Interactive Tool: How Well Do You Bounce Back?

What does this tool help you learn?

This tool measures your resiliency-your ability to bounce back from stressful situations. People who are resilient recover quickly from disruptive change, illness, or misfortune without being overwhelmed or acting in destructive ways.

Reprinted with permission. © Copyright 2005 Practical Psychology Press, adapted from Chapter 2 in The Resiliency Advantage (Berrett-Koehler), by Al Siebert, PhD. All rights reserved.

What does your score mean?

Your score will appear as one of the following:

You are very resilient. You have the characteristics needed to bounce back from the worst situations.

You are more resilient than most. You are probably able to handle most of life's challenges well.

You are moderately resilient. You can deal with stress and change in your life, but you could improve.

You are not very resilient. Although you have some qualities that help you deal with stress, you need to develop more qualities and strengthen others. Talking to a therapist may help.

What's next?

Improving your resiliency skills does not happen overnight. Resiliency develops through gradual, small changes in your outlook on life and careful self-evaluation. Some people can begin this shift on their own. Others may find a counselor or therapist helpful.

For more information, see the topic Stress Management.