Abstract
In recent years, the concept of social resilience has gained relevance in the fields of knowledge, including sociology, psychology and public health, particularly regarding its role in preserving collective mental health. As we navigate an increasingly complex world, marked by social inequalities, climate changes, pandemics, international conflicts and political instability, the ability of communities to adapt, recover and advance has emerged as a central focus for public research and decision-makers (Ventriglio et al., 2024). Social resilience, often discussed in relation to ecological resilience, broadly refers to the collective capacity of a community or society – together with its ecosystem – to respond to and recover from adversities, particularly challenges that disrupt social structures and impact mental health, while maintaining or even strengthening social cohesion and psychological well-being (Adger, 2000; Ungar, 2008). Also, according to Norris et al. (2008), social resilience is a process of adaptation to adversity where social networks and community structures buffer individuals from the psychological and social consequences of stress, while also supplementing individual coping abilities. This perspective contrasts with individual resilience, which focusses more on personal coping mechanisms and psychological traits such as emotional regulation and self-efficacy. Subsequently, social resilience broadens the scope by considering the importance of collective action, community bonds and social capital in mitigating adverse mental health outcomes (Drury & Reicher, 2000). Thus, it plays a pivotal role in promoting both individual and collective mental health, serving as a protective factor when supported and sustained by a range of socio-political and environmental conditions, including social support, shared community values, cultural practices and the availability of resources (Ozbay et al., 2007).
Communities with higher levels of social resilience tend to report better mental health outcomes, especially in the face of threatening events like natural disasters, economic recessions or political turmoil. The role of social support is central in each of these cases. Research has shown that strong social networks act as protective buffers against mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder in many circumstances (Ozbay et al., 2007). A rather dated study by Faris and Dunham (1939), conducted in Chicago in the early 20th century, examined the relationship between neighbourhood characteristics and the risk of developing schizophrenia. The researchers found that individuals living in urban areas with high population density and low social cohesion were more likely to develop psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia, compared to those residing in more stable and cohesive neighbourhoods. This study highlighted the impact of social and environmental support, particularly neighbourhood disorganization, on the risk of psychosis. Cohen and Wills (1985) later emphasized that social support can mitigate the impact of stress by providing emotional, informational and material resources that enhance individuals’ coping capacities. In communities with lower levels of social resilience, a lack of cohesion and mutual support can perpetuate cycles of stress, social inequality and mental health decline, as social isolation, limited access to resources and weakened social ties contribute to increased prevalence of mental health disorders (Berkman et al., 2000). In times of crisis, communities with strong ties may exhibit collective coping strategies, such as shared decision-making, group support and community organizing, which facilitate quicker recovery and improved psychological well-being (Ventriglio et al., 2024).
Fostering social resilience across communities
The development and implementation of social resilience is a complex process influenced by multiple factors, including the promotion and reinforcement of psychosocial determinants of health, as well as cultural, economic and environmental dimensions of the community. Communities that are more equitable, inclusive and present accessible resources tend to exhibit higher levels of social resilience. Several elements contribute to fostering social resilience at the community level:
-Social capital: the concept of social capital, introduced by Putnam (2000), refers to the networks, norms and trust that facilitate cooperation among members of a community. Higher levels of social capital are associated with greater collective efficacy, which can enhance collective ability to respond to and recover from adversities. Social capital acts as a mechanism that facilitates resource-sharing, collective problem-solving and emotional support during difficult times (Ventriglio & Bhugra, 2023).
-Cultural norms and collective efficacy: cultural norms and shared values play an important role in shaping community resilience. In societies based on a common sense of shared responsibility and mutual care, individuals are more likely to act in the interest of the group, enhancing overall resilience. According to Bandura (2000), collective efficacy refers to a collective shared belief in its ability to achieve goals and overcome challenges, which directly influences mental health outcomes.
-Community empowerment: empowering individuals within a community to participate in decision-making processes and actively engage in problem-solving enhances social resilience (Kruahong et al., 2023). Empowered individuals are more likely to seek help when needed, advocate for their needs and contribute to a sense of belonging and solidarity within the group. This empowerment fosters a culture of collective action and mutual support, which enhances both individual and collective mental health.
-(Equal) access to resources: the availability of economic, health and social resources is a crucial factor for the resilience of communities. Policymakers must prioritize the implementation of policies that foster the development and support the key pillars of the socio-economic determinants of health and mental health for the population (Ventriglio & Bhugra, 2015). Communities that are well-resourced in terms of mental health services, education, housing and employment are more likely to exhibit social resilience and better collective mental health. Marmot (2015) emphasized the importance of social determinants of health, highlighting how these resources play a crucial role in promoting mental health and preventing mental illness.
-Adaptation to change(s): communities that can adapt to changing circumstances, such as demographic shifts, economic challenges, wars or climate changes, demonstrate higher levels of resilience. This adaptability is critical for ensuring that mental health services, community networks and support systems evolve in line with emerging needs (Ventriglio et al., 2015). In this regard, public policies play a fundamental role in shaping a social gradient that empowers even the most vulnerable segments of the population to meet and adapt to change (Bonaccio et al., 2020).
Social resilience in mental health
Social resilience is not only a reactive process responding to changes or crises. It is also a proactive process, involving the promotion of mental health through the strengthening of community ties, the creation of supportive environments and the development of coping mechanisms that prevent mental health problems before they arise (Norris et al., 2008). Thus, mental health promotion, which seeks to improve well-being and prevent mental health disorders, is intrinsically linked to social resilience. According to the World Health Organization (2022), mental health promotion should focus on enhancing the protective factors that buffer individuals and communities from mental health risks. Social resilience, as a collective and dynamic process, is key to building these protective factors. Communities with strong social resilience are then better equipped to engage in mental health promotion activities, such as stigma reduction, early intervention and education about mental well-being. By fostering social networks that prioritize mental health, communities can reduce the stigma often associated with seeking mental health care, increase access to services and improve overall psychological well-being.
Structural inequalities, unemployment, poor housing, poverty, racism and gender discrimination, all can undermine social resilience by limiting access to resources and creating divisions within communities (Ventriglio et al., 2022). Marginalized groups may have less access to social support networks and mental health services, making them more vulnerable to adverse mental health outcomes (Sartorius, 2006). Therefore, efforts to enhance social resilience must also address these structural barriers, ensuring that all members of a community have equal opportunities to thrive. Moreover, climate change, migration and global health crises (like the recent COVID-19 pandemic) highlight the need for resilient communities capable of responding to large-scale threatening events. These global challenges require a coordinated approach that considers both local resilience and global solidarity, fostering collective action across communities and borders.
In conclusion, social resilience plays an essential role in supporting collective mental health by providing communities with adaptive strategies to changes, collective resources, support networks and collective efficacy needed to withstand and recover from adversities. Communities that nurture social resilience are better equipped to promote mental health, reduce stigma and ensure access to care, leading to better overall mental health outcomes. However, to fully realize the potential of social resilience, it is necessary to address broader socio-political inequalities and ensure that all social determinants of health are promoted and individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, can contribute to and benefit from resilient, supportive communities.
Footnotes
Author contributions
All the authors collected the data, contributed to the interpretation of the data and writing, revised critically and approved the final version of the manuscript.
Funding
The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Ethical considerations
Not applicable.
