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Cited by 639Resilience and Mental HealthOptimism, Hope, and Well-beingCancer survivorship and care

What is resilience? An integrative review of the empirical literature.

Open access
Aburn, Gemma, Gott, Merryn, Hoare, Karen·2016·Journal of Advanced Nursing
DOI 10.1111/jan.12888
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Abstract

Aim: To use systematic methods to examine how resilience is defined in empirical research. Background: Resilience is a term that is increasingly being used to describe and explain the complexities of individual and group responses to traumatic and challenging situations. It is now frequently mentioned in relation to many areas of nursing practice, including research. Given the increasing use of the term, it is timely to examine how resilience has been defined in empirical research. Design: An integrative review of the empirical literature (2000–2015). Data sources: Three health‐related databases were searched: Medline, Psyc INFO and the Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL). Reference and citation tracking was performed on all articles included in the review. Review methods: The methods described by Whittemore and Knafl were used to guide this review. Two reviewers were involved in screening articles for inclusion and in the data extraction process. Data were synthesized using the constant comparative method of analysis. Results: One hundred articles were included in the final data analysis. The most significant finding of the review was that there is no universal definition of resilience. There were, however, some common themes identified: rising above, adaptation and adjustment, dynamic process, ‘ordinary magic’ and mental illness as a marker of resilience. Conclusion: Despite the increasing use of the term ‘resilience’, this review has identified that there is no universal definition of resilience adopted in the research literature. Further research is required to explore this construct in the context of nursing.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This integrative review examined how resilience is defined in empirical research published from 2000 to 2015 and found no universally accepted definition. Across 100 included studies, resilience was most often described through five themes: overcoming adversity, adaptation/adjustment, “ordinary magic,” good mental health as a proxy, and the ability to bounce back.

Key findings

  • No universal definition of resilience was identified; many authors described a “myriad” of definitions and called for a coherent definition. Of the 100 studies analyzed, 75 provided an original definition but also cited other researchers, 2 provided only their own original definitions, and 25 drew on definitions from other sources.
  • Five key themes underpinned definitions of resilience: rising above to overcome adversity, adaptation and adjustment, “ordinary magic,” good mental health as a proxy for resilience, and the ability to bounce back.
  • Resilience was frequently described as contextual and dynamic, not static; for example, Gartland et al. (2011) described it as “a dynamic process across contexts and throughout the life span.”
  • The most cited resilience researchers were Ann Masten (38 studies), Michael Rutter (34 of 95 studies), Norman Garmezy (25 studies), and George Bonanno (13 articles); Suniya Luthar and Dante Cicchetti were collectively cited by 18 studies.

Methods

  • Integrative review using Whittemore and Knafl’s methodology, PRISMA guidelines for data extraction, and theoretical coding/constant comparative analysis.
  • Searches were run in Medline, PsycINFO, and CINAHL using keywords including “resilience,” “psychological endurance” or “hardiness,” and “concept*” or “defin*”; inclusion was limited to peer-reviewed empirical qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods articles in English, published 2000–2015, with a main focus on resilience and an articulated definition.
  • The initial search yielded 2,429 articles, with 98 additional articles from reference tracking and alerts; after duplicates were removed, 2,225 articles were screened, and 100 articles were included in data analysis. Of these, 52 used quantitative methods, 39 qualitative, and 9 mixed methods; 25 population groups and lead authors from 9 disciplines were represented.

Limitations

  • The paper states that only three databases were included and only English-language papers were included to keep the review manageable.
  • The paper states that all literature meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria was included regardless of methodological rigour, because quality appraisal of primary data sources has no definitive gold standard and the review focused on definitions rather than direct findings.
  • Evident from the text: the review was limited to empirical literature published from 2000 to 2015 and to health-related databases, which may restrict coverage of definitions from other disciplines or non-English sources.

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Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1111/jan.12888

Cites

112 of 112 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 94 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingcitation
    § No universal definition

    The most significant finding of this review was that there is no universally adhered to definition of resilience in the empirical literature published this century.

    “The most significant finding of this review was that there is no universally adhered to definition of resilience in the empirical literature published this century.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data
    § Quality Appraisal

    Of the 100 studies included in the data analysis, 75 provided an original definition of resilience but also cited other researchers when analyzing and discussing their findings.

