Building Resilience Research Articles

A feasibility study of a preventative, transdiagnostic intervention for mental health problems in adolescence: building resilience through socioemotional training (ReSET)

BackgroundAdolescence is a developmental period during which an estimated 75% of mental health problems emerge (Solmi et al. in Mol Psychiat 27:281–295, 2022). This paper reports a feasibility study of a novel indicated, preventative, transdiagnostic, school-based intervention: Building Resilience Through Socioemotional Training (ReSET). The intervention addresses two domains thought to be causally related to mental health problems during adolescence: social relationships and emotion processing. Social relationships were targeted using principles from interpersonal psychotherapy, while emotion processing was targeted using cognitive-emotional training focused on three areas of emotion processing: Emotion perception, emotion regulation and interoception. The aims of this feasibility study were to (i) assess the acceptability of integrating group-based psychotherapy with individual cognitive-emotional training, (ii) evaluate the feasibility of our recruitment measures, and (iii) assess the feasibility of delivering our research measures.MethodsThe feasibility study involved 41 adolescents, aged 12–14, who were randomly assigned to receive the ReSET intervention or their school’s usual mental health and wellbeing provision.ResultsQualitative data from intervention participants suggested the programme was experienced as a cohesive intervention, with participants able to draw on a combination of skills. Further, the cognitive-training tasks were received positively (with the exception of the interoception training task). The recruitment and research measures were successfully delivered in the school-based setting, with 97.5% retention of participants from baseline to post-intervention assessment. Qualitative data was overwhelmingly positive regarding the benefits to participants who had completed the intervention. Moreover, there was only limited data missingness.ConclusionsWe conclude that a trial of the ReSET intervention in a school setting is feasible. We discuss the implications of the feasibility study with regard to optimising school-based interventions and adaptations made in preparation for a full-scale randomised controlled trial, now underway.

Prevalence and correlates of nonsuicidal self-injury among youths in Singapore: findings from the National Youth Mental Health Study

BackgroundNonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a common phenomenon; a recent meta-analysis of studies conducted among non-clinical adolescents reported a global lifetime prevalence rate of 22.0%. NSSI results in significant impairment and is associated with negative outcomes later in young adulthood. There is, however, a dearth of research on the occurrence of NSSI in Singapore’s youth population. Past studies examining NSSI behaviours among youths in Singapore were conducted using clinical samples, which tend to report a higher prevalence compared to community samples. The present study aims to establish the prevalence of NSSI and examine its associated sociodemographic and psychosocial correlates in the general youth population.MethodsThis study included 2600 youths aged 15–35 years who participated in the National Youth Mental Health Study, a nationwide cross-sectional survey of the mental health status of youths in Singapore. The Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales Short Form were used to assess NSSI behaviours and mental health symptoms. Data on coping strategies, perceived social support and resilience were also collected.ResultsThe lifetime prevalence of NSSI among youths in Singapore was 25.0%, and the 12-month prevalence was found to be 6.8%. The median age of onset for lifetime NSSI was 14 years. Significantly higher odds of lifetime NSSI were observed among youths aged 15–29 years, females, and youths with lower educational attainment. Youths with severe and extremely severe symptoms of depression and anxiety and those with greater use of avoidance coping strategy were associated with higher odds of lifetime NSSI. Higher resilience scores were associated with lower odds of lifetime NSSI.Conclusion1 in 4 youths in Singapore had engaged in self-injurious behaviour at least once in their lifetime. Screening and early intervention programs could be targeted at the more vulnerable youth groups such as those in early- and mid- adolescence. Potential areas for future research and interventions could include resilience building and educating youths on adaptive coping strategies. The limitations of the cross-sectional study design and the use of self-reported data should be considered when interpreting the study findings.

