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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Lindsey Tanner

Does adversity make you stronger? Scientists say not always

Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

There’s an old saying that adversity makes you stronger. Real life shows that’s not always true, but the adage highlights an evolving debate among scientists about resilience.

After traumatic events and crises such as child abuse, gun violence or a pandemic, what explains why some people bounce back, while others struggle to cope? Is it nature — genes and other inherent traits? Or nurture — life experiences and social interactions?

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