Speaking of Psychology Building resilience in the face of adversity, with George Bonanno, PhD
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May 21, 2025 George Bonanno, PhD, a Professor of Psychology at Columbia University, dives deep into the human capacity for resilience. He explores how people can survive trauma without lasting effects and emphasizes the role of cognitive flexibility in navigating tough times. Bonanno discusses adaptability as a learned skill and separates the differences between trauma and challenges. He highlights therapeutic strategies for managing mental health and shares insights into supporting veterans during their transitions, all while showcasing the extraordinary ways humanity copes with adversity.
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Understanding Resilience
- Resilience is defined as a stable trajectory of healthy functioning after exposure to extreme adversity or trauma.
- It is not just a trait; it is an outcome people achieve through adaptation.
Flexibility Drives Resilience
- Resilience requires regulatory or behavioral flexibility to adapt to situational challenges.
- People vary in their ability to adapt which influences their resilience.
Samuel Pepys's Trauma Diary
- Samuel Pepys's 1666 diary documented symptoms like nightmares after the Great London Fire, a rare early account of trauma.
- This shows trauma symptoms existed historically but were not well understood or acknowledged.