Resilience is defined as:
“A measure of the ability to cope with stress and thrive when faced with adversity” (Connor & Davidson, 2003).
“The capacity to respond to stress in a healthy way such that goals are achieved at minimal psychological and physical cost; resilient individuals ‘bounce back’ after challenges while also growing stronger” (Epstein & Krasner, 2013).
Medical practice and training has associated challenges. Fostering resilience helps reduce the harm of stress associated with these challenges and prevent burnout and also supports success after difficult experiences (Houpy et al, 2017). Resilience can be learned (Epstein & Krasner, 2013). Strategies for developing and maintaining resilience include self-awareness and monitoring, self-regulation, and a supportive community. This activity covers some fundamental skills that will help you with these strategies:
- Mindulness
- Cognitive Restructuring (Changing your thinking to improve your wellbeing)
- Managing Fears, Anxiety, Anger, Sterss, and Overwhelm
- Self Care
References
Connor KM, Davidson JRT. Development of a New Resilience Scale: The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Depress Anxiety. 2003;18(2):76-82. doi:10.1002/da.10113. PMID: 12964174.
Epstein RM, Krasner MS. Physician Resilience: What It Means, Why It Matters, and How to Promote It. Acad Med. March 2013;88(3):301-303. doi:10.1097/ACM.0b013e318280cff0. PMID: 23442430.
Houpy JC, Lee WW, Woodruff JN, Pincavage AT. Medical student resilience and stressful clinical events during clinical training. Med Educ Online. May 2, 2017;22(1). doi:10.1080/10872981.2017.1320187. PMCID: PMC5419301. PMID: 28460570.
Self-Check
Quiz
