What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger: insights from neuroscience studies and molecular genetics

Abstract

This review consolidates recent research on the mechanisms and individual differences in resilience to promoting effective coping strategies during stressful circumstances while preserving an individual’s well-being. Some of the important mechanisms, such as cognitive reappraisal, self-affirmation, and meaning-making are critically discussed. The ventrolateral prefrontal cortex plays a critical role in cognitive reappraisal, while the ventromedial prefrontal cortex plays a significant role in self-affirmation, thereby affecting resilience. During the meaning-making process, deactivation of the default mode network is observed. Genetic factors such as COMT, SLC6A4, and NPY may partially explain why only some individuals cultivate positive psychological resources post-adversity. Further explorations using neural and genetic approaches are required for better elucidating resilience. Machine learning is a promising methodology for predicting intervention outcomes and precision.