Research summary
Rehabilitation services generally support people who are recovering from injury or illness by improving how they function and helping them to participate more fully in society. Historically, rehabilitation science and practice have focused on understanding dysfunction and loss instead of exploring the positive changes that might explain how and why some individuals are able to live successfully with long-term health conditions.
Dr. Emily Nalder, Canada Research Chair in Resiliency and Rehabilitation, is trying to address this by exploring resilience. She and her research team are studying adults who have brain injuries or mental illnesses and examining the cultures and beliefs that shape their rehabilitation practices and how these practices, in turn, may foster or constrain resiliency. Ultimately, they plan to develop new interventions to foster resilience and enhance individual and family well-being.