Understanding Psychology (10th Ed)

482 Chapter 
14 
Health Psychology: Stress, Coping, and Well-Being
a consequence, hardiness acts as a defense against stress-related illness (Andrew et 
al., 2008; Bartone et al., 2008; Vogt et al., 2008). 
For those who confront the most profound diffi culties, such as the death of a 
loved one or a permanent injury such as paralysis after an accident, a key ingredient 
in their psychological recovery is their degree of resilience. Resilience is the ability to 
withstand, overcome, and actually thrive after profound adversity (Bonanno, 2004; 
Norlander, Von Schedvin, & Archer, 2005; Jackson, 2006). 
Resilient people are generally easygoing, good-natured, and have good social 
skills. They are usually independent, and they have a sense of control over their own 
destiny—even if fate has dealt them a devastating blow. In short, they work with 
what they have and make the best of whatever situation they fi nd themselves in 
(Spencer et al., 2003; Deshields et al., 2006; Friborg et al., 2005).
 SOCIAL SUPPORT: TURNING TO OTHERS 
Our relationships with others also help us cope with stress. Researchers have found 
that  social support,  the knowledge that we are part of a mutual network of caring, 
interested others, enables us to experience lower levels of stress and better cope with 
the stress we do undergo (Cohen, 2004; Martin & Brantley, 2004; Bolger & Amarel, 
2007). 
The social and emotional support people provide each other helps in dealing 
with stress in several ways. For instance, such support demonstrates that a person 
is an important and valued member of a social network. Similarly, other people can 
provide information and advice about appropriate ways of dealing with stress (Day 
& Livingstone, 2003; Lindorff, 2005). 
Finally, people who are part of a social support network can provide actual 
goods and services to help others in stressful situations. For instance, they can