Abstract

Resilience is a critical element of sustained well-being. This study utilizes an experimental survey of 472 participants wherein participants are exposed to a low-stress or high-stress task. Results suggest that those with high levels of resilience appraised the experimental task as less stressful regardless of condition. Findings also indicate that the differences in individual stress appraisal, such as a predisposition to anxiety or negative emotions, exacerbate or amplify one’s appraisal of threatening or stressful tasks. Finally, while positive emotional reactivity predicted higher levels of resilience, lower perceived stress predicted positive emotional reactivity. Results from this study can be used to inform mental health interventions and health promotion strategies that reinforce adaptive coping, strengthen stress management skills, and bolster positive emotional responses, thereby stimulating the development and enhancement of resilience.