Resilience Self-Assessment--The Brief Resilience Scale Logo
  • What's your level of resilience?

    Complete this short assessment to discover your level of resilience. The Brief Resilience Scale assesses a person's ability to bounce back or recover from stressful events. Upon completing the assessment, you will receive some suggestions on how to increase your resilience score. (The scale take just two minutes to complete.)
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  • Authors: Smith, B.W., Dalen, J., Wiggins, K., Tooley, E., Christopher, P. and Bernard, J. (2008). The Brief Resilience Scale: Assessing the Ability to Bounce Back. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 15, 194-200.

  • What does your score mean?

  • BRS Score Intepretation  
    1.00 - 2.99

    Low Resilience

    3.00 - 4.30 Normal Resilience
    4.31 - 5.00 High Resilience
  • Remember...Resilience is a skill that can be strengthened at any level.

    Research indicates that those who bounce back in the face of adversity display specific attributes that others do not. These attributes help individuals build resilience to survive and recover during times of extreme stress. While there is some overlap, these attributes fall into five domains of resilience: Purpose, Flexibility and Adaptability, Connection, Wellness, and Hope.

    These domains provide a practical framework for understanding and developing the skills and attitudes that contribute to resilience across all areas. 

    No matter where you start, you can use the tips that follow to continue growing in each domain.

  • 1.00 – 2.99: Low Resilience

    Low resilience:

    Individuals with a low resilience score may struggle to adapt to change and setbacks, often experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety, or hopelessness. You may find it difficult to recover from challenges and might benefit from additional support or strategies to build resilience.

    Tips to keep building resilience:

    • Purpose: Reflect on your values and what brings you a sense of meaning.
    • Flexibility & Adaptability: Practice mindfulness and meditation to managing stress. Remind yourself that setbacks are opportunities to learn.
    • Connection: Reach out to someone you trust or join a supportive group. Even brief, positive interactions can help you feel less isolated.
    • Wellness: Focus on basic self-care such as regular sleep, balanced meals, and gentle movement. Small, consistent habits can boost your mood and energy.
    • Hope: Recall a past challenge you overcame. Identify your strengths and how you use them to overcome challenges. Identify a small, meaningful goal that aligns with your values that you can work toward.
  • 3.00 – 4.30: Normal Resilience

    Normal resilience:

    Individuals with a normal resilience score generally have a moderate ability to cope with stress and adapt to change. You may feel stress or anxiety in difficult situations, but you are usually able to recover and find ways to overcome challenges. This score reflects typical resilience for most people.

    Tips to keep building resilience:

    • Purpose: Revisit your long-term goals and consider how your daily actions align with what matters most to you.
    • Flexibility & Adaptability: Try new problem-solving approaches when faced with obstacles. Learn new skills and take on new challenges to build confidence.
    • Connection: Strengthen your relationships by making time for meaningful conversations. Consider expanding your support network.
    • Wellness: Enhance your self-care routine with activities that support both mind and body, such as mindfulness or creative hobbies.
    • Hope: Set realistic, optimistic goals and celebrate your progress. Practice positive self-talk to reinforce your ability to handle challenges.
  • 4.31 – 5.00: High Resilience

    High resilience:

    Individuals with a high resilience score tend to adapt to change and setbacks with ease. You likely maintain a positive outlook, find meaning in challenges, and have a strong sense of personal and social competence. This score indicates a greater overall sense of well-being and ability to handle stress.

    Tips to keep building resilience:

    • Purpose: Continue to align your actions with your core values. Mentor others or take on new challenges that deepen your sense of fulfillment.
    • Flexibility & Adaptability: Stay open to new experiences and share your adaptability strategies with others.
    • Connection: Invest in deepening relationships and supporting others in your network.
    • Wellness: Maintain your healthy habits and consider exploring new wellness practices or goals.
    • Hope: Inspire hope in others by sharing your experiences. Set ambitious goals and use setbacks as opportunities for further growth.
  • Resilience Resources

  • For helpful resources to help enhance or build your resilience, please visit myFSEAP.ca.

  • Get a copy of your Resilience Self-Assessment

  • To download a PDF copy of your results, click "submit" below. On the screen that follows you'll receive instructions to download a copy of your Resilience Self-Assessment report.

    If you'd like a copy of your Resilience Self-Assessment report emailed to you, simply enter your email address below and click "submit."

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