The old adage ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’ may hold some truth as scientists have discovered wisdom comes from overcoming hardship.
Of 50 study participants who battled a traumatic life event, 32 view these incidences as landmarks in their journey towards self-discovery, a study found.
Five said enduring rough times, such as a health scare, and coming out the other side helped them find self-acceptance, the research adds.
Others claim drawing on their personal strengths, such as intelligence, assisted them in overcoming issues that cannot be changed, like the death of a loved one, the study found.
Lead author Dr Carolyn Aldwin from Oregon State University, said: ‘The adage used to be “with age comes wisdom”, but that’s not really true.
‘Generally, the people who had to work to sort things out after a difficult life event are the ones who arrived at new meaning.’
The researchers also found that how well people cope with hardship depends on their support network.
Scientists discover wisdom comes from overcoming hardship (stock)
How the research was carried out
The researchers analysed 14 men and 36 women aged between 56 and 91 years old who had experienced a difficult life event.
All of the study’s participants were interviewed to discover how they coped with their trauma and if it was a turning point that affected their perspectives and actions.
Dr Aldwin said: ‘What we [were] really looking at [was] ‘when bad things happen, what happens?’.
‘Difficult times are a way people define themselves’
Dr Aldwin said: ‘One thing that stood out right away is that, when asked to think about a difficult life event or challenge, people had an answer right away.
‘Difficult times are a way people define themselves.’
Speaking of the 32 participants who found their life events shaped their outlooks, she added: ‘For these folks, the event really rocked their boat and challenged how they saw life and themselves.’
Results further reveal social interactions are crucial to whether individuals become wiser after a traumatic event.
Dr Aldwin said: ‘It mattered whether a participant was expected to adjust to the event quickly and “get back to life”, or whether they were encouraged to grow and change as a result of the event.
‘The quality of the social interactions really make a difference.’
‘Typically, the type of social support you get is the kind you ask for and allow, and there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach.
‘But being open to the resources in your social network, or seeking out things like grief support groups may be worth exploring.’
The findings were published in the Journals of Gerontology: Series B.