A systematic review exploring a 'culturally appropriate' model of resilience: Based on resilience research done in India

Abstract

Research in resilience has evolved slowly over time. The research done on resilience over the last five decades lacks the cultural sensitivity as well as how the community impacts the process of resilience (Ungar, 2004, 2005; Boyden & Mann, 2005). The study has primarily investigated the mainstream western population's individual understanding of healthy functioning. Thus, there is a gap in knowledge regarding cross-cultural validation of the findings and rigorous qualitative inquiries into the factors; that might be associated with resilience in the context of non-western communities and marginalized groups living among their 'conventional' neighbours in western settings. This review aims to analyse the current resilience research done in India and to formulate a culturally appropriate model of resilience for the population. Out of 86 relevant publications first identified through systematic search on several data bases, 8 studies were finalized and went through inductive thematic analysis of the content relevant to research questions. Following the analysis process, detailed analytical themes and final characteristics of the resilience model were established. The results show that resilience remains an amorphous concept that is affected by both individual and social influences. However, there are some clear and well-established global elements that transcend the bounds of culture. Incorporation of social and psychological inquiry is recommended for future research.