Virtual Grand Rounds: Trauma and the Resilience Paradox: The crucial role of regulatory flexibility
Presented by: George Bonnano, PhD
Professor of Clinical Psychology
Teachers College
Columbia University
How do humans cope with potentially traumatic life events? In this talk, I will present evidence to support three basic conclusions regarding this question. First, resilience is common. Decades of research has shown that resilience after potential trauma, defined as a stable trajectory of healthy functioning, is typically the majority outcome. Second, resilience is not about having the “key” traits. Data on the many correlates of resilient outcomes show that these factors have paradoxically small effects, i.e., individual correlates say little about who will actually be resilient and who not. Among the reasons for this paradox are that potentially traumatic events are highly variable and virtually all traits and behaviors have both costs and benefits. Thus, what works in one situation may not work as well, or may even be harmful, in another. Third, to resolve the paradox, I propose that resilience requires engaging with a potential trauma and each time working out the best coping strategy for that moment. This process is known as flexible self-regulation, or regulatory flexibility, and is based on copious experimental and survey stress research. I conclude the talk by reviewing recent studies and new directions on regulatory flexibility.
Educational Objectives
As a result of participating in this activity, learners should be able to:
- Distinguish prototypical patterns of trauma reactions.
- Describe divergent response patterns to clinical practice or in mental health settings
- Explain response flexibility as a key process component of resilient outcomes
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Zoom webinar.
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NASW/Connecticut Statement: This program has been approved for 1.5 Continuing Education Credit Hours by the National Association of Social Workers, CT and meets the continuing education criteria for CT Social Work Licensure renewal. Approval also meets the continuing education criteria for CT LMFTs, LPCs, and licensed psychologists.
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New York Psychologist Statement: Silver Hill Hospital is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0227. This program is approved for 1.5 contact hours.
Disclosure: No one in control of content has indicated a relevant financial relationship with an ACCME defined commercial interest.