Drive to thrive: A theory of resilience following loss

Wai Kai HOU, Brian J. HALL, Stevan E. HOBFOLL

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapters

38 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Prior work has considered demand and distress, temporal dynamics, and differential outcomes in defining human stress resilience but not the processes and mechanisms of resilience across different life challenges. The purpose of this chapter is to outline the Drive to Thrive (DTT) theory in an attempt to advance existing understanding of stress adaptation and resilience among refugee and conflict-affected populations. The basic tenet of the DTT theory is that stress resilience is determined by sustaining the fabrics/routines (i.e., interwoven psychosocial and communal activities, procedures, and practices) and structure of everyday life. Primary and secondary fabrics/routines are distinguished to further current understanding on everyday life of stress adaptation based on theoretical and empirical evidence. Within the theory, the Sustaining Everyday Life Fabrics and Structure (SELFS) model outlines how consolidation, replacement, and addition of everyday life fabrics shape the association between trauma exposure and physical and mental health over time. The current literature on everyday adaptation among refugee and conflict-affected populations is critically reviewed. Applications of the theory to guide empirical investigation and intervention development among refugee populations and populations affected by war, are evaluated through the lens of principles derived from the theory. Copyright © 2018 Springer Nature Switzerland AG.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMental health of refugee and conflict-affected populations: Theory, research and clinical practice
EditorsNexhmedin MORINA, Angela NICKERSON
Place of PublicationCham, Switzerland
PublisherSpringer International Publishing
Pages111-133
ISBN (Electronic)9783319970462
ISBN (Print)9783319970455, 3319970453
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2018

Citation

Hou, W. K., Hall, B. J., & Hobfoll, S. E. (2018). Drive to thrive: A theory of resilience following loss. In N. Morina & A. Nickerson (Eds.), Mental health of refugee and conflict-affected populations: Theory, research and clinical practice (pp. 111-133). Cham, Switzerland: Springer International Publishing.

Keywords

  • Everyday life
  • Stress
  • Resilience
  • Refugees
  • Conflict-affected
  • Drive to thrive

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