Definition
A process of adaptation after a test, supported by personal, relational, cultural and material resources.
Resilience can include relapses, sustainable vulnerabilities and identity transformation, and depends on housing, security, care, justice and social support.
To be retained
- Seeing a process rather than heroism
- Recognizing collective resources
- Observe rhythms
- Seek care if necessary
Origin of the term and context
The term comes from the Latin resilire, "birch". Used in physics, it was taken up in psychology and social sciences to describe adaptation trajectories, not an individual magic quality.
Why does it matter?
Research shows a great diversity of trajectories after adversity. No ritual, state of mind or character alone guarantees recovery; the environment plays a major role.
- Seeing a process rather than heroism
- Recognizing collective resources
- Observe rhythms
- Seek care if necessary
How can it be explored or practised?
- Identify three concrete support available
- Reducing a target to the next step
- Protecting sleep and basic needs
- Consult when symptoms persist or worsen
Misconceptions and points of caution
- "Be resilient" can become an injunction.
- Pain is not always a source of growth.
- Spirituality does not replace trauma care.
Perspectives from different traditions
- Psychology: interactions between individuals, entourage and context.
- Stoicism: working on its answer without denying constraints.
- Religious communities: narratives, rituals and collective support.
To go further
- A wonderful misfortune — Boris Cyrulnik, to be completed by contemporary research
- Ordinary Magic — Ann Masten