Developing and measuring resilience for population health

Much research and writing about resilience focuses on extraordinary situations, which has two advantages. First, that acknowledges the depths of human suffering as well as the human capacity to survive despite extreme adversity, with some amazing individuals who are able to thrive or excel in the most shocking or dreadful situations. Second, for research purposes, extreme situations are often the most clearly defined, which helps with conceptualising, theorising and measuring. However, there are disadvantages. Human suffering, trauma and disruption can all suddenly affect people whose lives were previously stable and contented; so resilience needs to be ‘everybody’s business,’ not an issue of concern for just a few. Suffering is also a very personal experience. Whilst health, social and economic inequalities create conditions where considerable resilience is needed, neither wealth nor absence of disease will guarantee happiness, social or mental well- being.