1. Pamela C. Alexander, Ph.D.

2.  Secure parent-child relationships
 Supportive partner relationships
 Friendships
 Supportive communities
 If necessary, psychotherapy

3.  Reflective functioning – the child learns self-
empathy and how to self-soothe
 Much easier to do w/in the context of
supportive relationships
 Also approaches such as mindfulness, body
awareness, relaxation techniques, yoga

4.  Developing a coherent narrative
 Engaging in “turning points”
 Considering new interpretations

5.  Genetics?
 Some have a thicker skin
 Others are more sensitive
 But those who are more sensitive respond
even better to supportive interactions

6.  Can’t escape the effects of social context
◦ Family environment, especially for a child
◦ Work stress if it’s the source of one’s income
◦ Social instability and poverty
 So resilience is everyone’s responsibility
within society – not just the individual