Multisystemic model of resilience
Dr. Michael Ungar, founder and Director of the Resilience Research Centre at Dalhousie University has developed a multisystemic model of resilience. By identifying 12 sources of resilience that contribute to an individual being able to bounce back after adversity, this model shows that resilience is not entirely an internal experience.
Each of the factors is listed here. As a personal exploration, think about how you would fill in the blanks in the accompanying statements to determine how external factors contribute to resilience.
Positive thinking
- When bad things happen in my life, I say to myself, “__________” and I feel better.
- I know I’m not to blame when __________ happens.
Structure
- There are people in my life who expect me to __________.
Accountability
- When I don’t meet expectations, I know that __________ will happen.
Intimate relationships
- I can reach out to __________ to get help when I need it.
Supportive relationships
- When bad things happen in my life, there are people like __________ who support me the best they can.
A powerful identity
- I feel respected for what is special about me when I’m with, at or doing __________.
Sense of control
- In my __________, I get to participate in making decisions that affect my __________.
Belonging culture:
- At my __________, people miss me when I’m not there.
- There are places I can go, such as __________, where I can celebrate my culture and beliefs.
Rights and responsibilities
- When I’m with others at my __________, I feel treated fairly.
- When I’m with __________, I’m responsible for myself and others.
Basic needs
- I’m well cared for by __________.
- I feel safe when I’m with or at __________.
Physical well-being
- Physically, I’m able to __________ when I want to.
Financial well-being
- Financially, I’m able to __________ when I want to.
Learn more
Michael Unger’s book, Multisystemic Resilience, brings together a wide range of resilience scholars who have been wrestling with how to explain processes of recovery, adaptation, and transformation in contexts of change and adversity. Every chapter provides a detailed review of systemic resilience from one disciplinary perspective, drawing from cutting edge research and case studies.