What is resilience?

Resilience refers to the ability to cope with difficult situations without sustaining significant harm to one’s self, both mentally and emotionally. This definition encompasses the notion that resilient individuals can face challenges, adversity, and stress while maintaining their psychological well-being and functioning effectively.

By being resilient, a person can manage stressors and overcome obstacles, and this experience can ultimately lead to personal growth and greater coping skills over time. It implies that while stress is unavoidable, resilience allows an individual to navigate through hardships, learn from them, and emerge stronger rather than succumbing to the pressure or being overwhelmed.

The focus on coping rather than merely avoiding stress is crucial in understanding resilience. It acknowledges life’s inherent challenges and highlights the skill of managing those challenges constructively. This understanding of resilience is especially significant in early childhood education, where children are encouraged to learn how to deal effectively with difficulties to foster their emotional and social development.