    “Of the 100 studies included in the data analysis, 75 provided an original definition of resilience but also cited other researchers when analyzing and discussing their findings.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingcitation
    § 4. Good mental health as a proxy for resilience

    An absence, or lower incidence of mental health issues was described by a number of researchers as a method for determining whether an individual is resilient or not.

    “An absence, or lower incidence of mental health issues was described by a number of researchers as a method for determining whether an individual is resilient or not (Kralik et al. 2006, Burns and Anstey 2010, Rutter 1987).”
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    • cites Kralik et al. 2006

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    • cites Burns and Anstey 2010

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    • cites Rutter 1987

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  • Findingreasoning
    § DISCUSSION

    Resilience is contextual in nature.

    “Given that there are multiple understandings of resilience and many studies have highlighted the contextual nature of this phenomenon it could be argued that it is difficult to understand this concept from a purely biomedical model.”
    • Also stated in: § CONCLUSION · plain
      “Given this review has identified the contextual nature of resilience it is important that future research defines what is meant by resilience in the context explored.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingcitation
    § DISCUSSION

    There are a small number of studies that have identified the importance of including a psychosocial perspective into their research.

    “There are a small number of studies that have identified the importance of including a psychosocial perspective into their research (Davydov et al. 2010, Rutter 2001, Rutter 1987, Tusaie-Mumford 2001).”
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    • cites Davydov et al. 2010

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    • cites Rutter 2001

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    • cites Rutter 1987

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    Findingreasoning
    § Search Methods

    The literature around nursing and health professionals drew heavily on work completed within other disciplines, largely psychology.

    “It was evident that the literature around nursing and health professionals drew heavily on work completed within other disciplines, largely psychology.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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    Findingown data
    § Synthesis

    Further coding led to themes being reorganized into five key definitions/concepts of resilience: rising above to overcome adversity, adaptation and adjustment, 'ordinary magic', good mental health as a proxy for resilience, and the ability to bounce back.

    “Further coding of the definitions led to themes being reorganized into five key definitions/concepts of resilience: rising above to overcome adversity, adaptation and adjustment, 'ordinary magic', good mental health as a proxy for resilience, and the ability to bounce back.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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    Findingown data
    § Quality Appraisal

    The remainder of the studies (25) drew on definitions from other sources.

    “The remainder of the studies (25) drew on definitions from other sources.”
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    Findingcitation
    § 2. Adaptation and Adjustment

    Some authors argued that being able to adjust or successfully adapt to new or difficult situations is a sign of true resilience.

    “Some authors argued that being able to adjust or successfully adapt to new or difficult situations is a sign of true resilience (Hegney et al. 2007, Cummings et al. 2000, Montpetit et al. 2010, Easterbrooks et al. 2008, Bobek 2002).”
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    Findingown data
    § Table 2: Studies included in literature review (to be inserted here)

    The included studies covered a variety of disciplinary areas and study populations.

    “Studies identified by the review process and included in data analysis covered a variety of disciplinary areas and study populations.”
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    Findingcitation
    § 2. Adaptation and Adjustment

    The positive manner by which individuals respond to a challenging situation, through processes of adjustment and adaptation, was referred to by several studies reviewed.

    “The positive manner by which individuals respond to a challenging situation, through processes of adjustment and adaptation, was referred to by several studies reviewed (Easterbrooks et al. 2008, Garmezy 1991, Leipold and Greve 2009, Gwadz et al. 2006, Kralik et al. 2006, Lee et al. 2004, Luthar 2006, Luthar and Cicchetti 2000, Masten 2001).”
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    Findingcitation
    § 1. Rising above to overcome adversity

    Garmezy, Rutter and Bonanno, along with other authors, defined resilience as a process of overcoming adversity and rising above the challenges faced in a time of crisis or trauma.

    “Garmezy, Rutter and Bonanno, along with a number of other authors reporting original research findings provided in individual studies, defined resilience as a process of overcoming adversity and rising above the challenges faced in a time of crisis or trauma (Bonanno 2004, Connor and Davidson 2003, Garmezy 1991, Garmezy et al. 1984, Felten 2001, Kralik et al. 2006, Rutter 1987, Ungar 2008, Werner”
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    • cites Bonanno 2004

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    • cites Connor and Davidson 2003

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    Findingcitation
    § Resilience as a contextual and dynamic process.

    Some authors attributed the dynamic nature of resilience to the differing environments and support networks that surround the individual at different times in their lives.

