Narratives of Resilience:Coping with Adversity

Kakungulu Samuel J.

Faculty of Education, Kampala International University, Uganda

ABSTRACT

Resilience is more than an individual trait; it is a narrative deeply embedded within cultural, social, and historical contexts. This paper explores how resilience is narrated by individuals coping with adversity, with a particular focus on Sierra Leone’s post-conflict recovery. Drawing from storytelling sessions involving diverse groups including ex-child soldiers this study examines how societal norms, cultural worldviews, and personal beliefs interact within resilience narratives. It analyzes the theoretical foundations of resilience, coping mechanisms employed by young adults, and the role of support systems. Case studies highlight the complex ways resilience is culturally framed and personally lived. Challenges in resilience discourse, including misconceptions about resilience as a stable trait, are also addressed. By applying narrative theory, this paper illuminates how personal experiences of trauma are woven into socially constructed stories that enable healing and adaptation. Ultimately, it argues for a dynamic, context-sensitive understanding of resilience that embraces individual agency while acknowledging systemic influences.

Keywords: Resilience Narratives, Coping Mechanisms, Cultural Context, Sierra Leone, Post-Conflict Recovery, Trauma and Healing, Narrative Theory

CITE AS: Kakungulu Samuel J. (2025). Narratives of Resilience: Coping with Adversity. RESEARCH INVENTION JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN EDUCATION 5(2):52-58.  https://doi.org/10.59298/RIJRE/2025/525258