HOMO INVICTUS - THE INDOMITABLE SPECIES

Many human lives are marked by periods of danger, deprivation, and cha llenge; Psychology and related disciplines have traditionally emphasiz ed the destructive consequences of such events. More recently, a begin ning has been made toward balancing this one-sided perspective with gr owing interest in coping and salutogenic (health-enhancing) reactions to adversity. This paper reviews evidence from laboratory experiments on restricted stimulation, field studies in polar stations, archival a nalyses of decision-making under stress, and interviews with Holocaust survivors, which attests to the fortitude and resilience of human bei ngs in the face of severe environmental demands. Psychologists should address the many remaining questions - theoretical, scientific, and pr actical - concerning such positive reactions to even extreme stressors .