Comments on: Resilience as a Life Skill

By: Senia

Senia — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 21:06:44 +0000

Sherri, you – like George – write about the science in the context of the people. I think it’s so telling about Timothy how you outlined him and then summarized the resilience points that he and others like him must use to get farther. Thank you much,
S.

By: Nicholas Hall

Nicholas Hall — Wed, 13 May 2009 23:14:53 +0000

Wonderful story, Sherri. There are several things about resilient adults that I hadn’t heard before, including that resilient adults had goals even as children.

The six sequential tasks of adult development was a great one to put in here and list how Timothy met those tasks. I’m glad you were able to tie the Atlantic story in with this.

Cheers,
Nick

By: Sherri Fisher

Sherri Fisher — Wed, 13 May 2009 21:19:57 +0000

Hi, Marie-Jo,
I agree that there is more to Resilience than having more accurate thoughts, since you need to set goals, make good choices, have good habits, etc., or you may end up doing the same thing but expecting different results. That does not lead to better outcomes.

I had never read the books (the Werner/Smith and Vaillant ones) side by side before this, though I read both in MAPP. The 8 common factors are retrospective, but worth considering when working with clients who are moving forward!
Sherri

By: Marie-Josee Salvas

Marie-Josee Salvas — Wed, 13 May 2009 20:41:18 +0000

That’s a great story, Sherri! Loved reading it! Also loved your top 8 factors of resilience – it’s time we go beyond CBT and integrate a few additional and important tools to our “positive psychology toolbox” and your suggestions do it very well! Thanks for this contribution!
Warmly,
MarieJ