Assessing psychological resilience in a population of Colombians exposed to trauma and armed conflict

Abstract

Psychological resilience is a key construct, yet its definition remains contested within the literature. This thesis examines resilience among Colombian civilians exposed to trauma from armed conflict and other potentially traumatising events (PTEs). Using a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates findings from a Delphi study, a systematic literature review, a qualitative interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), and a quantitative hierarchical regression. The aim was to advance understanding of how resilience is defined, its role in psychopathological outcomes, and to qualitatively and quantitatively explore post-traumatic resilience in a sample of Colombian civilians.

The Delphi study engaged 22 experts from diverse professional backgrounds to establish consensus on definitions and debates surrounding post-traumatic resilience. Findings supported resilience as a dynamic, multifactorial process rather than a fixed trait, though consensus proved difficult across several items, reflecting enduring disagreements in the field.

A systematic review of 15 studies from South America highlighted resilience as a protective factor against PTSD and depression following PTE exposure, while evidence regarding anxiety remained limited and inconclusive.

The IPA component provided qualitative insights into Colombian civilians' lived experiences, identifying resilience as an evolving process shaped by personal growth, social support, and coping strategies. Five key themes offered a deeper understanding of resilience and trauma in this context.

Hierarchical regression analyses examined psychosocial predictors of resilience across three alternative outcome measures. Results showed demographic variables were initially significant, but their influence diminishes when psychological and social factors were included. The choice of outcome measure also shaped which predictors emerged as significant, underscoring the need for careful conceptualisation of resilience in research and practice.

This thesis contributes to the expanding research on psychological resilience. In particular, within a post-conflict, non-Western-based population. It provides a culturally nuanced understanding of resilience and trauma from the perspective of those impacted by trauma and armed conflict.

Thesis is embargoed until 31 December 2026.

Date of Award	Dec 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Sponsors	Northern Ireland Department for the Economy
Supervisor	Donncha Hanna (Supervisor), Cherie Armour (Supervisor) & Martin Robinson (Supervisor)