Which factor is most associated with resilience?

• A. Genetic predisposition exclusively.
• B. Supportive relationships and adaptive skills.
• C. Isolation and avoidance.
• D. Ignoring emotions.

Answer: (B)

Resilience involves adapting to adversity and bouncing back from tough situations. The strongest influence on resilience is having supportive relationships combined with adaptive coping skills. When people have trusted relationships—family, friends, mentors, or professionals—they receive emotional support, practical help, and models for handling stress. Coupled with skills like effective problem-solving, flexible thinking, and healthy emotion regulation, these resources enable individuals to process experiences, seek help, and take steps that promote safety and recovery.

Genetic predisposition can shape tendencies but isn’t the main driver; resilience is shaped a lot by environment and learned behaviors. Isolation and avoidance cut off crucial support and coping opportunities, making stress harder to manage. Ignoring emotions, on the other hand, tends to hinder processing and adaptive response, whereas recognizing and addressing emotions supports resilience. In practice, strengthening social support and teaching adaptive coping strategies are key ways to boost resilience in crisis and violence contexts.