What is Resiliency?

There are several concepts of resiliency. A common theme is the process of adapting and bouncing back in the face of danger, adversity, and trauma (Southwick et al. 2015). Others include seeking out and using resources; healthy functioning;increased ability to manage physiological reactions; and moving forward posttrauma in a positive manner. Note, however, that resiliency is not a simple concept; people may be resilient in one part or phase of their life, but not in another (Southwick et al. 2015).

It’s also important to note that not everyone who is, by definition, a first responder will be impacted the same way by an incident. There is significant variation in terms of response to trauma and resiliency. Risk factors for PTSD in law enforcement include a biological or genetic predisposition (Miller 1999). Some people have an innate heightened physiological reaction to traumatic stimuli. Having multiple exposures to traumatic events, along with the occurrence of long-term stressors in life, can accumulate and become a risk for the development of PTSD. Psychological factors such as poor coping and problem solving along with learned helplessness and poor relationships are factors in the risk of developing PTSD (Miller 1999). Lastly, environmental factors like lack of departmental response and support, including social support, can increase risk of maladaptive functioning following a critical incident (Miller 1999).

Genetic, neurobiological, and psychosocial factors all impact an individual’s resiliency and response to stress. Regarding genetics, “There is evidence that there are genetic differences in reactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, sympathetic nervous system and serotonergic systems that have been connected to post-traumatic pathology and resilience” (Southwick et al. 2015, p. 2). Neurobiological factors focus on the neural circuits and parts of the brain involved in processing “fear, reward, learning, social connection and emotional regulation” (Southwick et al. 2015, p. 2).

There are a number of psychosocial factors supported by research that have been associated with resiliency. These include optimism; good problem solving, communication, and coping skills; courage; altruism; physical activity; self-mastery or an internal locus of control; ability to have a strategy and anticipate consequences; being sociable; emotional regulation; emotional intelligence; ability to strategize and anticipate consequences; connection to spirituality or religion; access to social support; a close connection/relationship with someone who feels caring; and a sense of commitment to a goal or mission that is meaningful. Studies have shown that believing in, or honoring, a moral code can facilitate resiliency and that altruism helps build resiliency by focusing attention on others instead of self. Even responding to a traumatic event can help first responders reframe their experience and enhance their feelings of self-confidence while accepting the situation and learning to let go of control they do not have. Physical activity helps increase the ability to focus and make decisions while also enhancing and stabilizing emotional reactions (Southwick et al. 2015). It also suppresses cortisol and increases the production of neurotropic factors which promote the healing and growth of neurons.

Specific to law enforcement, Paton and colleagues (2000) have identified resiliency factors that enable officers to withstand extreme traumatic experiences. These include first-rate training and skill development, an attitude of being a lifelong learner, higher levels of intelligence and problem solving, good verbal and interpersonal communication skills, acceptable emotional control and adaptive coping mechanisms, seeing the positive in situations, and the ability to seek help and support when necessary.

Resiliency is not just a theoretical topic to be taken lightly. Recognizing the impact of police trauma and its contribution to stress-related disorders, substance abuse, depression, and law enforcement suicide are imperative to helping increase physical and mental health, as well as optimum job functioning in law enforcement personnel (Miller 1999).

It’s clear that resiliency is a protective factor in mitigating the effects of a critical incident in first responders (Miller 1999; Paton 2006; Paton and Burke 2007; Evans et al. 2013; Andersen et al. 2015). So, how do individuals and law enforcement organizations collectively build resiliency among officers? Organizations themselves have two roles to play: encouraging social support — both formal and informal — and integrating resiliency training. Furthermore, law enforcement personnel can practice individual psychological tactics and coping strategies to bolster their personal resiliency.

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Excerpted from "Body, Mind, and Badge: Strategies for Navigating Trauma and Resilience in Law Enforcement," by Kathryn Hamel, PhD. The book focuses on two imperative components of law enforcement wellness: physical fitness and resiliency. Cultivating both will allow law enforcement personnel to cope with the stress and trauma of critical incidents and come out on the other side of the event a more resilient version of themselves.

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Dr. Kathryn Hamel, Ph.D., is the Chief Executive Officer of The Hecht Trauma Institute (HTI). The mission of HTI is to provide education, information, and services to empower and support people affected by trauma.

Kathryn is a retired law-enforcement lieutenant, distinguished academic, dedicated philanthropist, sought-after speaker, and author of Body, Mind, and Badge: Strategies for Navigating Trauma & Resilience in Law Enforcement.

During her 25-year career as an active-duty law-enforcement officer, she investigated hundreds of cases involving rape, domestic assault, child sexual abuse, and other forms of violence. Her caseload enabled her to assist victims of these traumatic events in navigating the criminal justice system while seeking justice on their behalf.

She is a regular presenter at national and international conferences related to trauma, abuse, suicide prevention, and interpersonal violence.

Preparing for a post-law enforcement career, she earned a vocational teaching credential, a level 1 and level 2 trauma and resilience certification from Florida State University, and a doctorate in Public Safety Leadership from Capella University. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Chapman University and a Bachelor of Arts in Occupational Studies and Vocational Education from California State University, Long Beach.

Transitioning from law enforcement to academia, California Southern University recruited her to serve as the Dean of the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology. She was later promoted to Senior Vice-President of Human Resources and Organizational Development. Concurrently, Kathryn was also responsible for creating and implementing an 18-month post-graduate leadership academy.

A committed community volunteer, she has almost three decades of experience guiding non-profit and charitable organizations. She is currently a Board Member of KinderVision; a nonprofit co-founded by her late mother, Ashby Sebastian, dedicated to mitigating childhood exploitation and sexual abuse.