What is resilience and why is it necessary to cultivate it in children?

BarcelonaThe dictionary of the Institut d'Estudis Catalans (IEC) defines the term resilience as "an individual's ability to overcome an unfavorable or risky situation." This is a highly valued attitude in the adult world, especially in the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous context in which we currently live; therefore, it is an important skill to cultivate as soon as possible.

What are the implications of resilience in childhood?

According to the sixteenth FAROS report from San Juan de Dios Hospital, resilience in childhood has "important implications" for emotional health, academic performance, social functioning, and long-term developmental outcomes. This is stated in an article authored by Dr. Daphne Holt and Dr. Abigail L. Donovan, psychiatrists at Massachusetts General Hospital and associate professors at Harvard Medical School.

How does resilience help protect mental health?

Studies show that children with higher levels of resilience are less likely to experience anxiety, depression, and behavioral difficulties when facing adversity. For example, as Drs. Holt and Donovan point out, resilient children "regulate their emotions better and employ adaptive coping strategies, such as problem-solving or seeking social support during stressful times." These behaviors, they add, "contrast with maladaptive strategies, such as avoidance or withdrawal, which can often exacerbate a child's distress."

Is there any kind of link between resilience and academic success?

According to the FAROS report, resilient children tend to show "persistence, motivation, and self-regulation when faced with academic challenges." Doctors Holt and Donovan argue that resilience allows students to reinterpret failure as a learning opportunity. Furthermore, studies "have shown that perseverance and resilience predict academic success more strongly than IQ."

How does this resilience impact the social and family relationships of boys and girls?

Resilience also plays a central role in children's social development. Peer relationships, the FAROS study explains, are key to developing social competence, "but they are also a source of stress, since challenges such as rejection, conflict, and bullying generate distress." However, the report points out that resilient children tend to exhibit "stronger interpersonal skills, such as empathy, conflict resolution, and the ability to maintain positive relationships even after negative situations." The report also highlights that resilience is key within the family, as many children face stressful situations with family transitions, such as divorce, financial difficulties, or parental illness. The research, however, confirms that resilient children "maintain a sense of stability and competence even in the face of these challenges, especially when they have the support of at least one attentive and responsive adult." And how does this impact the long-term resilience of these children?

The impact of resilience extends beyond childhood. As Holt and Donovan point out, children who demonstrate resilience are more likely to become adults "with strong coping mechanisms, positive self-esteem, and the ability to adapt to life's changes." However, the authors emphasize that resilience does not imply the absence of difficulties, "but rather the ability to access available resources and maintain adaptive functioning." This, along with the fact that "resilience is not static but can be cultivated over time," means that during children's early years, it is crucial to emphasize "supportive relationships, opportunities to develop skills, and environments that foster autonomy and problem-solving."