TITLE

How to Build Resilience in Hard Times

DESCRIPTION

What an important article by the fabulous science writer of the NY Times Jane E. Brody!  In this article she addresses the difficulties that people go through in their lives including the current continuing pandemic.   How individuals cope in hard times is the focus of the article.   Coping is an important psychological trait that is has to be cultivated and learned over time as we grow and develop.  Once important aspect of coping is the theme of the article:  RESILIENCE.  

“One way is to call upon an age-old characteristic that enables us to weather adversity: resilience. Resilience is the ability to roll with the punches, “because if you’re brittle, you’ll break,” said Pauline Boss, professor emeritus at the University of Minnesota and author of the recently published book, “The Myth of Closure.” … “Resilience allows us to adapt to stress and maintain one’s equilibrium when faced with adversity. “When resilient people are confronted with a crisis that takes away their ability to control their lives, they find something they can control,” Dr. Boss said.”  The article discusses how resilience develops as a personality trait and further, and most importantly, provides the lessons to develop the trait.   

This article can be used with text chapters related to development, stress and health, and personality.

SOURCE

New York Times, January 31, 2022, by Jane E. Brody

LINK TO RESOURCE

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/31/well/mind/building-resilience-loss.html?smid=em-share

(Tiny URL)  https://tinyurl.com/2p82kx2d

CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

•What is “resilience” according to the article?

•Are we born with the resilience trait or does it develop over time?   Explain and provide examples.

•What guidelines are listed in the article to help cope and build resilience?