Relationships and the neurobiology of resilience

Abstract

Neuroimaging studies have identified specific brain areas and circuitries involved in resilient responses to stress. Key areas include the hippocampus, amygdala, hypothalamus, insula, anterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal cortex. After summarizing studies implicating these brain areas, evidence for their plasticity is reviewed. Existing studies suggest that close personal relationships influence resilience-related brain processes, and that mindfulness meditation holds particular promise as an intervention that both strengthens resilience-related brain processes and promotes resilient couple relationships.