Resilience to Loss and Potential Trauma

Abstract

Initial research on loss and potentially traumatic events (PTEs) has been dominated by either a psychopathological approach emphasizing individual dysfunction or an event approach emphasizing average differences between exposed and nonexposed groups. We consider the limitations of these approaches and review more recent research that has focused on the heterogeneity of outcomes following aversive events. Using both traditional analytic tools and sophisticated latent trajectory modeling, this research has identified a set of prototypical outcome patterns. Typically, the most common outcome following PTEs is a stable trajectory of healthy functioning or resilience. We review research showing that resilience is not the result of a few dominant factors, but rather that there are multiple independent predictors of resilient outcomes. Finally, we critically evaluate the question of whether resilience-building interventions can actually make people more resilient, and we close with suggestions for future research on resilience.

Depression and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms After Perinatal Loss in a Population-Based Sample

“…[7][8][9] Components of resilience may help explain some of our unexpected findings. With the generally increased psychosocial stressors among African Americans and their significantly lower usage of formal treatment, it is surprising to find that group trending (albeit not statistically significant) toward less distress than Caucasians.…”

“…5,6 Still others focus on a normative resilient response in which there may be little overt expression of grief and/or unexpected benefits. [7][8][9] While we are using a psychiatric, Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) categorization of emotional disorders such as depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), we respect different approaches to understanding the repercussions of perinatal loss.…”

Experiences applying the climate resilience framework: linking theory with practice

“…Significant differences exist in recovery from trauma. Large-scale population studies indicate that some individuals return to their prior psychological condition while others are disrupted over the long term or decline after a period or apparent normality (Bonanno, Westphal, and Mancini 2011;Bonanno et al 2012). This appears to be influenced by personal characteristics and external factors such as finances.…”

A Group Intervention Programme for Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse

“…One school of thought argues that some women resile and have a natural ability to recover from adversities and so may not require any intervention (Bonanno, Westphal & Mancini, 2011). A more traditional approach strongly advocates that women will require some form of intervention to survive and cope with the aftermath (Knight, 2009).…”