‘Bouncing back’ is a myth – resilience means integrating hard experiences into your life story, not ignoring them

Push through, stay strong, fight back – people often think of resilience as being tough and having grit. But research suggests it’s more about acknowledging the scars as you continue to move forward.

By: Keith M. Bellizzi, University of Connecticut, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: April 13, 2026

Words: 1,298

Last Updated: 1 month, 2 weeks ago

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By Keith M. Bellizzi, University of Connecticut

When Maria looked at herself in the mirror for the first time after her mastectomy, she stood very still.

One hand rested on the bathroom counter. The other hovered near the flat space where her breast had been. The scar was raw and angry. The loss was quiet but enormous. Her body felt foreign.

In moments like these, people are often urged to be resilient – which can feel …

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