Most of us know people we’d classify as survivors. Perhaps they were physically or sexually abused as children, raised by alcoholic parents, or exposed to hardships severe enough to make them unlikely candidates for success. But somehow these survivors emerge from their negative environments with hope and confidence.

The capacity to maintain competent functioning in spite of adversity or life stressors is called resiliency. Resiliency is the sense that adversity can be overcome, that there is life beyond the obstacles of today. Resilient individuals are those who, despite hardships and at-risk factors, learn to cope and even succeed.

Resiliency research suggests that certain characteristics persist in people who develop a resilient approach to life.

Ten Characteristics of Resilient Individuals

1.  A vibrant faith and the ability to use that faith to maintain a positive vision of meaningful life.
2. A strong commitment to self.
3. A willingness to take action and deal with problems. They see life's obstacles as challenges that can overcome.
4. A positive attitude toward their environment.
5. An easygoing temperament.
6. Verbal and communication skills.
7. A sense of direction or mission, such as evidence of a special talent, passion, faith, or strong interest.
8. A capacity to understand and respond to others' feeling.
9. A sense of humor.
10. The ability to think and act apart from troubled caretakers. 

One factor emerge over and over again in resiliency research and literature; resiliency comes through supportive relationships! The most significant resiliency influence is a caring, warm, and enduring relationship with an older adult or mentor. Unconditional love appears to provide young people with a positive, hopeful sense that the odds faced in life can be overcome. (Also see: Grace, Mentoring)

More Great Discussion on Resiliency:

•  V. Bailey Gillespie, Gary L. Hopkins, and Stuart Tyner. "Making Students Bulletproof," in The Journal of Adventist Education. December 1998-January 1999, 10-14.

From: ABZ’s of Adventist Youth Ministry
Permission to copy for use in the local congregation or group.