In the context of stress and immune function, what do psychologists mean when they refer to resilience?

• A. A tendency to avoid stressful situations altogether
• B. The ability to adapt and recover from stressful experiences or adversity
• C. The process of suppressing emotional responses to stress
• D. An increased vulnerability to illness following stress

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that in psychology, resilience refers to how individuals respond to stress and adversity, focusing on their capacity to cope effectively.
2. Recognize that resilience is not about avoiding stress or suppressing emotions, but rather about adapting to challenges and bouncing back from difficult experiences.
3. Consider that resilience involves psychological processes that help maintain or regain mental health despite exposure to stressors.
4. Differentiate resilience from increased vulnerability, which implies a negative impact of stress on health, whereas resilience implies positive adaptation.
5. Summarize that resilience is best defined as the ability to adapt and recover from stressful experiences or adversity, highlighting its role in stress and immune function.