    “Some authors attributed this to the differing environments and support networks that surround the individual at different times in their lives (Masten 2001, Mullin and Arce 2008, Hegney et al. 2007, Mancini and Bonanno 2006, Luthar and Cicchetti 2000, Jowkar et al. 2010).”
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    • cites Masten 2001

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    • cites Mullin and Arce 2008

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    Findingown data
    § Quality Appraisal

    Two studies only provided their own original definitions of resilience.

    “Two studies only provided their own original definitions of resilience (Jowkar et al. 2010, Patterson et al. 2004).”
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    Findingown data
    § Synthesis

    The process identified three key categories that described resilience within the empirical literature: no universal definition, contextual process, and key themes.

    “This process identified three key categories that described resilience within the empirical literature: 1) no universal definition, 2) contextual process, and 3) key themes that explored the facets of resilience.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given
    § No universal definition

    Despite there being no universally accepted definition, there were some common themes underpinning how researchers described resilience in the context of their study.

    “Despite there being no universally accepted definition, there were some common themes underpinning how researchers described resilience in the context of their study.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data
    § Search Methods

    The initial scoping search indicated that a large amount of literature (over 2,000 studies) was published within a variety of fields and populations.

    “The initial scoping search indicated that a large amount of literature (over 2,000 studies) was published within a variety of fields and within a number of different populations, including but not limited to nursing, health, psychology, police, education, military and armed forces.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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    Findingown data
    § Key resilience researchers

    Fifty-three studies referred to six key researchers and their work for a definition of resilience: Michael Rutter, Norman Garmezy, Ann Masten, Suniya Luthar, Dante Cicchetti and George Bonanno.

    “Fifty-three studies referred to the following six key researchers and their work for a definition of resilience: Michael Rutter (London, United Kingdom), Norman Garmezy (New York, United States of America (USA)), Ann Masten (Minnesota, USA), Suniya Luthar (New York, USA), Dante Cicchetti (Minnesota, USA) and George Bonanno (New York, USA).”
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    Findingcitation
    § Resilience as a contextual and dynamic process.

    Several authors highlighted that resilience is an ever changing and moving phenomenon.

    “Several authors highlighted that resilience is an ever changing and moving phenomenon (Mullin & Arce, 2008).”
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    • cites Mullin & Arce, 2008

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    Findingown data
    § Data abstraction

    Definitions were extracted from a total of 100 articles and tabulated.

    “Following evaluation of the data using the data extraction tool described above, definitions were extracted from a total of 100 articles and tabulated.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

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    Findingown data
    § Table 2: Studies included in literature review (to be inserted here)

    There were twenty-five different population groups represented in the review and the lead authors came from nine different disciplines.

    “There were twenty-five different population groups represented in this review and the lead authors came from nine different disciplines.”
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    Findingnone given
    § DISCUSSION

    It is also the first literature review of any type that is not specific to a profession or field of research.

    “It is also the first literature review of any type that is not specific to a profession or field of research.”
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    Findingcitation
    § DISCUSSION

    These findings are congruent with previous reviews and theoretical papers published about resilience.

    “These findings are congruent with previous reviews and theoretical papers published about resilience (Garmezy 1991, Luthar et al. 2000, Rutter 2012).”
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    Findingown data
    § DISCUSSION

    Resilience research has largely been undertaken from a biomedical perspective using a positivist framework.

    “However, to date, resilience research has largely been undertaken from a biomedical perspective using a positivist framework.”
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    Findingcitation
    § 4. Good mental health as a proxy for resilience

    There was a cohort of studies identified in the review that used scale-based questionnaires to assess an individual's resilience.

    “There was a cohort of studies identified in the review that used scale-based questionnaires to assess an individual's resilience.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

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    Findingcitation
    § 4. Good mental health as a proxy for resilience

    Scales measuring positive mental health, depressive symptoms, anxiety and depression, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, affective disorders and schizophrenia were used to assess an individual's level of resilience.

    “For example, scales measuring positive mental health (Gwadz et al. 2006), depressive symptoms (Wingo et al. 2010, Murphy andMarelich 2008), anxiety and depression (Bennett 2010) post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms (Wingo et al. 2010), affective disorders and schizophrenia (Pilowsky et al. 2004, Kasen et al. 2012) were used to assess an individual's level of resilience.”
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    • cites Bennett 2010

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    Findingcitation
    § 3. 'Ordinary Magic'

    Masten's work on 'ordinary magic' was cited by many studies included in the review.

