Adapting After Adversity: Application and Outcomes from Resilience-Based Curricula

Abstract

University students and professionals are reporting increasingly high levels of psychological distress. To help address the problem, researchers developed three curricula designed for individuals and organizations using a psychological resilience framework. A university student-based curriculum, freely accessed online by more than 28,000 students, focused on adaptation after adversity. An academic professional curriculum, centered on psychological wellbeing and supportive environments, was completed by 2,000 faculty and staff members from over 400 institutions. A pilot workplace curriculum, taken by 4,800 healthcare professionals, was aimed at organizational resilience. These curricula are described in detail along with specific outcomes (e.g. behavioral intent, self-efficacy, etc.) using empirical data, including experimental testing among vulnerable populations. Additionally, practical and theoretical implications are discussed.