The Resilient Self: How Survivors of Troubled Families Rise Above Adversity Paperback – March 16, 1993

Although written several years ago, this remains a valuable book for anyone who has or is facing adversity. Interestingly, many of the ideas in the book, which were based on a great deal of clinical observation, have actually been born out by empirical research.One of the least helpful ideas that entered the mainstream of pop psychology was the notion that we are robots who can be programmed to behave dysfunctionally by adverse life events. That simple notion missed the fact that many people who have had awful life experiences turn out just fine, and others who seemed to enjoy every advantage have developed enormous problems. The fact is that we are a composite of our genes and our life experiences. And the genes in the brain do not so much determine our behavior, as predispose us to how we react to the environment. There is also increasing evidence that mental states may impact gene expression. So positive thoughts and emotions may be able to overcome or ameliorate the impact of negative experiences. Enter the notion of resilience, which has a genetic component, but can also be learned.This book revolves around the idea that triumph over adversity involves seven key components:1. Insight2. Independence3. Robust relationships4. Initiative5. Creativity6. Humor7. MoralityEach chapter is loaded with evaluations and advice on strengthening these key characteristics.The model deals only with psychological resilience, with a few nods toward physical and spiritual resilience.Warmly recommended.

I purchased this book as a required text book for a counseling class. If you are trapped in the victim trap or influence someone who is, I highly recommend this book! I think the authors help bring healing and life through this book. I highly recommend it for personal or professional use!

A good book, very technical.

Loved the real stories of those who not only survived but demonstrated hope for the orders. I appreciated how it is possible to help survivors see themselves differently through reframing.

Excellent book. Not based on actual research, but it is still incredibly valuable and insightful. This book is tremendously helpful and interesting for anyone who has experienced a troubled family or anyone who is interested in this topic in general. This book was recommended to my class by a professor, so I had to pick it up and read it. Very happy that I did.

This is an amazing book. A must-read for everyone.

An excellent read. I recommend it to anyone with an abusive past.

School required text book. Decent enough

This book is very insightful, it brings in a few different concepts or degrees of resilience, so that you can understand the different types of resilience and challenge yourself in growing in these areas. My thanks go to the colleague who recommended this. David rawcliffe

Excellent, informative book i highly recommend you read it for a great insight into the resilience of the human mind.

I'll totally recommend this book to a friend!

Good, uplifting book. How to turn a traumatic event into a different, positive perspective.

「リジリアンス」という新しい言葉に、トラウマに向き合うのとは別の部分で過去を乗り越えて人生をよくしていける方法があるのかと思い読んでみたが、本書でもトラウマに向き合う方法が書かれていた。痛みに向き合い乗り越えた上で「実はそこにあった力」に着目するということのように読めたので、まったく新しい考え方ではなくトラウマに向き合うことにもう一つプラスしましょうというものだと思う。どちらにせよトラウマに向き合うことなしに過去は乗り越えられないのだなと思った。けれど、マイナスばかりだと思っていた自分の過去の一面に光が当たることは確かだと思う。七種類のリジリアンスの中に自分の性格に近いものが必ず見つかる。それを知ったとき、心は少し癒されるのではないだろうか。文章はやや難解。