ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights the broad definitions of resilience to illustrate its application in the contexts of science, vulnerability, cognitive behaviour, disaster management and community resilience. Resilience is commonly linked with the study of vulnerable children and young adults who have been exposed to, or are at risk from, adverse behaviour such as sexual abuse and domestic violence and may have experienced formal social care intervention. Neenan defines resilience as 'a set of flexible, cognitive, behavioural and emotional responses to acute or chronic adversities, which can be usual or commonplace'. The main drivers of resilience theory in the field of disaster management lie within specific national, regional and local policies. Community resilience is a highly contextualised relative of disaster management theory and is more about promoting effective prevention, preparation, response and recovery by joining local networks in response to specific, recognised local hazards or risks.
