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Relational Resilience in Girls

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Handbook of Resilience in Children

Abstract

Most approaches to resilience portray it as a trait residing in the individual. Relational-cultural theory (RCT) suggests that resilience arises in relationship in the capacity for connection. This chapter provides an overview of a relational model of resilience, especially as it applies to girls and women. Rather than looking for traits in the individual that render him or her responsive, flexible, and capable of “bouncing back,” RCT suggests that we think of relational resilience as the capacity to move back into growth-fostering connections following an acute disconnection. These growth-promoting relationships are characterized by mutual empathy. Relational resilience emphasizes strengthening relationships rather than increasing an individual’s internal strength. At the core of relational resilience is movement toward mutuality. The ability to resist disempowering norms to first name and then challenge the processes of marginalization and discouragement is essential. Growth-fostering relationships promote zest, clarity, a sense of worth, productivity, and desire for more connection (the “five good things”). RCT supports the development of the capacity for mutual engagement and mutual benefit. This model can be applied to social change as well as to individual growth.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Jean Baker Miller Training Institute and Harvard Medical School, Lexington, MA, USA

    Judith V. Jordan

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  1. Judith V. Jordan
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA

    Sam Goldstein

  2. Department of Psychology, McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Needham, MA, USA

    Robert B. Brooks

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Jordan, J.V. (2023). Relational Resilience in Girls. In: Goldstein, S., Brooks, R.B. (eds) Handbook of Resilience in Children. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-14728-9_4

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