Resilience and Human Development

Definition of Resilience

• Result of an interactive process between individual characteristics and environment
• Balancing difficult experiences with positive influences within family and community

Conceptual Model

• Scale Metaphor: Resilience likened to a scale with a fulcrum in the middle
  • Bad Experiences: Difficult things on one side
  • Good Experiences: Positive influences on the other side

Genetic Influence

• Genes determine initial position of fulcrum—sensitivity to effects
  • Some genes increase sensitivity to maltreatment, neglect, or violence
  • Fulcrum position affects impact of experiences

Role of Experience

• Experiences can shift the fulcrum
  • Positive experiences and coping skills move it towards positive outcomes
  • Genes react differently to varying situations
  • Gene expression affects stress response, anxiety, depressive symptoms

Building Resilience

• Accumulation of positive experiences and stress management skills
  • Shift fulcrum to favor positive outcomes

Importance of Relationships

• Presence of supportive adults is crucial to building resilience
  • Adults provide key relationships that help build resilience in children