In social work, resilience is best described as?

Resilience in the context of social work is best understood as an ability to adapt to adversity. This definition emphasizes the dynamic nature of resilience, highlighting a person’s capability to navigate challenges, recover from setbacks, and maintain psychological well-being despite difficult situations. It encompasses various factors such as personal strengths, coping skills, and external support systems that allow individuals to bounce back from hardships.

In social work, fostering resilience is crucial because it equips clients with the tools to face life’s challenges, promoting their overall mental health and stability. By building resilience, social workers help empower clients to confront obstacles effectively and develop a more positive outlook on life.

The other options focus on different aspects that do not accurately capture the essence of resilience. Avoidance of stress is not a realistic approach, as encountering stress is a part of life. Dependence on external support suggests a lack of internal resources for coping, which contradicts the broader understanding of resilience as an internal capability. Lastly, resistance to change implies a rigidity that is contrary to the adaptive nature of resilience. Understanding resilience as adaptation allows for a more comprehensive approach in social work practice, which can lead to more effective interventions.