from stress to strength: building resilience under pressure gaynor parkin psychology @ victoria
TRANSCRIPT
From stress to strength: building resilience under pressure
Gaynor ParkinPsychology @ Victoria
OverviewWhat promotes psychological
resilience?Current studyObservations
Psychological resilienceAbility to adapt and recover
well after stress, adversity or change
“Bouncing back”
“You can’t stop the waves but you can learn to surf “
Jon Kabat-Zinn
“Resilience is built through the everyday, every minute habits and exercises that punctuate our daily lives.”
Lynda Gratton, Professor, London Business School
Previous researchChild developmentTrauma – post traumatic
growthNeurosciencePositive Psychology
Evidence to datePhysical fitness and recovery
– role of stress hormonesMeditation/MindfulnessEmotion regulation skillsExperiencing positive
emotions
Evidence to dateCognitive flexibilityRealistic optimismProblem solving skillsConnectedness
Evidence to dateCognitive flexibilityRealistic optimismProblem solving skillsConnectedness
Current study(Thanks MSI R&D $)!6 participating organisations:
all under pressureDoes resilience training make
a difference?
Current studyFace to face vs. etrainingBlock vs. spacedImpact of follow up
Study measures Perceived Stress Scale Brief Mindfulness Measure Work and Well-Being Survey (UWES) Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale Life Orientation Test Revised Adult Coping Scale Health measures
Measures of performanceTricky!Each organisation uses
different measures – or notSuggestions welcomeMore focus on this in phase 2
Training modules 1-4Stress – mind-emotion-body
responsesResilience – from
psychological researchPhysical wellbeingFlexible thinking
Training modules 5-8Realistic optimismStrong relationshipsEmotion regulation and
positive emotionRecovery and mindfulness
tools
Progress to date289 participants completed
training (face to face) 269 completed pre and post
measuresPoor response rate at follow upMore focus on this in phase 2
Participant feedbackRequest for more follow upHelpful to understand science
behind toolsWant leadership support
Participant feedbackHas the training helped improve
your resilience?Health?Performance at work?Coping with stress at work/homeRelationships with others
BarriersChanging org. prioritiesHigh staff turnoverPerceptions of resilience
training
Solutions?SLT engagement and
participationInvite to participate in training
and who attends first important
Feedback and changing attitudes
Solutions?
Follow up at all levels criticalMake resilience habits routineAddress disconnect between
performance/productivity and well-being initiatives
Questions?
Your comments and suggestions are very welcome!