Trauma has various aspects that affect our mental health ranging from natural disasters to global epidemic issues, economic crises to the early damages caused by ignorance. After traumatic experiences, every 1 person in 13 develops post-traumatic stress disorder.
On the other hand, there are people who have high level of psychological resilience, and easily adapt to adverse situations without losing their mental health. These highly resilient people have high level of self-efficacy, a positive view of life, patience and a certain level of humor as personal characteristics. In addition to the individual traits, external factors such as supportive social relationships, secure attachment with parents and familial well-being increase resilience.
According to the studies on the association between resilience and mental health, individuals who have a child abuse history have more tendency to develop depression. However, resilient people show less symptomology. In other words, resilience serves as a protective shield against pathology. In the context of covid – 19 studies, resilient people experience more post-traumatic growth, stress relief and less negative emotions.
So, how does a psychological intervention method should be if it aims to promote resilience? A study on children at high-risk group claims that the intervention method should focus on personal characteristics, familial relations, environmental conditions and self-concept. In the context of personal characteristics, it should promote problem-solving capacity, positive Outlook, openness to novel experiences and a belief that one can maintain a meaningful life. Familial relations focus on caregiver’s skill on child rearing and also other family member’s supportive approach. On the other hand, environmental factors are school, teachers, friends and people surrounding the child’s developmental life stages. Finally, we can positively affect child’s self–concept by modifying his self – esteem, self – confidence and self–efficacy.
To sum up, resilience is a remarkable aspect of mental health. We can develop intervention methods to promote resilience in different age groups in our society. Hence, we do not only deal with mental problems but also increase life satisfaction, life quality and mental health.
Asst. Prof. Alişan Burak Yaşar
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