The Role of HRM in Building Resilience: The Relationality Imperative in Times of War

ABSTRACTThe increase in natural and manmade disasters around the world in which organizations need to operate has brought the concept of organizational resilience to the forefront. To understand the role that HRM can play in fostering resilience in extreme contexts, we adopt a resource‐based lens through the conservation of resources theory, to explore how organizations protected, gained, and retained employees as their most valuable resources in the face of the extreme context of war. Specifically, we investigated the underlying mechanisms that allowed organizations operating in the extreme context of the Syrian civil war, to increase their and their employees' resilience through their HR departments. Using a qualitative interpretive approach based on the narratives of HR managers and employees working in Syria during the civil war, we explore the role of HRM in building individual and organizational resilience. Our findings point to two mechanisms that HR departments relied on to protect resources and acquire new ones. First, HR departments adopted relationality practices, enacted by their managers, focused on investing in employees' psychological capital and wellbeing. Second, HR departments leveraged technology for recruitment and training purposes to attract and develop employees. Additionally, the extreme context characterized by scarce resources may have triggered the “strategification” of HR departments and transformed them, into strategic partners playing a critical role in their respective organizations' survival. We contribute to the literature on organizational resilience by highlighting the important relational role HRM can play to foster individual and subsequently organizational resilience.

Islamic Education Teacher's Strategy in Building Resilience in Students with Broken Home Family Backgrounds

Islamic Education Teacher's Strategy in Building Resilience in Students with Broken Home Family Backgrounds

Resilient living program for patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers.

Patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers experience a substantial amount of anxiety and distress. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of an 8-week, remotely delivered Resilient Living Program (RLP) for adult patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers. Eligible patients included adults (≥18 years) with advanced cancer. Their caregiver had the option to participate. The RLP components included online modules, a print journal, and 4 video-telehealth-delivered sessions. Content focused on techniques for managing stress and building resilience (mindful presence, uplifting emotions, reframing experiences through practicing principles of gratitude, compassion, acceptance, meaning, and forgiveness). Feasibility and acceptability were assessed quantitatively and with semi-structured interviews conducted with a subset of participants. Effectiveness measures (anxiety, stress, quality of life [QOL], sleep, resiliency, and fatigue) were administered at baseline, week 5, week 9, and week 12. Of the eligible patients, 33/72 (46%) were enrolled. In all, 15 caregivers enrolled. Thirty participants (21 patients/9 caregivers) completed at least 3 video-telehealth sessions (63% adherence). For patients, there were statistically significant improvements in anxiety and fatigue at week 12 (p = 0.05). Other effectiveness measures (stress, QOL, sleep, resiliency) showed positive trends. Eleven participants were interviewed and qualitative analysis revealed 4 themes: Easy to Use, Learning Key Principles, Practice is Essential, and Examples of Benefits. Participation in the RLP was feasible and acceptable for patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers. Participants tended to indicate that the practices were easy to integrate into their everyday lives, engendered their ability to focus on the positive, and would recommend the RLP to other individuals living with advanced cancer. Preliminary effectiveness data suggest the program may positively impact anxiety, stress, QOL, sleep, resiliency, and fatigue. A larger randomized clinical trial is warranted to confirm these preliminary findings.

Navigating Crisis: The Dynamics of Global Communication Response in Indonesia

This study examines the complexities of crisis communication in the context of Indonesia, considering the nation’s vulnerability to a range of crises, such as health problems, political upheaval, and natural catastrophes. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combined social network analysis, surveys, content analysis, and qualitative interviews to give a thorough knowledge of the dynamics of crisis communication.Important conclusions emphasize the important of social media and other international communication channels to coordinate crisis response and speedy information distribution. However, obstacles, e.g., the dissemination of false information, highlight the need for stronger approaches to information management. Furthermore, the practices of crisis communication in Indonesia are heavily influenced by contextual, social, and cultural aspects. Communication is influenced by language diversity, cultural standards, and religious sensitivity techniques, highlighting the significance of cultural sensitivity and comprehension of regional situations. The findings have implications for stakeholders, practitioners, and policymakers who are active in communication and crisis management. Enhancing public education and awareness campaigns, strengthening international cooperation to fortify crisis response skills, and boosting coordination among government institutions are among the recommendations. Although the study offers insightful information about crisis communication in Indonesia, it is important to recognize its limits and the dynamic character of crisis communication to guide future research efforts. The overall goal of this research is to contribute to the development of better crisis management and resilience building techniques in Indonesia and beyond.