    “This work was cited by many studies included in the review (Canvin et al. 2009, Janssen et al. 2011, Dowrick et al. 2008, Gwadz et al. 2006, Theron and Malindi 2010, Montpetit et al. 2010).”
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    Findingnone given
    § DISCUSSION

    This is the first integrative review to explore definitions of resilience adopted within the international research literature.

    “This is the first integrative review to explore definitions of resilience adopted within the international research literature.”
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    Findingcitation
    § 4. Good mental health as a proxy for resilience

    Some authors commented that resilience wasn't necessarily correlated with the presence or absence of a mental health diagnosis.

    “Although some authors argued that good mental health could be seen as a proxy for resilience, other authors commented that resilience wasn't necessarily correlated with the presence or absence of a mental health diagnosis (Bonanno 2004, Bonanno et al. 2007, Deshields et al. 2006, Kralik et al. 2006).”
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    Findingnone given
    § 4. Good mental health as a proxy for resilience

    Many studies argued that the ability to 'bounce back' was a key component of understanding resilience.

    “Many studies argued that the ability to 'bounce back' was a key component of understanding resilience.”
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    Findingcitation
    § 3. 'Ordinary Magic'

    All of these authors build on Masten's work stating resilience is a 'common place' phenomenon.

    “All of these authors build on Masten's work stating resilience is a 'common place' phenomenon (Masten 2001, Dowrick et al. 2008).”
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    • cites Masten 2001

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    Findingcitation
    § 4. Good mental health as a proxy for resilience

    A clear link was made between 'recovery' and 'bouncing back' - being able to recover from a trauma or difficult period, and returning to baseline health or wellbeing.

    “A clear link was made between 'recovery' and 'bouncing back' -being able to recover from a trauma or difficult period, and returning to baseline health or wellbeing (Felten 2001, Garmezy 1991, Dowrick et al. 2008, Edward et al. 2009).”
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    Findingcitation
    § DISCUSSION

    A strong feature of many studies exploring and investigating resilience that was highlighted in this review frequently referred to the dynamic nature of this concept.

    “A strong feature of many studies exploring and investigating resilience that was highlighted in this review frequently referred to the dynamic nature of this concept (Hegney et al. 2007, Jowkar et al. 2010, Masten 2001).”
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    Findingnone given
    § Strengths and Limitations

    This integrative review addresses a gap in the international literature by identifying how resilience is defined and conceptualized within empirical research conducted within the last century.

    “This integrative review addresses a gap in the international literature by identifying how resilience is defined and conceptualized within empirical research conducted within the last century.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: A gap exists in the international literature regarding how resilience is defined and conceptualized within empirical research.

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    Findingreasoning
    § CONCLUSION

    This review has highlighted the potential weaknesses of solely working within a positivist paradigm when researching resilience.

    “This review has highlighted the potential weaknesses of solely working within a positivist paradigm when researching resilience.”
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    Premisecitation
    § INTRODUCTION

    How nurses survive these working environments has been attributed to resilience.

    “Indeed, how nurses survive these working environments has been attributed to resilience (Zander et al. 2013).”
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    Premisecitation
    § INTRODUCTION

    Resilience is now frequently mentioned in relation to many areas of nursing practice, including research.

    “It is now frequently mentioned in relation to many areas of nursing practice, for example, 'resilient' is a term now commonly used to describe patients, professionals and family caregivers (Monroe and Oliviere 2007, Jeffcott et al. 2009, Stephens 2013).”
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    Premisecitation
    § INTRODUCTION

    Resilience is increasingly used to describe and explain the complexities of individual and group responses to traumatic and challenging situations.

    “Resilience is a term that is increasingly used to describe and explain the complexities of individual and group responses to traumatic and challenging situations (Monroe and Oliviere 2007, Boss 2006, Lindstrom 2001).”
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    Premisecitation
    § INTRODUCTION

    Resilience is increasingly being identified as an expected educational outcome of both undergraduate and postgraduate health professional programs.

    “It is therefore unsurprising that resilience is increasingly being identified as an expected educational outcome of both undergraduate and postgraduate health professional programs (Jackson et al. 2007, McAllister and McKinnon 2009, Stephens 2013).”
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    Premisecitation
    § INTRODUCTION

    Health professions are stressful and emotionally challenging occupations.

