The ability to cope with a cancer diagnosis and the aftermath of treatment often requires an inner strength that supports an individual’s ability to rebound and recover. This strength is often referred to as “resilience.” Resiliency is defined as the ability to adapt to a stressful situation and come out a strong and more resourceful person, having gained something positive from a negative experience.
This positive adaptation has been studied by researchers for many years, as they try to identify why some people are able to overcome adversity, and others are not. The study of resilience has its roots in developmental psychology and the study of children who were exposed to high levels of adversity.
What Is Resiliency?
The 2 main contributing factors in promoting resilience are cognitive abilities and positive relationships. Individuals with cancer, or with other serious illnesses, who are able to identify their stressors and actively manage their stress gain more strength and may become more resilient. Resilience for cancer survivors may include finding meaning in the experience, despite the trauma it may present.
Resilient individuals have developed tools and techniques necessary to effectively navigate through a crisis, and have the ability to balance the negative and positive emotions that come with adversity and hardship. One of the most important skills in developing resiliency requires that people change the way they think.
Your ability to alter negative perceptions and view obstacles as a challenge, and focusing on what you can learn from the experience, may help you to build resilience. Resiliency also requires that you change how you act. Seek out people who make you feel better, and build on those relationships; practice good self-care by relaxing your mind and body, and seek and find help when you need it. Accepting your own limitations, and acknowledging your need for support, are important steps in gaining strength.
Characteristics of Resilient People
Resilience may be the result of a combination of factors, including a supportive and loving family, your educational level, and a clear sense of belonging to a larger community. Resilient individuals:
- Tend to have a positive self-concept
- Are confident of their strengths
- Are able to communicate effectively
- Are able to solve problems and manage strong emotions.
These skills develop over time and are generally not inherited. Even individuals who have had to overcome severe hardships as children have the ability to become resilient adults.
Resilient individuals possess a positive and proactive personality, a sense of control over their life, and are flexible and adaptable. They may demonstrate balance and perspective about their life, and have strong social support. Engaging in social activities, such as hobbies, exercise, and spending time with friends and family, is also a strong predictor of a resilient personality.
Resiliency in Cancer Survivors
Is it possible for cancer survivors to experience positive life changes after a cancer diagnosis? The answer is yes. Personal growth can happen at any time, and all individuals have the potential to build on strengths.
People who have an appreciation of life, who relate well with others, and experience a spiritual change after a trauma, including a cancer diagnosis, are resilient.
You can build a stronger and more resilient personality in several ways:
- Try to avoid feeling overwhelmed, accept the situation, and keep it in perspective
- Be confident, decisive, and look for opportunities for self-discovery even in the most stressful of situations
- Expect the positive to happen, and imagine this as your reality
- Maintain good relationships with family and friends, and take care of your mind and body
Managing positive and negative experiences in life keeps it in balance and gives us the confidence we need to be resilient and strong, even in the face of cancer. Even living with cancer offers growth and new possibilities.
