Cognitive Transformation as a Marker of Resilience

Individuals often report positive, transformative changes in response to adversity. Cognitive transformation involves a turning point in a person's life characterized by: (1) the recognition that coping with adversity resulted in new opportunities; and, (2) the reevaluation of the experience from one that was primarily traumatic or threatening to one that is growth-promoting. Cognitive transformation often signifies enhanced adaptation to adverse circumstances, and thus, is a marker of resilience. The present study examined the relationship of cognitive transformation to indicators of resilience among 35 acutely bereaved young adults and a nonbereaved comparison group. Findings strongly supported the hypothesis that transformation predicts resilience, and may reduce one's risk trajectory to enhance adaptation. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for research on resilience, and on recovery from acute or chronic adverse circumstances, including addiction.