    “It is well recognised that health professions are stressful and emotionally challenging occupations (Chang et al. 2006).”
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    Interpretationreasoning
    § Quality Appraisal

    It was appropriate to include all definitions because the review was not looking at direct findings of research, rather definitions provided in a variety of contexts.

    “Given this review was not looking at direct findings of research, rather definitions provided in a variety of contexts, it seemed appropriate to include all definitions.”
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    Premisecitation
    § Quality Appraisal

    Quality appraisal of primary data sources is a complex process of which there is no definitive gold standard.

    “Whittemore and Knafl (2005) highlight that quality appraisal of primary data sources is a complex process of which there is no definitive gold standard.”
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    • cites Whittemore and Knafl 2005

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    Study design and conductcitation
    § Design

    The PRISMA statement and guidelines were used during data extraction to ensure all articles which met the inclusion criteria were included in the data analysis phase.

    “The PRISMA statement and guidelines described by (Moher et al. 2009) were used during data extraction to ensure all articles which met the inclusion criteria were included in the data analysis phase.”
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    Premisecitation
    § Design

    Integrative review methodology allows for literature from a diverse range of methodologies to be included.

    “This methodology allows for literature from a diverse range of methodologies to be included in the review (Ganong 1987).”
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    Study design and conductnone given
    § Search Outcome

    Two reviewers (GA and MG) sifted through the remaining 121 articles to ensure consistency in the process.

    “GA (first author) and MG sifted through the remaining 121 articles to ensure consistency in the process.”
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    Premisecitation
    § 3. 'Ordinary Magic'

    Masten argued that resilience wasn't about anything extraordinary but a phenomenon grounded in ordinary things, for example, family, love and close friendships.

    “Masten (2001) argued that resilience wasn't about anything extraordinary but a phenomenon grounded in ordinary things, for example, family, love and close friendships.”
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    • cites Masten 2001

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    Premisereasoning
    § BACKGROUND

    Resilience is a concept increasingly mentioned in professional, developmental, research and policy literature.

    “It is therefore apparent that resilience is a concept increasingly mentioned in professional, developmental, research and policy literature.”
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    Interpretationcitation
    § 1. Rising above to overcome adversity

    These words indicated an ability to overcome difficulties or struggles to the point of becoming more successful or functioning at a higher level than previous prior to the trauma or period of adversity.

    “These words indicated an ability to overcome difficulties or struggles to the point of becoming more successful or functioning at a higher level than previous prior to the trauma or period of adversity (Garmezy et al. 1984, Hildon et al. 2010, Masten et al. 1990, Rutter 1987, Werner and Smith 1982).”
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    • cites Garmezy et al. 1984

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    • cites Masten et al. 1990

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    Study design and conductcitation
    § Design

    The constant comparative method of analysis was chosen for this review.

    “For the purposes of this review the constant comparative method of analysis was chosen as it has been identified as a useful method to establish systematic categories and facilitate recognition of patterns, themes, variations and relationships within qualitative datasets (Glaser 1978, Patton 2002).”
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    Premisecitation
    § 3. 'Ordinary Magic'

    Masten argued that personal strength gathered from previous experiences and support from family and friends at a challenging or stressful period is critical to being 'resilient'.

    “Masten (2001) argued the personal strength gathered from previous experiences and the support mustered by family and friends at a challenging or stressful period in the individual's life is critical to being 'resilient'.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Masten 2001

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductcitation
    § Quality Appraisal

    All literature that met the inclusion/exclusion criteria was included in the data analysis regardless of methodological rigour.

    “All literature that met the inclusion/exclusion criteria was included in the data analysis regardless of methodological rigour.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Whittemore and Knafl 2005

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation
    § 3. 'Ordinary Magic'

    Ann Masten first described 'ordinary magic' as an everyday attribute that is inherent in all people.

    “Ann Masten (2001) first described 'ordinary magic' as an everyday attribute that is inherent in all people.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Masten 2001

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation
    § 3. 'Ordinary Magic'

    Masten highlighted the importance of positive experiences in the work and education environments in contributing to an individual's resilience.

    “She highlighted the importance of positive experiences in the work and education environments in contributing to an individual's resilience (Masten 2001).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Masten 2001

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductcitation
    § Design

    Systematic processes were utilized throughout the review to reduce potential for systematic bias or error.

