greater flexibility of thinking and exploration, a broadened focus of attention and decreased autonomic activity17. Resilience has been linked to being able to perceive stressful events in less threatening ways, promoting adaptive coping strategies13; such cognitive reappraisal allows individuals to re-evaluate or reframe adverse experiences in a more positive light. Social competence and the ability to harness social support have also been linked to better mental well-being and health. Increased social support has buffering effects on mental and physical illness and fosters adaptive coping strategies13. Other psychosocial characteristics associated with stress resilience include a sense of purpose in life, a moral compass, spirituality and the ability to find meaning in the midst of trauma8,13,18,19.