The Role of Digitalization and Sustainable Agriculture in Building Resilient Food Systems Post-COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed flaws in the world's food systems, highlighting how urgent sustainability and resilience are. In the post-pandemic period, this study looks at how digitalisation and sustainable farming methods might improve food systems. It examines data and case studies with a focus on Nepal to evaluate how eco-friendly farming practices and digital tools affect food security, supply chain effectiveness, and agricultural output. Incorporating digital technologies like smart supply chain management, mobile-based market access, and precision farming can improve agricultural results, according to the study. These developments optimise resource utilisation, lower post-harvest losses, and assist farmers in making well-informed decisions. Sustainable agricultural methods, such as climate-smart approaches and organic farming, also help to preserve the environment while guaranteeing the stability of food production over the long run. Results show that digitalisation greatly improves the resilience of food systems, especially in developing countries like Nepal, when paired with sustainable practices. However, for widespread use, issues like inadequate internet infrastructure, gaps in regulation, and farmer education must be resolved. The study ends with legislative recommendations to speed up the digital transformation of agriculture, such as funding for digital infrastructure, training initiatives for farmers, and laws that encourage sustainable practices. In the post-COVID-19 era, governments and stakeholders can create resilient food systems that can resist future upheavals, guarantee food security, and stimulate agricultural growth by boosting digital innovation and sustainability.

Research on Blockchain-Enabled Resilience Building and Risk Prevention and Control in Shipping Supply Chains Under Multiple Crises

Under the wave of economic globalization, the development of a global shipping network urgently requires the enhancement of supply chain resilience and risk prevention mechanisms. In recent years, the world has experienced multiple crises, including the public health crisis and the geopolitical crisis represented by the Red Sea shipping crisis. These crises have severely impacted international logistics and supply chains. The public health crisis has led to disconnections between production and demand, increased trade barriers, and higher shipping costs. The suspension and rerouting of the Red Sea shipping route via the Cape of Good Hope have resulted in extended shipping times, delayed deliveries, and soaring freight rates. The widespread application of blockchain technology can alleviate these issues. This paper investigates the positive effects of blockchain technology’s high transparency, automated risk control, and promotion of multi-party collaboration in addressing current crises, enhancing shipping supply chain resilience, and strengthening risk management. The paper aims to contribute to cost reduction, quality improvement, and high-quality development of international logistics.

Gendered transformations: rethinking climate resilience building in northwest Ghana

Gendered transformations: rethinking climate resilience building in northwest Ghana

As It Is Above, So It Is Below: Repositioning Indigenous Knowledge Systems within Ecosocial Work.

This article explores the development of Indigenous knowledge in relation to the ecosystem and how traditional concepts of planetary well-being can enhance ecosocial work approaches. From an academic point of view, ecosocial work is a unique paradigm that seeks to understand a holistic view of human health, social justice, and environmental sustainability. There is a strong focus on community development in ecosocial work, which is why the profession must be equipped with tools to address the disproportionate impacts of climate change on marginalized groups including refugees and First Nations peoples. While these threats to human life and planetary well-being are well documented, little is known about the divergence of Indigenous epistemology in ecosocial work and how cultural strategies can enhance recovery and resilience building with community. Connecting cultural knowledge with contemporary ecosocial work theory and practice can provide effective pathways for communities suffering from grief and loss. This article explores Indigenous perspectives on living symbiotically with the natural world alongside traditional approaches toward enhancing community wellness. As Indigenous academics, the authors tell this story.

The “Future of Energy”? Building resilience to ExxonMobil’s disinformation through disclosures and inoculation

Disinformation campaigns can significantly impact beliefs about climate change. This study involved an online experiment with 1045 U.S. participants, exposing them to a misleading ExxonMobil advertisement, some with disclosures and others preceded by inoculation messages. Participants were divided into five conditions: a control group, a group exposed to pre-bunking messages from U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and groups shown social media posts featuring the ad—with or without disclosures—claiming ExxonMobil’s commitment to renewable energy. Results showed the ad effectively influenced beliefs, but disclosures helped participants recognize the content as advertising, and inoculation messages reduced susceptibility, though not entirely. These findings highlight the value of using disclosures and inoculation to counter climate disinformation, providing a foundation for communication strategies that support climate action.

