An Innovative Approach to Measure Mental Resilience and Wellbeing at the Individual and Societal Level Using the “Human Condition-4 – Satisfaction Index”

Abstract

The concept of resilience is one aspect of mental health and coping mechanism that is paramount to understand the relationship between physical and mental health. However, in recent decades, there is a growing dissatisfaction among healthcare professionals with the traditional clinically driven resilience assessment tool. This is largely due to the fact that most resilience measures are unidimensional, with very long questionnaires and fails to address the complex underlying determinates of health. Resilience is a complex multidimensional construct with multiple interacting factors such as epigenetic, socio-economic, cultural, and environmental factors; all play critical roles in developing and modulating resilience in an integrated way. In recognition of that, this paper proposed an easy-to-use diagnostic resilience assessment tool that is person-centred and encompasses personal, community, and societal aspects of individual life. The four proposed domains for measuring resilience are (1) Control – self-determination, (2) Connectedness – social significance, (3) Cohesion – meaning and over-individual context, and (4) “Cherished” – identity and integrity. Furthermore, we propose a four-step guideline for the application of the proposed resilience assessment tool, which is applicable at the individual and societal levels. The overall aim is to support individuals and vulnerable populations by enhancing resilience and mitigating the untoward consequences. The assessment tool and the four-step guidelines can facilitate informed decision-making strategies that are feasible and support sustainable lifestyle changes and improve negatively correlated mental health indicators such as life and suffering, helplessness, social significance, identity, and meaning.