On Playing a Poor Hand Well
Recent Advances in Our Understanding of Human Resilience and of the Limits of Emotional Endurance

Robert Louis Stevenson once said that “life is not so much a matter of holding good cards, but of playing a poor hand well.” Many adults who currently enjoy meaningful and productive lives grew up under very difficult and emotionally stressful conditions, which they couldn’t change, no matter how hard they tried. Up until recently, there was not much known about how these resilient individuals managed to overcome their earlier adversities. Researchers now feel however that they’ve been able to identify specific sources of resilience, as well as specific buffers or protective influences that help explain why some people “beat the odds.” During this presentation, we will review some of these factors, and discuss the important role that school can play in incorporating them into the lives of our most at risk children, youth, families and young adults.