Resilience: research evidence and conceptual considerations for posttraumatic stress disorder

Abstract

The growing recognition and occurrence of traumatic exposure in the general population has given increased salience to the need to understand the concept of resilience. More than just the "flip side" of a risk factor, the notion of resilience encompasses psychological and biological characteristics, intrinsic to an individual, that might be modifiable and that confer protection against the development of psychopathology in the face of stress. In this review, we provide some perspective on the concept of "resilience" by examining early use of the term in research on "children at risk" and discuss the relationship between risk and resilience factors. We then review psychological and biological factors that may confer resilience to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following trauma, examine how resilience has been assessed and measured, and discuss issues to be addressed in furthering our understanding of this critical concept going forward.

Short-Form Mindfulness Training Protects Against Working Memory Degradation over High-Demand Intervals

“…This provides some evidence suggesting that the benefits of training-focused MT include stress reduction. However, prior to making strong conclusions, it is important to evaluate other stress-related measures, such as cortisol and related hormone levels (Hoge et al 2007). A multimodal investigation of stress is preferable due to concerns that military servicemembers may underreport levels of perceived stress or other psychological symptoms due to professional concerns or military culture (Langston et al 2007;GreeneShortridge et al 2007;Stanley et al 2011).…”

Does the Repressor Coping Style Predict Lower Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms?

“…2 More recently, they have inverted the traditional emphasis on risk, seeking instead to identify resilience variables that buffer people against PTSD. [3][4][5] Resilience programs may bolster stress-buffering traits, helping individuals acquire skills to recover from exposure to serious stressors. 6 Variables that foster resilience are not necessarily the mirror image of risk factors.…”

Resiliencia psicológica: Una aproximación hacia su conceptualización, enfoques teóricos y relación con el abuso sexual infantil

“…Así, otras críticas se han erigido en torno a: 1.-La inexistencia de un conjunto definitivo de elementos que constituyan factores de riesgo o de protección (Hoge, Austin & Pollack, 2007). Actualmente, éstos pueden ser cualquier variable que muestre un aumento o una disminución de resultados positivos y negativos.…”