Seismic Performance of a Full-Scale Moment-Frame Housing System Constructed with Recycled Tetra Pak (Thermo-Stiffened Polymeric Aluminum Composite)

To address the growing need for sustainable and resilient building materials, the seismic performance of a full-scale moment-frame housing system constructed entirely from recycled Tetra Pak panels (thermo-stiffened polymeric aluminum or TSPA) was evaluated. The study presents an innovative approach to utilizing waste materials for structural applications, emphasizing the lightweight and modular nature of the system. The methodology included material characterization, finite element modeling (FEM), gravitational loading tests, and biaxial shake table tests. Seismic tests applied ground motions corresponding to 31-, 225-, 475-, and 2500-year return periods. Drift profiles and acceleration responses confirmed the elastic behavior of the system, with no residual deformation or structural damage observed, even under simultaneous peak ground accelerations of 0.37 g (x-direction) and 0.52 g (y-direction). Notably, the structure accelerations were amplified to 1.10 g in the y-direction (at the top of the structure), exceeding the design spectrum acceleration of 0.7 g without compromising stiffness or resistance. These results underscore the robust seismic performance of the system. The finite element model of the housing module was validated with the experimental results which predicted the structural response, including natural periods, accelerations, and drift profiles (up to 89% accuracy). The novelty of this research is that it is one of the first to perform shaking table seismic testing on a full-scale housing module made of recycled materials (Tetra Pak), specifically under biaxial motions, providing a unique evaluation of its performance under multidirectional seismic demands. This research also highlights the potential of recycled Tetra Pak materials for sustainable construction, providing an adaptable solution for earthquake-prone regions. The modular design allows for rapid assembly and disassembly, supporting scalability and the circular economy principle.

Thriving Through Stressful Life Events with Nature: A Mixed-Method Study on Tending Indoor Plants and Rumination Resilience

Stressful life events are often undesirable, inevitable, and significant changes in one’s life, often triggering rumination and posing risks to mental health. However, these risks can be managed through coping strategies. Contact with nature has been shown to reduce rumination and enhance mental well-being. The current study investigated the effectiveness of a one-month nature-based intervention in enhancing psychological well-being and building resilience to manage rumination following a stressful life event. In this mixed-method study, 26 participants were randomly allocated to either an experimental group (n = 13), which tended to the Zamioculcas zamiifolia indoor plant for one month, or a waitlist control group (n = 13). Quantitative findings showed that tending to indoor plants was significantly effective in reducing depressive symptoms (p = 0.003), perceived stress (p < 0.001), negative affect (p = 0.017), and rumination (p = 0.015), as well as in enhancing resilience (p = 0.03) compared to the control group post-intervention. Qualitative findings provided insight into how the nature-based intervention fosters rumination resilience, the mediating effects of tending to an indoor plant, and the contribution it makes to psychological well-being. ‘Offers a slice of nature by bringing the outside, in’ demonstrates how caring for indoor plants creates a bridge for connection with nature. ‘Fosters an emotionally regulating personal sanctuary’ captures how tending to indoor plants can help manage emotions and provide a sense of empowerment that helps mitigate the tendency to ruminate. ‘Plants seeds for improving self-care, personal growth and introspection’ highlights indoor plants as a symbolic representation of resilience and renewal. A narrative emerges: as indoor plants grow and thrive with attention, so too does the individual, forming a deep, reciprocal relationship between nature and personal well-being. This study demonstrates nature’s role in coping with stressful life events and developing rumination resilience, paving the way for further research to explore its caveats and refine and expand nature-based interventions.

Improving winter resilience this spring: a call to action and a call for papers

Winter 2024–25 has been challenging for the NHS, with 3.5 times more influenza hospitalisations than 2023 and bed occupancy surpassing 95%. As spring arrives, the editor emphasises that building resilience is a year‑round task, presenting a call for papers on strategies and initiatives to continue improving care for winter 2025–26.

Overcoming Climate Gridlock: Perspectives of Climate Leaders on How to Achieve Social Change During Persistent Failure in Australia

ABSTRACTDespite sustained efforts of social movements worldwide, there has been a lack of progress on mitigating climate change. Recent research examined the psychological consequences of one‐off collective action failures, but there has been little research on how to overcome persistent failure to create social change. This qualitative research (N = 26) interviews leaders, founders, experienced advocates, and philanthropists from organisations ranging from direct action to environmental non‐governmental organisations in the Australian climate movement to gain insights into what they believe the movement needs to achieve its goals. Participants focused on strategies both internal and external to the movement. Our thematic analysis revealed two key internal themes: (1) strengthening the movement through movement building, diversity, and coalition building; and (2) building resilience and flexibility by gaining more resources, promoting well‐being, and developing more dynamic strategies and tactics. The three critical external themes were (1) speaking and acting ‘truth to power’ by addressing state capture and using government leadership; (2) achieving between‐system change by addressing economic systems and social norms; and (3) alignment with nature by respecting the natural world, incorporating climate disasters in communication programs, and expanding personal relevance. We discuss the applied and theoretical implications of our results. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's .

