Abstract

TABOADA, Nina G.; LEGAL, Eduardo J.  and  MACHADO, Nivaldo. Resilience: looking for a concept. Rev. bras. crescimento desenvolv. hum. [online]. 2006, vol.16, n.3, pp. 104-113. ISSN 0104-1282.

The present work aimed to investigate in the specialized literature the main definitions of resilience and its operational concepts. Generally speaking, resilience is understood as the process in which the individual is able to overcome adversities, adjusting himself in a healthy way to his context. In view of the diversity of definitions that were found, these were grouped into three main axes, considering resilience as an adaptation/overcoming process; an innate/acquired process; a circumstantial/permanent process. Due to the need of understanding other subjects directly related to resilience, the work presents sections that approach: stress, coping and their relations with resilience; risk factors, protection factors and vulnerability. It is clear that there is a lack of clear operational definitions concerning the phenomenon, and it is suggested that resilience can be understood as a strategy of coping with positive and even transforming results.

Keywords : Resilience; Stress; Coping behavior; Risk factors.

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