Emotional resilience is defined as "the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties" (dictionary.com). It involves having the ability to manage stressful situations effectively without becoming overwhelmed or losing hope. Research has shown that people who are emotionally resilient tend to be more satisfied with their lives overall. This can lead to improved physical health, better job performance, and stronger relationships.
It's important to note that emotional resilience does not come naturally for everyone. In fact, some individuals may have experienced relational marginalization, which can negatively impact their ability to develop emotional resilience.
Relational marginalization refers to the process of being excluded or isolated from social networks due to one's identity, behavior, or beliefs.
Someone who identifies as LGBTQ+ may experience relational marginalization if they live in an area where there aren't many other members of the community. Someone who is disabled may feel marginalized if their friends and family don't know how to communicate with them effectively. And someone who holds unpopular political views may find themselves feeling left out of certain groups.
The effects of relational marginalization on emotional resilience are significant. When we're consistently excluded or ostracized by those around us, it can be difficult to maintain a positive outlook on life. We might start to believe that we're not worthy of love or belonging, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation. These negative emotions can then become self-perpetuating, further damaging our sense of self-worth and increasing our vulnerability to depression and anxiety.
There are ways to build emotional resilience even after experiencing relational marginalization. One approach is to practice mindfulness meditation, which involves paying attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This can help you recognize when you're starting to slip into negative thought patterns and interrupt them before they spiral out of control. Another strategy is to seek out supportive relationships, whether online or in person, where you can connect with others who share similar experiences.
Engaging in activities that bring you joy, such as hobbies or creative pursuits, can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment outside of your social network.
It's also important to acknowledge that emotional resilience isn't always something that can be achieved alone. Sometimes, professional help from a therapist or counselor may be necessary to address the underlying issues causing relational marginalization. With appropriate treatment, individuals can learn new coping skills and develop healthier relationships moving forward.
Emotional resilience emerges from our ability to cope with challenges and setbacks in a productive way. By recognizing and responding to difficult situations with compassion and understanding, we can foster a stronger sense of inner strength and well-being.
How does emotional resilience emerge from experiences of relational marginalization?
Emotional resilience is often characterized as the capacity to adaptively adjust to adversity, such as experiencing relational marginalization. Experiences of social exclusion, rejection, and alienation can lead to feelings of anger, shame, despair, hopelessness, fear, isolation, and self-doubt.