Effectiveness of spaced education pedagogy in enhancingNurses' knowledge on emotional resilience-Aquasi-experimental trial.

Building resilience among nurses has been postulated as one of the key strategies to support nurses and retain them in the profession. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness, of spaced education pedagogy in enhancing Nurses' knowledge on emotional resilience. Secondary objectives include evaluation of the usability and acceptability of delivery of the training via a mobile application in one's own mobile device. A quasi-experimental study with single group pre-test and post-test trial was conducted. Full-time registered nurses working in an acute care hospital were invited to participate from June 2021 to June 2022. The group used the mobile application daily for 1 month. Pre-test measurement includes socio-demographic data and baseline resilience level before the intervention. Post-test measurement includes resilience level, usability and acceptability of mobile-assisted cognitive-behavioral therapy measured upon completion of the training. The mobile application enabled the delivery of resilience educational content in small quantities through a repeating manner, with a concurrent evaluation of learner's understanding. When compared to their baseline (mean = 24.38, SD = 5.50), participants reported significant increase in the Connor-Davison Resilience Scale score (mean = 26.33, SD = 5.57) (t = -4.40, p < 0.001). Upon 1 month usage of the mobile application, a higher percentage of the participants reported intermediate to high level of resilience (57.4%), as compared to prior usage (54.7%). Respondents reported knowledge of most useful strategies for their daily lives including: (i) managing negative emotions (54.1%); (ii) psychoeducation about mental health and the risks of burnout (44.7%); (iii) achieving work and life balance (43.5%); and (iv) depiction of workplace scenarios to demonstrate what can be and cannot be controlled during times of change (43.5%). Participants reported usability of the mobile application with a mean SUS score 70.5 (SD = 13.0), which was considered "acceptable." Overall, 82.3% of the participants found the mobile application appealing, 64.7% reported they were likely to use the mobile application in the future and 72.9% would recommend it to other nurses. The mobile application provided nurses with the availability and convenience to access resilience building learning content integrated with the spaced education pedagogy. The use of mobile-assisted cognitive behavioral training can aid in increasing nurses' resilience level. Nurses provided acceptable usability ratings and satisfactory acceptance of receiving training via the mobile application, showing promising opportunities in the improvement of overall well-being.

Building resilience: A promising approach to reduce anxiety in mothers and hospitalized children with burn injuries.

Building resilience: A promising approach to reduce anxiety in mothers and hospitalized children with burn injuries.

Building resilience in communities through integrating climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction policies in Nepal

Building resilience in communities through integrating climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction policies in Nepal

Impact of Column Shear Force on the Seismic Performance of Open Ground Storey Structures

Open Ground Storey (OGS) structures are particularly vulnerable to seismic failures due to their inherent soft storey behaviour, which reduces lateral stiffness and significantly increases shear forces in the ground floor columns. This study aims to analyze the shear forces in columns of three-dimensional (3D) OGS Reinforced Concrete (RC) frames subjected to seismic loads, focusing on the effectiveness of two Lateral Load-Resisting Systems (LLRS): the use of stiff columns at the ground floor and the implementation of shear walls in various configurations. The seismic performance of these systems is compared with conventional OGS configurations and bare frames, considering the impact of infilled frames. The results of the study reveal that infilled frames significantly reduce the shear force in columns, with a reduction of up to 70% compared to bare frames. However, the shear force in ground floor columns of OGS frames is increased by about 78% compared to fully infilled frames due to the reduction in stiffness. The inclusion of shear walls in OGS frames effectively reduces this increased shear force. The ratio of ground-floor to first-floor shear forces for the OGS model ranges from 6.25 to 8.60, which can be reduced to 0.52 to 5.74 with the provision of various types of shear walls. Furthermore, the study finds that shear forces in peripheral and corner columns of OGS frames are about 10% higher compared to inner peripheral and core columns. It also highlights that increasing the ground floor height by 1 meter induces approximately 25% higher shear forces in ground floor columns. These findings underscore the importance of optimizing shear wall placement and other structural configurations to enhance the seismic resilience of OGS buildings.

Imaging Climate-Related Environmental Exposures: Impact and Opportunity.

Imaging Climate-Related Environmental Exposures: Impact and Opportunity.