we don’t yet fully understand the dynamics of the resilience process, and its definition remains multifaceted. This concept sometimes feels like a catch-all phrase, and its extensive media coverage can be a double-edged sword. It can lead to a false Darwinian belief that only resilient individuals can overcome adversity. It is therefore important to remember that resilience is not a fixed and rigid state, but a dynamic process whose potential lies within each of us at different points in our lives.

Furthermore, it is a multifactorial concept, rich in all its complexity. Its plasticity allows for a broader range of possibilities and a holistic perspective. We can affirm that this concept allows us to shift our view of a person’s potential for recovery after trauma, to believe in their internal resources and capacity for rebuilding. In this respect, it seems inseparable from the support work provided in the field of victimology.

Rebecca Saintes
Clinical Psychologist

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Source :
Cyrulnik B, Delage M. (2010). Famille et Résilience. Editions Odile Jacobs.
Cyrulnik B.(1999). Un merveilleux malheur. Editions Odile Jacobs.
Humbeecq B. (2015). De blanche neige à Harry Potter, des histoires pour rebondir : La résilience en question.
Editions Mols.
Manciaux M. and co (2001). La résilience, résister et se construire. Editions Médecine et Hygiène, coll. « Cahiers médicaux-sociaux ».
Poletti R., Dobbs B.(2017). La résilience, l’art de rebondir. Editions Jouvence.