    “The broad nature of the integrative review can lead to a potential for systematic bias or error at any stage in the process and for this reason, systematic processes were utilized throughout the course of this review (Pope et al. 2007).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Pope et al. 2007

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § Resilience as a contextual and dynamic process.

    An individual can be resilient one day but not the next.

    “According to this definition an individual can be resilient one day but not the next.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation
    § 1. Rising above to overcome adversity

    The way in which individuals overcome adversity could be related directly to the environment they inhabit and the interactions they have with others in that environment.

    “These authors argue that the way in which individuals do this could be related directly to the environment they inhabit and the interactions they have with others in that environment (Black and Ford-Giboe 2004, Garmezy 1991, Bonanno 2004, Felten 2000).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Black and Ford-Giboe 2004

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Garmezy 1991

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Bonanno 2004

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductcitation
    § Data abstraction

    Data abstraction involved reading the articles line by line to ensure all definitions of resilience were extracted and represented in the table.

    “Data abstraction involved a thorough process of reading the articles line by line to ensure all definitions of resilience were extracted and represented in the table (Whittemore and Knafl 2005).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Whittemore and Knafl 2005

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation
    § BACKGROUND

    An individual or community cannot be resilient or vulnerable all the time.

    “In fact, Waller (2003) argues that this model highlights that an individual or community cannot be resilient or vulnerable all the time.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Waller 2003

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation
    § Key resilience researchers

    The six key researchers all share a background in psychology and are well known for their research, largely in the field of child and adolescent development.

    “They all share a background in psychology and are well known for their research, largely in the field of child and adolescent development (Davydov et al. 2010, Haase 2004).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Davydov et al. 2010

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Haase 2004

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation
    § 4. Good mental health as a proxy for resilience

    Davydov et al. discussed resilience as a form of 'mental immunity' similar to the 'general immunity' gained from a healthy lifestyle which can protect individuals from infection and disease.

    “They discussed resilience as a form of 'mental immunity' similar to the 'general immunity' gained from a healthy lifestyle which can protect individuals from infection and disease.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Davydov et al. 2010

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § DISCUSSION

    It is difficult to understand resilience from a purely biomedical model.

    “Given that there are multiple understandings of resilience and many studies have highlighted the contextual nature of this phenomenon it could be argued that it is difficult to understand this concept from a purely biomedical model.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning
    § DISCUSSION

    Currently it is difficult to grasp what a resilient approach may look like and how this would be measured.

    “Secondly, currently it is difficult to grasp what this approach may look like and how this would be measured.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data
    § DISCUSSION

    There is no universally accepted way of defining, quantifying or measuring resilience.

    “Whilst five key themes underpinning definitions of resilience were identified in this review, it is clear there is no universally accepted way of defining, quantifying or measuring resilience.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § DISCUSSION

    Given the plethora of other literature outlining features of resilience as a process of adaptation and adjustment and the ability to bounce back, it may be that a quantitative measure using a scale may not be appropriate.

    “Given the plethora of other literature outlining features of resilience as a process of adaptation and adjustment and the ability to bounce back, it may be that a quantitative measure using a scale may not be appropriate.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductreasoning
    § Strengths and Limitations

    Only English language papers were included in the review for the same reason.

    “For the same reason, only English language papers were included.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductcitation
    § Strengths and Limitations

    Unlike other published reviews, this review isn't specific to a profession, discipline or area and uses systematic integrative review methods to review the empirical literature.

    “Unlike other published reviews, this review isn't specific to a profession, discipline or area and uses systematic integrative review methods to review the empirical literature (Windle 2010, Young et al. 2008, Nolan 2010).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Windle 2010

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Young et al. 2008

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Nolan 2010

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductreasoning
    § Strengths and Limitations

    Only three databases were included in the review to ensure it was of a manageable size.

    “In order to ensure the review was of a manageable size, only three databases were included.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § DISCUSSION

    From a social constructionist perspective, resilience can be seen as a construct largely dependent upon a situation, including the culture of the individual and society or community, and the context the term is used within.

    “From the lens of a social constructionist, resilience can certainly be seen as a construct that is largely dependent upon a situation including the culture of the individual and society or community to which the individual belongs and the context the term is used within.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning
    § DISCUSSION

    Resilience as a social construct could be seen as largely dependent on the beliefs and world-views of the individual or the group being described.

