Integrative review of the recent literature on human resilience: From concepts, theories, and discussions towards a complex understanding

Abstract

Resilience may be viewed as the capacity of an individual, or perhaps of a dynamic system, to adjust and adapt positively to adversities and disruptions that impact one’s functioning and development. Yet a common statement in the literature is that there are still today numerous ways of defining and conceiving resilience. This multiplicity of approaches calls for clarification and generates a need of common theoretical ground. Therefore, this review aims to examine, to clarify and to synthesize how “human” resilience is conceptualized within the recent human sciences literature to help answer the question: ‘What are the key approaches, concepts, and definitions of resilience?”. Following Whittemore and Knafl (2005, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2005.03621.x) methods, an integrative review of the recent resilience literature (2013–2019) was undertaken. Four databases were used for the search: PsycINFO, PubMed, ERIC, Google Scholar. A reference and citation tracking was then performed on the papers identified. Sixty-nine papers passed all the stages (identification, screening, eligibility, inclusion) and formed the sample. Results show that resilience definitions are nowadays either about “adapting and bouncing back to previous levels of health” or about “thriving and rising above the adversity towards increased levels of health.” Results also show that resilience features—antecedents, mechanisms, consequences—are mainly conceptualized in a vertical sequence where an antecedent influences another or influences a mechanism leading to consequences. This paper concludes that modern conceptions can fit within a transactional and constructivist approach that goes beyond the former approaches by providing a more nuanced and realistic picture of the resilience process and by viewing it as a dynamic and person-situation-defined process.

Coping and emotion regulation: A conceptual and measurement scoping review.

“…Several reasons support further research on coping and emotion regulation, as well as their measurement. Firstly, these two regulatory processes are critical to promote optimal psychological functioning and resilience in the face of stressors (Bonanno, 2004; Kalisch et al, 2015; Métais et al, 2022; Troy et al, 2023). Secondly, deficits in these processes are observed across various psychopathologies, highlighting their transdiagnostic nature (Aldao et al, 2010; Compas et al, 2017).…”

La polyvictimisation et la détresse psychologique comme médiateurs de la fugue chez les jeunes de minorités sexuelles.

“…La résilience externe comprend le soutien de la famille, des pair•es et de personnes significatives telles que les enseignant•es, ainsi que des systèmes, tels que de l'éducation et de la santé, qui permettent d'accéder à ce soutien (Liebenberg & Joubert, 2020). Les effets de la résilience sont décrits en termes de processus compensatoires et modérateurs (Métais et al, 2022). Les processus compensatoires empêchent ou neutralisent l'apparition de la violence ou de l'adversité, tandis que les processus modérateurs agissent pour atténuer les effets de la victimisation sur la santé.…”

Resilience In Higher Education-Factors

“…In this process we can identify three stages, namely: dealing with the new situation, understanding the problem, adapting / accepting, the concern to learn how the situation can be overcome, identifying solutions and deciding on the implementation of solutions. It is considered that the specificity of the context of adaptation to different situations and overcoming crises directly influences the definition of the concept (Métais et al, 2022;https://doi.org/10.15405/epes.23045.85 Corresponding Author: Gabriela Alina Anghel Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the Organizing Committee of the conference eISSN: 2672-815X Waxman et al, 2003). The concept of resilience can be better understood if the context of ots occurrence is delimited (Liddle, 1994).…”