Abstract

In the field of psychology, resilience is a phenomenon that has been subject to detailed examination. Resilience is understood as a multi-dimensional construct where individual attributes, family aspects and social environment all play a role in aiding individuals to deal with some form of adversity or vulnerability. Whilst there are many definitions of resilience based on theorists’ different perspectives, most agree that resilience is represented by a minimum of two aspects; first that there is an adversity, and second that resilience is demonstrated by the individual dealing with the adversity in a way that demonstrates competence or adaptation to the environment and situation in a positive manner. However, contemporary approaches to resilience derive from a strengths perspective, where information sought from the individual results in an increase in options for interventions and improved life outcomes. This approach contributes a prophylactic benefit to the individual, organization or community. It is this perceived prophylactic benefit that has contributed to the systematic adoption of the concept of resilience into a diversity of domains outside of psychology.