Dalla resistenza alla resilienza: promuovere benessere nei luoghi di lavoro

The research literature on work stress has focused strongly on pathology and on healing the wounded. Great strides have been made in assisting both individuals and organizations in managing distress. This, however, is only half of the battle. As a complement to healing the wounded, it is worth to find out models of intervention oriented to promotion of well-being at work by the strengthening of salutary factors. A main contribution toward this goal comes nowadays from Positive Psychology which is focused on learning how to develop the qualities that allows individuals to flourish. Within this perspective some new theoretical construals are emerging which are worthily usable within the domain of occupational health psychology. That is the case of adult¿s resilience which is reviewed. Particular attention is drawn on meaning, which seems to act as an important health-protector. Resilience¿s factors may also serve to the function of implementing interventions oriented both to distress prevention, and to wellbeing promotion. Establishing and maintaining an effective dialogue between researchers and practitioner in the field of work health promotion is strongly encouraged.