‘There is no resilience without adversity. Unfortunately, we live in a dangerous world. This book, written by world leaders on the science of resilience, is a must read for everyone. Certainly professionals who help others through stressful or traumatic experiences would profit from the knowledge shared, but every single person will learn how to manage challenges better. The authors include very easy-to-read clear suggestions backed by decades of neuroscience research and from the stories of multitudes of resilient survivors. Every clinician from novices to experienced clinicians has something to learn from this gem. The lessons in this book are what we should teach our children.’ Barbara Olasov Rothbaum, Ph.D., ABPP, Director of the Emory Healthcare Veterans Program and the Trauma and Anxiety Recovery Program and Paul A. Janssen Chair in Neuropsychopharmacology. Department of Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine
‘The Resilience book is an extraordinary manual that combines theory and practice, biology psychology, spirituality, social sciences to offer the complete science and knowledge of not just survival in times of suffering and tragedy but learning to thrive and find higher purpose. Our brains are created by genes but sculpted by experiences. This book covers both the science of epigenetics and neuroplasticity to show that our biological organism can be redesigned for joy and optimal integration of body, mind and spirit.’ Deepak Chopra, M.D., FACP, FRCP
‘To paraphrase the bumper sticker “stuff happens” and it is how we respond to adversity that matters. Steven Southwick, Dennis Charney and Jonathan DePierro show us how, provide an expert’s guide to the science, and offer practical advice for navigating life’s challenges. In this deeply personal book, replete with juicy and often harrowing details of extraordinary hardships faced by both themselves and others they know, they provide living examples that will inspire. Resilience is a beautiful book that will benefit everyone.’ Richard J. Davidson, Ph.D., author of the New York Times bestseller The Emotional Life of Your Brain
‘This superb third edition has everything. It is chock full of graphic anecdotes about people who successfully overcame overwhelming challenges. It provides a comprehensive explication of the 10 key elements of resilience. It describes the latest behavioral and neuroscientific research underlying each of these elements. And it provides very practical and doable tips that should enable each reader to practice resilience and thereby enrich their own lives. What makes this book so special is that it succeeds at presenting a huge amount of information in an engrossing conversational style accessible to all readers. The authors even share some very personal experiences to illustrate important points. This extraordinary volume ends with a moving tribute to the late Steve Southwick for whom this book is the capstone to a remarkable career.’ Matthew J. Friedman, M.D., Ph.D., Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth; Emeritus Executive Director, National Center for PTSD; Emeritus Director, National PTSD Brain Bank, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
‘Sometimes it seems like trauma defines our age. This book reminds us that resilience is an equal and opposite force. Blending personal stories, cutting-edge science, and clinical insights, Resilience provides a comprehensive and rigorous tour of how we recover from trauma, whether that trauma is from a pandemic, a terrorist attack, or a personal tragedy. For anyone interested in a deep understanding of how humans can triumph over profound adversity, Resilience is an essential text.’ Thomas Insel, M.D., Co-Founder and Exec Chair, Vanna Health; Author, Healing: Our Path from Mental Illness to Mental Health; former Director of US National Institute of Mental Health
‘Resilience: The Science of Mastering Life’s Greatest Challenges presents distilled lessons from three pioneers of the study of human resilience and psychological traumatization. Its messages are simple, profound, and easy to integrate into one’s personal coping style. The third edition of this outstanding book is expanded and updated. It is also a wonderful memorial to one of its authors, Steven Southwick, M.D. He was a beloved and respected figure in the world of stress research, who died as the book was finalized.’ John Krystal, M.D., Chair of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine
‘Resilience: The Science of Mastering Life’s Greatest Challenges encapsulates beautifully the literature on the psychological, biological, and neuroscientific perspectives on stress and the individual’s response to it. Written by accomplished clinical investigators, this edition highlights and integrates what we know about resilience, and what we still need to know in order to enhance what we clinicians offer those exposed to unimaginable adversity. This book belongs in the library of every clinician, investigator, and teacher committed to understanding what paths one might take when traumatic events occur.’ Terence M. Keane, Ph.D., National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder’s Behavioral Science Division & Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Reviewer: Natasha Lukasiewich, DNP, MSN, RN (Legal Nursing Solutions, LLC)
Description: This book is a very holistic approach to what resilience looks like in a different situations. Survivors of traumatic experiences share their journeys in learning and embracing resilience. The authors explore what makes them resilient and whether resilience can be learned or there are traits or genetics associated with it. The first edition was published in 2012.
Purpose: The purpose is to explore different factors that contribute to resilience. The authors deep dive into differing states such as fear, optimism, and social support. They also go into much of the current literature and apply it to today's culture. The book definitely meets the objectives.
Audience: The book really is meant for anyone, although the recommendations target leaders, parents, and coaches. The knowledge and insights gained from reading this book enables readers to build a greater foundation for their own resilience. The authors are experts in their field. Dr. Southwick's expertise is in the psychological and neurobiological effects of trauma, while Dr. Charney's area of expertise is neurobiology and treatment of mood and anxiety disorders.
Features: The 12 chapters cover the definition of resilience to exploring the factorial emotions, training, meaning, and purpose, and the practice of resilience. What is unique about this book is that real life people share their journeys and how they embraced resilience. An appendix provides further reading on post-traumatic stress disorder and community resilience.
Assessment: I enjoyed this book immensely. The authors really speak to their readers. I will be adding it to my referenced resources for future research.
