Articles Related to Resilience

* Schiraldi, G. R., Jackson, T. K., Brown, S. L., & Jordan, J. B. “Resilience Training for Functioning Adults: Program Description and Preliminary Findings From a Pilot Investigation.” International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 2010, 12 (2), 117-129. One of the first studies to show that resilience can be increased in already well-functioning, normal adults. Resilience training also improved scores in self-esteem, optimism, happiness, and curiosity, while reducing anxiety, depression, and anger.

*Lee, H., Brown, S.L., Mitchell, M., & Schiraldi, G.R. “Correlates of Resilience in the Face of Adversity for Korean Women Immigrating to the U.S.” Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 2008, 10 (5), 415-422. Self-esteem was a primary predictor of resilience in this group of women suffering from war-related trauma. A related study found that self-esteem was the strongest predictor of well-being among Chinese adults, underscoring the important connection between self-esteem and mental health, even in Asian cultures, which would be assumed to favor inter-relatedness over self-esteem (Zhang, L., “Prediction of Chinese Life Satisfaction: Contribution of Collective Self-Esteem,” International Journal of Psychology, 2005, 40, 189-300.

* Brown, S. L., Schiraldi, G. R., & Wrobleski, M. P. “Association of Eating Behaviors and Obesity with Psychosocial and Familial Influences.” American Journal of Health Education, 2009, 40 (2), 80-89. Disordered eaters (with anorexia, bulimia, and purging signs) reported worse mental health and more emotional eating, suggesting the need to address mental health issues in this population.

Schiraldi, G.R. “World War II Survivors: Lessons in Resilience.” International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 2007, 9 (1), 47-53. Examples of some of the strengths of resilience shown by this remarkable generation who survived economic hardship, WWII, and eighty years on average of living.

*Brown, S.L., & Schiraldi, G.R. “Reducing Sub-Clinical Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression: A Comparison of Two College Courses,” American Journal of Health Education, 2004, 35 (3), 158-164. Teaching mental health skills to functioning young adults yielded greater reductions in anxiety and depression than a conventional stress management course.

Schiraldi, G. R. “The Myths of Mental Illness: Hope for the Future,” Guest Editorial, International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 2002, 4 (1), 1. Since approximately half of American adults will be afflicted by mental illness, principally mood and anxiety disorders and substance abuse, and since there is a severe shortage of mental health professionals to address these growing needs, there is a demand that well-prepared groups ranging from families and teachers to peers and paraprofessionals play an expanding role in the battle to prevent mental illness.

*Schiraldi, G.R., & Brown, S. L. “Preventive Mental Health Education for Functioning Adults: Stress, Coping, and Mental Health Courses at the University of Maryland,” International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 2002, 4 (1), 57-63. Descriptions of the early resilience courses pioneered at the University of Maryland.

*Schiraldi, G.R., & Brown, S. L. “Primary Prevention for Mental Health: A Stress Inoculation Training Course for Functioning Adults,” American Journal of Health Education, 2001 (September/October), 32 (5), 279-287. Describes a college course, which explored diverse cognitive-behavioral skills that facilitate coping, are preventive in nature, and are suitable for learning by healthy individuals in educational settings. The course was previously found to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and hostility, and significantly raise self-esteem in participants.

*Schiraldi, G.R., & Brown, S.L. “Primary Prevention for Mental Health: Results of an Exploratory Cognitive-Behavioral College Course.” The Journal of Primary Prevention, 2001, 22 (1), 55-67. A cognitive-behavioral college course based on the stress inoculation training model resulted in significant reductions in anxiety and depression, and significant improvements in self-esteem in healthy adults.

*Valera, R. J., Sawyer, R. G., & Schiraldi, G.R. “Perceived Health Needs of Inner-City Street Prostitutes: A Preliminary Study. American Journal of Health Behavior, 2001 (January/February), 25(1), 50-59.  Also, Valera, R. J., Sawyer, R. G., & Schiraldi, G.R. “Violence and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder In A Sample of Inner City Street Prostitutes.” American Journal of Health Studies, 2000, 16 (3), 149-155. Sadly, data suggests that this group is highly traumatized, with many unresolved mental health needs.

Sowby, S.K., & Schiraldi, G.R. “A Vision for the New Millennium: Strengthening the Host,” Journal of Health Education, 1999(March/April), 30(2), 131-132. Arguing for strengthening individuals preventively, before they are in crisis.

*Schiraldi, G.R., Spalding, T.W., and Hofford, C.W. “Expanding Health Educators’ Roles to Meet Critical Needs in Stress Management and Mental Health,” Journal of Health Education, l998 (March/April), 29(2), 68-76. Argues that there will never be a sufficient supply of mental health professionals to treat the increasing levels of mental disorders, and that educators must play an increasing role in prevention.