A general
definition of resilience (Cooper, Flint-Taylor, & Pearn, 2013) is
"being able to bounce back from setbacks and to keep going in the face of
tough demands and difficult circumstances, including the enduring strength that
builds from coping well with challenging or stressful events" (p. 15).
That definitely sounds like something that is needed for writing a
dissertation!
There are a number
of characteristics associated with resilience found in the literature, including
the capacity to accept and confront reality, ability to find meaning in life,
ability to improvise (Coutu, 2003), hardiness, commitment, control, and
challenge (Maddi & Khoshada, 2005). Military based studies have indicated
that resilience is an ability to bond with a group with a common mission,
having a high value placed on altruism (unselfish concern for others), and the
capacity to tolerate high levels of fear and still perform effectively
(Charney, 2004). Other positive factors include optimism and conscientiousness.
Factors not related to resilience are chronic anger and hostility, neuroticism,
negative affect, and having a socially dominant style (Smith, 2006).
I hope by now that
you are convinced that resilience is a strong asset in completing a
dissertation. Starting next week, I will discuss some ways to build resilience
and apply it to the dissertation process.
Next time, we will look at luck and the dissertation in
honor of Friday the 13th. Do
you have an issue or a question that you would like me to discuss in a future
post? Send me an email with your ideas. leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu
Charney, D. S. (2004).
Psychobiological mechanisms of resilience and vulnerability: Implications for
successful adaptation to extreme stress. Focus,
2, 368-391.
Cooper, C., Flint-Taylor, J., &
Pearn, M. (2013). Building resilience for
success: A resource for managers and organizations. NY: Palgrave.
Coutu, D. L. (2003). How
resistance works. In Harvard Business Review on building personal and organizational
resilience. Boston: Harvard Business
School Publishing Corporation.
Maddi, S. R. & Khoshada, D.
M. (2005). Resilience at work: How to
succeed no matter what life throws at you. MJF Books.
Smith, T. W. (2006). Personality
as risk and resilience in physical health. Current
Directions in Psychological Science, 15(5), 227-231.
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