Reframing Resilience Concept: Insights from a Meta-synthesis of 21 Resilience Scales

In general context, resilience refers to individuals’ ability to adapt to significant adversities while maintaining good mental and physical well-being. Over the past three decades, resilience paradigm has evolved from a stable trait-oriented approach to process-oriented or outcome-oriented approach. However, robustness of resilience conceptualisation is still scant. Review of the common characteristics of resilience across validated resilience scales were conducted. Several databases were searched, and several keywords were used. Articles that fulfill the predetermined criteria were selected. Twenty-one original articles describing resilience were selected. A thematic approach was performed to categorise common patterns or characteristics shared across the scales that later form emerging constructs representing resilience. Constructs were grouped according to similar attributes, elements, and themes underlying resilience. Four emerging themes were identified; control, resourceful, growth, and involvement. The constructs from the 21 selected scales were mapped against the four emerging themes. Additionally, they are marked as either as exclusive or shared constructs. The relationship between the four emerging themes were determined considering two continuums (present and past) and two conditions (internal and external). Hence, the integrated resilience model was proposed to conceptualise the relationships of the four emerging resilience themes. The integrated resilience model is a promising model that can be used for different practical implications. It can be used to build new measurement scale, nurturing resilience in medical and health professions education and infusing resilience in the assessment practice.