Resilience is often thought of as an individual quality that allows one to persist through difficult circumstances.
There are growing ideas in psychology and neuroscience that suggest it may be better understood as something more dynamic and social. Resilience can be framed as relational tenderness, openness, and creative adaptability rather than mere endurance. In this article, we will explore what these concepts mean and how they relate to resilience.
Relational Tenderness refers to the ability to form strong connections with others and maintain them over time. It involves empathy, compassion, and emotional intelligence. People who exhibit relational tenderness are able to understand the needs and perspectives of those around them and respond accordingly. They also have the capacity to forgive and rebuild broken relationships. This type of resilience requires a willingness to listen, communicate, and negotiate, all of which require effort and skill. When faced with challenges, such as conflict or loss, people with high levels of relational tenderness seek out support from their network of friends and family members. They work together to find solutions and support each other through difficult times.
Openness refers to the willingness to consider new ideas and perspectives. People who exhibit this trait are curious, flexible, and open-minded. They are comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty, and they see potential for growth in different situations. Openness helps individuals cope with change by allowing them to view it as an opportunity rather than a threat. By staying open to new information, individuals can adjust their approach and make changes when necessary. This type of resilience is particularly important in today's rapidly changing world, where technology and globalization create new opportunities but also pose new risks.
Creative Adaptability refers to the ability to generate novel solutions to problems. This type of resilience requires creativity, imagination, and resourcefulness. Individuals who exhibit this trait are able to think outside the box and come up with innovative ways to solve problems. They are not afraid to take risks and try new things. Creative adaptability is essential for overcoming obstacles and finding new paths forward. In times of crisis, individuals with high levels of creative adaptability may be able to develop new skills, explore alternative career options, or start their own business.
These three types of resilience represent a more holistic and relational understanding of the concept. Rather than simply enduring challenges on one's own, people who exhibit relational tenderness, openness, and creative adaptability are better equipped to navigate life's ups and downs. They have strong social networks that support them through difficult times, and they are able to find new ways to grow and thrive. These qualities are not innate; they can be developed through practice and training.
Resilience should be reframed as a relational, dynamic quality rather than solely an individual one. It involves emotional intelligence, curiosity, and creativity. By cultivating these traits, individuals can build stronger relationships and find new pathways to success.
Can resilience be reframed as relational tenderness, openness, and creative adaptability rather than mere endurance?
Resilience can be defined as "the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties", according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary (2019). The concept of resilience is often associated with survival strategies that help individuals deal with adversity and overcome challenging circumstances.