Which term best describes positive adaptation in the face of adversity?

• A. Resilience
• B. Chronic risk
• C. Risk factor
• D. Warning signs

Answer: (A)

Positive adaptation in the face of adversity is resilience. Resilience is the capacity to bounce back from stress, adapt to challenging circumstances, and keep functioning well despite difficulties. It involves using effective coping strategies, seeking support, and drawing on protective factors such as supportive relationships, problem-solving skills, and self-regulation. Importantly, resilience doesn’t mean problems never happen; it means responding to adversity in a way that maintains or restores healthy functioning, and often leads to growth or renewed strength.

Chronic risk refers to ongoing exposure to factors that make problems more likely, not the positive response to adversity. A risk factor is a characteristic that increases vulnerability to negative outcomes, rather than describing how one adapts. Warning signs are signals that trouble may be developing, not how someone responds to adversity.