A commentary on Bonanno and Westphal's (2024) three axioms of resilience: Application to military contexts.

Abstract

This commentary examines the application of Bonanno and Westphal's (2024) three axioms of resilience to military contexts. Drawing on international research, we evaluate evidence supporting the three propositions: resilience is the predominant outcome following trauma exposure, multiple factors contribute modestly to resilience, and resilience emerges from flexible self-regulation. We demonstrate how these axioms manifest in military populations, who face unique operational stressors with, at times, limited access to conventional coping resources. We propose methodological approaches for measuring resilience longitudinally across individual and organizational domains and discuss implications for military training that focuses on developing diverse coping strategies rather than bolstering single traits. The commentary emphasises the value of a data-driven approach wherein military personnel act as their own scientists, systematically evaluating whether a coping strategy is working and adapting accordingly. We highlight the critical interdependence between individual and organizational resilience in maintaining mental health among military personnel who face repeated trauma exposure.