Promoting Resilience

Trust

"When people feel trusting, they are more ready to accept limits to their behavior, are more likely to become likable, empathic and caring, optimistic and hopeful and can more easily engage in successful interpersonal relationships, solve problems in various settings, and reach out for help.
They not only trust others, they learn to trust themselves, knowing those they trust will not allow harm to come their way.

People who do not trust others often learn to control others or rely only on themselves: if you want something done right, do it yourself, would be a plausible mantra.
Separate themselves from others, go their own way, and often are highly successful in their chosen
work. However, they avoid getting involved emotionally and reject efforts of others to develop any meaningful relationships.

Not only do individuals need to learn to trust others, but also to trust themselves. When they do not trust themselves, they may well become dependent on others, feeling certain others are better than they are, know more, and are the most likely to protect them.

An entry point for those who wish to promote resilience in children and youth is clearly by building a trusting relationship with them."

Edith Henderson Grotberg in "Resilience for Today"