Academics have defined resilience as comprised of seven abilities that can be measured and improved with psychological intervention. We use a person’s overall Resilience Quotient (RQ) to predict success in the real world.
Some of the traits that we look for include:
- The ability to regulate emotions and stay calm under pressure
- Impulse control
- Empathy
- Optimism
- The Ability to accurately identify the causes of their problems with adequate optimism
- Self-efficacy (confidence)
- Reaching out
Resilience is impacted by early childhood experiences, however, negative experiences do not determine your levels of resilience. The same hardships in childhood can result in a highly achieved resilient adult or in an adult who is plagued by anxiety and not functioning at an optimal level. The skills to be resilient can be taught regardless of your personal history.
Resilience affects not only your functioning in the world and/or your ability to compete (i.e., for a work position, at school, in athletic training, or in entrepreneurial pursuits) but there is highly specialized knowledge in other areas of resilience:
- Resilience in marriage or long-term relationships
- Resilience in parenting
- Resilience at work
- Resilience for life
At Dr. Eliana Cohen Psychology in Toronto, we want to help you master your resilience and use it to improve the areas listed above. To learn more, give us a call to schedule your appointment today.
Reference:
The Resilience Factor (Reivich K., Shatte A., 2002)