ABSTRACT
This chapter delineates pathways through which three protective and resilience-related resourcesmeaning, spirituality, and stress-related growth-promote health and well-being. Although the emphasis here is on physical health, literature regarding related mental health states is included as appropriate. In this chapter, the resources are each considered in turn, with the discussion reviewing the potential protective effects of their ongoing infl uence under ordinary circumstances and then reviewing their potential resilience effects on individuals confronting serious illness and other major life stressors. Specifi cally, this chapter reviews the empirical evidence regarding how these resources may (a) protect individuals’ health by imbuing daily life with direction and positive emotional states and minimizing wear and tear, and (b) promote resilience in stressful situations by buffering stress and its resulting emotional and physiological strain. Suggestions for future research to better understand these important pathways and clinical implications conclude the chapter.
