This summer, we worked with Professor Michele Tugade to research evidence-based strategies for managing stress and strengthening resilience. Through exploring the current literature, participating in workshops, and hearing personal experiences, we were able to identify key markers of resilience and start brainstorming ways that we could teach it effectively. 

Our first task was to investigate the current literature on resilience and develop summaries of their theories and findings. This work was the foundation for our entire project as we began creating infographics, interview questions, and eventually a website. We used platforms such as The Greater Good and Character Lab to identify approaches to common themes of resilience such as self-compassion, gratitude, growth mindset, and goal agility.

We created infographics on the Self-Compassion Cycle, Tender & Fierce Self-Compassion (Dr. Kristin Neff), and Emotional Nuance. We also developed interview questions for future work, highlighting the different perspectives/narratives of resilience and the power of storytelling.

Self-Compassion Infographics and Series

Next, we decided to develop a website where the research and resources could be shared. When designing the website, we wanted to identify both the strengths and limitations of what was currently offered. First, we noticed that a majority of the resources were inaccessible due to their high prices and time-consuming workshops. Additionally, we found that current research related to resilience and PTG lacked consideration of its theoretical applications in different cultural, social, and individual contexts. With this in mind, our goals were to address these limitations, make resources more accessible, and account for different perspectives.

Resilience Stories Website Homepage

Resilience Stories Website — Podcasts

This project has shown us the power of individual resilience and the importance of implementing these strategies whenever possible in our daily lives. The future directions of this project include creating a focus group for the website, conducting interviews, and submitting a research proposal to the APA.