Is resilience related to depression, anxiety and energy? European Social Survey results

Abstract

Problem Statement Resilience is understood as capability to recover from adverse events. However, it is not clear how resilience relates with anxiety, depression and energy in socially diverse European countries. Research Questions How resilience relates with anxiety, depression, energy levels in European citizens? Purpose of the Study The purpose of study is to assess links between psychological resilience and anxiety, depression and energy in Western Europe, Scandinavia and Baltic States and look for possible differences between these countries. Research Methods Experts-generated single-item questions from European Social Survey round 6 were used to assess psychological resilience, anxiety, depression, and energy levels. Countries were grouped according to the United Nations classification. Linear regression analysis was used to assess relationship between the psychological constructs. Findings In Western Europe and Scandinavia higher levels of psychological resilience are predicted by lower levels of depression and anxiety, higher levels of energy, as well as male gender and younger age (in Western Europe) (p<.042). In Baltic States higher levels of psychological resilience are predicted by lower levels of depression and higher levels of energy (p<.023). Conclusions Psychological resilience in most European countries is predicted by lower levels of depression and anxiety and higher levels of energy. More detailed research is needed to discover country differences in psychological resilience and its correlates.