Increasing Resiliency to Hardship
Research with survivors of many types of calamities — including natural disasters, wars, domestic violence, severe illness, major accidents, and job-related losses — indicates variables that compassionate people can influence. Though an individual’s attitude, beliefs, and values are key factors in recovery, so too is the climate or culture in which the individual lives. Social scientists doing research on how children develop resiliency — that is, the ability to overcome obstacles and appropriately develop their potential — have identified certain factors that maximize a child’s likelihood of success. These factors or life circumstances are known as “assets.” In this context an asset is a personal circumstance or characteristic that enables an individual to limit self-destructive behaviours and pursue proactive ones.