How is psychological resilience primarily defined?

Psychological resilience is primarily defined as the ability to adapt and recover from adversity and stress. This concept emphasizes the process of bouncing back from challenging situations, rather than the absence of stress or adversity. Individuals who exhibit resilience typically have the capacity to navigate difficult circumstances, cope with obstacles effectively, and even emerge stronger from such experiences.

Resilience involves developing coping strategies, making use of social support, and fostering a positive mindset that allows individuals to manage stress and adversity dynamically. It is about growth and recovery in the face of hardship rather than avoiding stress or maintaining a consistently positive mood, both of which do not encompass the full range of human emotional experience and response. Being overly cautious and risk-averse represents a different psychological trait, focusing more on avoidance and fear rather than resilience and adaptability. Thus, the correct response highlights the active process of dealing with and overcoming challenges.