Note: Jeanine was still using her old name, Jeanine Broderick, when this book was published.
Perspectives on Coping and Resilience is a very important work. Many people do not understand that the skills and traits that lead to resilience increase an individual's ability to thrive. This is true regardless of whether the individual is leading a life full of troubles or a good life. The level of thriving can be increased.
The skills that lead to thriving are at root of what is needed to live a better life. Without them even someone with many opportunities will not come close to living up to their potential and someone with limited opportunities will suffer needlessly. With the skills the one with limited opportunities will be what many consider one of the "Lucky Ones" who do well regardless of what they don't have and those with greater opportunities will also thrive in noticeable new ways.
This is true of individuals but it benefits those far beyond the individual. Families, communities, companies and even nations increase their ability to exceed expectations when the members are resilient.
The great news is that these skills can be learned. They also make life more fun.
Imagine hitting life's bumps with less drama. Imagine employees maintaining their equanimity during times of personal or professional strife. Imagine leaders who make better decisions when under pressure. Those are just some of the benefits possible with increased resilience.
Dr. Andrew Shatté's chapter describing the benefits he and his organizations have brought to corporations by increasing employee resilience is a must read for anyone who wants their organization to thrive, regardless of whether it is for profit, non-profit or a government. The competitive advantage of increased resilience is tremendous when employee resilience is increased.
My own chapter provides information on how to increase resilience. It also provides information to those who prefer to only follow what their religious teachings suggest, demonstrating that all the major religions point to these techniques and encourage them. Anyone can increase their own resilience. It is a choice that pays daily benefits in a life well lived.