    “This means resilience as a social construct could be seen as largely dependent on the beliefs and world-views of the individual or the group being described and would explain why so many characteristic driven features are used to define resilience.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation
    § DISCUSSION

    Social constructionists view knowledge and truth as constructed or created rather than discovered by the mind.

    “Social constructionists view knowledge and truth as constructed or created rather than discovered by the mind (Berger and Luckmann 1966).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Berger and Luckmann 1966

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation
    § DISCUSSION

    Social constructionism critiques the view that conventional knowledge is objective and based on an unbiased view of the world.

    “Social constructionism critiques the view that conventional knowledge is objective and based on an unbiased view of the world (Burr 2003, Stam 2001).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Burr 2003

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Stam 2001

      Not checked in the free run.

66 of 66

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Systematic review methods are needed to ensure adequate coverage of relevant literature and avoid bias in identifying and reporting studies.

    “However, it is now recognised that systematic review methods are needed to ensure adequate coverage of the relevant literature and avoid bias in identifying and reporting studies.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    A gap exists in the international literature regarding how resilience is defined and conceptualized within empirical research.

    “This integrative review addresses a gap in the international literature by identifying how resilience is defined and conceptualized within empirical research conducted within the last century.”
2 of 2

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • A fourth scale-development study appears in the included-studies list

    Minor

    The text says three included studies presented scale development and piloting and identifies them as Connor and Davidson, Friborg, and Gartland. Table 2 also includes Takviriyanun's study titled "Development and testing of the Resilience Factors Scale for Thai adolescents."

  • Definition-source categories total 102 studies, not 100

    Minor

    The text describes 75 studies with original definitions that also cited others, two with only their own definitions, and 25 that drew on other sources. As described, these categories total 102 rather than the stated 100 included studies.

    Reported 100 · recomputed 102

2 of 2

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 10

  1. Boss P., 2006, Resilience and Health, Grief Matters: The Australian Journal of Grief and Bereavement, 9, 52
  2. Glaser B.G., 1978, Theoretical Sensitivity
  3. Hegney D.G., 2007, Individual resilience in rural people: a Queensland study, Australia. Rural & Remote Health, 7, 620
  4. 10.1043/1094-283129C80.PRIBAC]2.0.CO;2 · DOI
  5. Luthar S.S., 2006, Developmental Psychopathology: Risk, Disorder and Adaptation, 740
  6. Masten A., 1998, The development of competence in favorable and unfavorable environments: Lessons from successful children, American Psychologist, 53
  7. McCubbin H.I., 1981, Family Strengths III: Roots of Well‐being, 177
  8. Rolf J.E., 1999, Resilience and development. Positive life adaptations, 5
  9. Tusaie‐MumfordK.R.(2001)Psychosocial resilience in rural adolescents: optimism perceived social support and gender differences. PhD thesis University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh PA.
  10. Werner E., 1990, Handbook of early intervention, 97

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Aburn, G., Gott, M., & Hoare, K.
Affiliations
University of Auckland (NZ)
Corresponding author
Aburn, Gemma
ORCID
Venue
Journal of Advanced Nursing
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2016-01-07
Volume
72
Issue
5
Pages
980-1000
ISSN
  • 0309-2402 (ISSN-L)
  • 1365-2648
DOI
10.1111/jan.12888
OpenAlex
W2231695800
Semantic Scholar
be636e096c999d777ddab69d67f7276c6b3b721e
Cited by
639
References
112
Citations by year
2026: 45 · 2025: 73 · 2024: 83 · 2023: 78 · 2022: 110 · 2021: 81 · 2020: 44 · 2019: 43 · 2018: 49 · 2017: 26 · 2016: 7
FWCI
6.17
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor (vor)
Locations
  • Journal of Advanced Nursing (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • ResearchSpace (University of Auckland) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Resilience and Mental Health
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Applied Psychology › Optimism, Hope, and Well-being
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Oncology › Cancer survivorship and care
Keywords
resilience, resilience definitions, conceptualization of resilience, dynamic processes, nursing research
MeSH terms
Adaptation, Psychological, Female, Humans, Male, Stress, Psychological, Empirical Research, Resilience, Psychological

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-09.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-09.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

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