Seven Characteristics of Highly Resilient People: Insights from Navy SEALs to the 'Greatest Generation'

Abstract

Abstract: Having reviewed investigative methods such as structural equation modeling, seminal manuals of war (von Clausewitz, 1976, rev.1984; Clavell, 1983), as well as individual interviews and focus groups with highly resilient people such as Navy SEALs, law enforcement professionals, and the “children of the Great Depression” now commonly referred to as the “greatest generation,” we sought to discover the common themes, or characteristics, of highly resilient people. In this paper, we present our initial impressions that there exist seven important characteristics that seem to be associated with enhanced human resilience.