Recent studies show that up to 30% of people around the world have experienced severe anxiety or depression in their lives. This highlights the growing importance of maintaining mental health in today's society. Nowadays, with the improvement of people's quality of life, more and more people pay attention not only to physical health, but also to mental health. In this article, I want to introduce an important ability in mental health: emotional resilience, which is the ability to adapt successfully in the face of stress and adversity.

  While proponents of the extreme nature position acknowledge the role of genetic factors in shaping emotional resilience that variations of individuals in specific genes, such as those related to neurotransmitter regulation can impact an individual's resilience levels. However, it fails to consider the impact of environmental influences such as thinking mode. On the other hand, advocates of the extreme nurture position emphasize the importance of environmental experiences in fostering emotional resilience because of the different kinds of thinking modes determine whether the individuals can have a high level emotional resilience, yet it overlooks the influence of genetic predispositions. Therefore, a more practical solution would be to acknowledge the complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors in shaping emotional resilience. This approach would allow us to develop more holistic approaches to enhance emotional resilience, taking into account individual differences and the context in which resilience is cultivated.

  First, According to some articles, emotional resilience is believed to be determined by genetics. They argue that if a person has a family history of high emotional resilience, they are more likely to have the same trait. Conversely, if a person has a family history of low emotional resilience, they are more likely to have low emotional resilience themselves. This is because different people have different neurotransmitter systems. People who have more of the neurotransmitter systems that produce positive emotions, such as anthocyanins and dopamine, tend to have higher emotional resilience. However, some individuals are born with a nervous system that has fewer neurotransmitters that regulate emotions, which naturally leads to lower emotional resilience. In conclusion, these articles suggest that emotional resilience is closely linked to our genetically determined neurotransmitter secretion system. 

  On the contrary, there are articles that claim that emotional resilience is linked to one's way of thinking when faced with problems. This means that the level of emotional resilience can be improved by adjusting one's thinking mode. If you seek opportunities for self-discovery, move towards your goals, and learn from your past, you can develop a healthy mindset which in turn can help you maintain a high level of emotional resilience. To summarize, some articles suggest that emotional resilience is closely related to one's way of thinking. If you have a positive thinking pattern, you're likely to have high emotional resilience. Conversely, if you have a very negative thinking pattern, you're likely to have low emotional resilience.

  Although they may have differing perspectives, both sides have a common objective of enhancing emotional resilience of individuals. However, strictly adhering to either of the extreme positions can lead to a simplistic understanding of the intricate issues related to emotional resilience. For instance, implementing blanket resilience-building programs without considering individual differences in genetic predispositions might not be sufficient in addressing the unique needs of diverse populations.

Now, let's delve into the middle ground perspective that acknowledges both genetic and environmental influences on emotional resilience. Research has indicated that a significant part of the variance in emotional resilience among individuals is attributed to genetic factors. Certain genetic differences can make some individuals more or less resilient to adversity. However, it is important to note that genes are not the only factors that determine one's emotional resilience. Environmental influences, such as thinking patterns, also have a significant impact on an individual's ability to bounce back from challenges. While some people may have a natural advantage due to their genetic makeup, others can develop these traits through intentional efforts to change their thinking habits and behaviors. Cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, and resilience training programs have been shown to effectively enhance emotional resilience by promoting adaptive coping strategies and fostering a positive mindset.

  In essence, emotional resilience is a complex trait that arises from the interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental factors. To enhance emotional resilience, it is crucial to acknowledge this complexity. We must engage in further research to gain a deeper understanding of emotional resilience, and develop targeted interventions in vulnerable communities. By taking action in this way, we can develop effective strategies that improve well-being on a broader scale.

Works Cited

Liu, Haoran et al. “Biological and Psychological Perspectives of Resilience: Is It Possible to Improve Stress Resistance?.” Frontiers in human neuroscience vol. 12 326. 21 Aug. 2018, doi:10.3389/fnhum.2018.00326

Maul, Stephan et al. “Genetics of resilience: Implications from genome-wide association studies and candidate genes of the stress response system in posttraumatic stress disorder and depression.” American journal of medical genetics. Part B, Neuropsychiatric genetics : the official publication of the International Society of Psychiatric Genetics vol. 183,2 (2020): 77-94. doi:10.1002/ajmg.b.32763

Navrady, Lauren B et al. “Genetic and environmental contributions to psychological resilience and coping.” Wellcome open research vol. 3 12. 15 Feb. 2018, doi:10.12688/wellcomeopenres.13854.1

Neenan, Michael. Developing Resilience: A Cognitive-Behavioural Approach. 2009, psycnet.apa.org/record/2009-01292-000.