EMOTIONAL RESILIENCE AS A COPING MECHANISM FOR NAVIGATING CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study Around the world, individuals are frequently exposed to intense stressors such as wars, natural disasters like earthquakes, terrorist incidents, as well as socio-economic hardships including poverty and familial disruptions—all of which can significantly hinder developmental progress (Weichold & Sharma, 2011). However, people’s responses to these adversities vary greatly (Basim & Cetin, 2010). While some individuals experience psychological distress or behavioral maladjustment, others exhibit remarkable strength, adaptability, and even personal growth under such challenging conditions. In academic literature, individuals who demonstrate such positive adaptation in the face of adversity are described as resilient (Basim & Cetin, 2010). Emotional resilience, in particular, refers to an individual's psychological capacity to manage stressful life events and thrive despite adversity (Cicchetti, 2003). Ungar (2011) further expands this definition to include not only the personal ability to access psychological, social, cultural, and physical resources that support well-being but also the collective and individual capacity to secure these resources in culturally meaningful ways. This resilience is essential for adjusting to adverse experiences (Wald et al., 2006). Emotional resilience is closely associated with individual capabilities such as forming meaningful and supportive relationships, practicing self-regulation, and interacting in socially acceptable ways within larger communities (Luthar, 2006; Ungar, 2011). Globally, individuals are confronted with harsh and sometimes life-threatening conditions, and Nigeria is no exception. Issues such as high unemployment rates, widespread insecurity, and rising insurgency continue to pose serious threats to Nigerians’ well-being. People’s behavioral responses to these situations vary, raising important questions about the level of emotional resilience among Nigerians, especially given the multitude of serious challenges they face daily. Despite this, there remains a noticeable gap in the literature, as only a limited number of studies have examined the emotional resilience of Nigerians, with existing research mainly focusing on general coping strategies rather than resilience as a psychological construct. Consequently, there is a critical need to investigate emotional resilience within the Nigerian context. Emotional resilience has been shown to play a vital role in enabling individuals to endure adverse circumstances (Wang et al., 1994). It contributes to the development of a strong sense of competence, heightened self-esteem (Wasonga et al., 2003), a clearly defined sense of purpose, and improved academic outcomes (Wasonga et al., 2003). Therefore, emotional resilience holds promise as a means of improving not only general life satisfaction but also the educational experiences of youth who may otherwise hold negative perceptions of life or lack the confidence to face its challenges. It is important to note that much of the current understanding of emotional resilience stems from developmental psychology, with a significant focus on children and adolescents exposed to, or at risk of exposure to, stressful life events (e.g., Garmezy, 1991). Expanding research on emotional resilience to other demographic groups—particularly Nigerian youth and adults, who are frequently at risk of encountering traumatic situations—is both necessary and timely (Asmundson et al., 2002). 1.2 Statement of the Problem Emotional resilience, as a concept within the field of positive psychology, refers to an individual's ability not only to endure difficult or stressful life situations but also to recover and grow from them. One of the significant predictors of emotional resilience, as observed in existing literature, is gender. For instance, research findings suggest that men tend to exhibit higher levels of emotional resilience than women (Boardman et al., 2008), with similar trends observed among male and female adolescents (Boardman et al., 2008). In Nigeria, emotional resilience may serve as a crucial psychological buffer that enables individuals to remain mentally stable and continue functioning in their daily lives despite numerous stressors. While the concept has been extensively studied in Western countries, it has received considerably less academic attention in developing nations, particularly Nigeria. This research aims to address that gap by exploring emotional resilience among Nigerians. Specifically, it seeks to understand how emotional resilience functions as a survival mechanism in the face of Nigeria’s ongoing social, economic, and security challenges. 1.3       OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY The primary aim of this research is to understand Emotional Resilience as a Coping Mechanism for Navigating Contemporary Challenges in Nigeria. Thus, the following objectives; 1. To determine whether emotional resilience has helped the survival rate of Nigerians. 2. To determine whether emotional resilience is of essence in survival in today’s Nigeria. 3. To gather public opinion on emotional resilience and whether it has has helped them survive. 1.4       RESEARCH QUESTIONS The following questions guide this study; 1. Has emotional resilience helped the survival rate of Nigerians? 2. Is emotional resilience is of essence in survival in today’s Nigeria? 3. What are the people’s view on emotional resilience and has it helped them survive? 1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES H0: Emotional resilience have not significantly influenced survival in Nigeria. Ha: Emotional resilience have not significantly influenced survival in Nigeria. 1.6      SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY  There has been limited works on emotional resilience and a few on Nigeria; this study therefore will prove to be an addition to the academic world as it will provide materials on emotional resilience and how it affects the survival of the Nigerian populace. It will also create awareness on the need for individuals to understand the importance of emotional resilience. 1.7       SCOPE OF THE STUDY This study will only cover Emotional Resilience as a Coping Mechanism for Navigating Contemporary Challenges in Nigeria. Public opinion on the subject matter will also be looked into in this research. 1.8       LIMITATION OF THE STUDY The limitation faced by the researcher in carrying out this research was lack of funds and insufficient time to delve deeper into the concept of emotional resilience. 1.9      DEFINITION OF TERMS 1. EMOTIONAL RESILIENCE: The ability to mentally or emotionally cope with a crisis or to return to pre-crisis status quickly. Resilience exists when the person uses mental processes and behaviors in promoting personal assets and protecting self from the potential negative effects of stressors. 2. SURVIVAL: The state or fact of continuing to live or exist, typically in spite of an accident, ordeal, or difficult circumstances.