Introduction/framework/objectives

Even if the term Resilience is reasonably mentioned, not all will have reflected in its concept and the eventual interaction with several parameters involved in Occupational Health. This review intends to summarize very succinctly what is published on this topic, in order to deliverie professionals in Occupational Health and Safety teams with knowledge and strategies that will lead them to perform better.

Methodology

This is a Bibliographic Review, initiated through a search carried out in May 2023, in the databases “CINALH plus with full text, Medline with full text, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Nursing and Allied Health Collection: comprehensive, MedicLatina and RCAAP”.

Content

The concept of Resilience can be described as a dynamic process that aims at positive adaptation, in the face of adverse and stressful experiences, which could lead to negative consequences; in other words, it is the emotional flexibility to solve problems and improve adaptation in the face of adversity. It can also be seen as the human capacity to face, overcome and be strengthened by adverse events or the avoidance of negative results due to the resolution of situations far beyond what would be expected. Or as the ability to adapt to unforeseen situations, enhancing the acceptance of undesirable and stressful conditions, which could explain why some individuals deal better with stress.

It can be individual or collective. In the latter situation, it can also be defined as the ability of a group, to overcome adversity and transform itself into something more adapted to the circumstances. The institution's Resilience can be defined as the organization's intrinsic ability to adjust to events/changes/disruptions and/or opportunities. The system will show Resilience if it allows individuals to deal with complex situations.

Discussion and Conclusions

Although Resilience is based on innate characteristics, it can be partially trained/acquired, individually and/or institutionally. The more intense and well-structured this is, the better the employee's and the company's ability to overcome adversity.

If the Occupational Health and Safety team has these notions in mind and knows how to develop them, their performance will be enhanced.

It would be pertinent to understand the average level of Resilience among Portuguese workers overall and according to specific characteristics (gender, age, profession, employment relationship, qualifications and marital status, for example) and what is the best way to potenciate it.

        ·     ·     · ( pdf )