Assessment of Resilience in the Aftermath of Trauma

Resilience is a crucial component in determining the way in which individuals react to and dealwith stress. A broad range of features is associated with resilience; these features relate to thestrengths and positive aspects of an individual’s mental state. In patients with posttraumatic stress disorder,resilience can be used as a measure of treatment outcome, with improved resilience increasingthe likelihood of a favorable outcome. Resilience can be monitored using the Connor-Davidson ResilienceScale, and perceived vulnerability to the effects of stress can be monitored with the SheehanStress Vulnerability Scale. Both scales are well validated, self-rated, easy to use, and easily translatable.Within a short period of time, nonspecialists can be taught to use these in the field.