Abstract:

The main objective of the study of personal resilience to stressful effects, performed for a period of 19 years, was to determine protective factors in participants from a troubled environment of primary families when coping with stressful situations. The study was implemented at Czech, Slovak, Argentinian, Chilean and Spanish universities between 2002 and 2020 (number of participants: Czech Republic – 21, Slovakia – 11, Argentina – 10, Chile – 2, Spain – 7). The participants came from primary families at risk where the following reportedly occurred: low solidarity among family members, weak attachment between the parents and participants, low tendency to communicate together, there was prevailing authoritative father control and a lack of emotional support from the parents in stressful situations. The study is designed as qualitative and longitudinal. The participants were selected based on intentional selection. Four interviews per year were conducted with each participant (other interviews were conducted in order to obtain additional information). In total, there were 3,544 interviews. Case studies were prepared on the basis of the interviews, providing closer details of important protective factors promoting a resilient personality. The data obtained were analysed using the ATLAS.ti 7 program. The phenomenon of flow showed to be the most important protective factor. The activity, during which flow occurred, allowed the participants to be fully immersed and to forget about reality (this included studying scientific material, professional preparation, giving lectures, the participants often mentioned artistic activities, such as playing a musical instrument etc.). The flow had the following effects, both as a short-term dynamic element, an acute response to stress, and as a long-lasting characteristic of the participants’ reactions. They gradually improved in their activity and achieved higher expertise. Not only the attainment of objectives, but the activity itself made them feel good. A positive change toward resolving stressful situations, characterized by a shift in more wise and socially mature behaviour, was registered as an impact of the long-term effect of the protective factor of flow.

Keywords:

Personality resilience, primary family, risk factors, protective factors, flow.