From stress to strength: building resilience under pressure

Gaynor ParkinPsychology @ Victoria

OverviewWhat promotes psychological

resilience?Current studyObservations

Psychological resilienceAbility to adapt and recover

well after stress, adversity or change

“Bouncing back”

“You can’t stop the waves but you can learn to surf “

Jon Kabat-Zinn

“Resilience is built through the everyday, every minute habits and exercises that punctuate our daily lives.”

Lynda Gratton, Professor, London Business School

Previous researchChild developmentTrauma – post traumatic

growthNeurosciencePositive Psychology

Evidence to datePhysical fitness and recovery

– role of stress hormonesMeditation/MindfulnessEmotion regulation skillsExperiencing positive

emotions

Evidence to dateCognitive flexibilityRealistic optimismProblem solving skillsConnectedness

Evidence to dateCognitive flexibilityRealistic optimismProblem solving skillsConnectedness

Current study(Thanks MSI R&D $)!6 participating organisations:

all under pressureDoes resilience training make

a difference?

Current studyFace to face vs. etrainingBlock vs. spacedImpact of follow up

Study measures Perceived Stress Scale Brief Mindfulness Measure Work and Well-Being Survey (UWES) Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale Life Orientation Test Revised Adult Coping Scale Health measures

Measures of performanceTricky!Each organisation uses

different measures – or notSuggestions welcomeMore focus on this in phase 2

Training modules 1-4Stress – mind-emotion-body

responsesResilience – from

psychological researchPhysical wellbeingFlexible thinking

Training modules 5-8Realistic optimismStrong relationshipsEmotion regulation and

positive emotionRecovery and mindfulness

tools

Progress to date289 participants completed

training (face to face) 269 completed pre and post

measuresPoor response rate at follow upMore focus on this in phase 2

Participant feedbackRequest for more follow upHelpful to understand science

behind toolsWant leadership support

Participant feedbackHas the training helped improve

your resilience?Health?Performance at work?Coping with stress at work/homeRelationships with others

BarriersChanging org. prioritiesHigh staff turnoverPerceptions of resilience

training

Solutions?SLT engagement and

participationInvite to participate in training

and who attends first important

Feedback and changing attitudes

Solutions?

Follow up at all levels criticalMake resilience habits routineAddress disconnect between

performance/productivity and well-being initiatives

Questions?

Your comments and suggestions are very welcome!