Courage as a process of pushing beyond the struggle

Six qualitative studies have been carried out to better understand courage among individual who range in age from 14 to 94 years and are experiencing a variety of lingering threats to their well-being. The purpose of this met a-interpretation was to synthesize those works and further delineate an eme rgent formal theory of courage. Based on the findings, courage is a dynamic phenomenon that is precipitated by a perceived threat. The ability to be c ourageous develops over time and includes efforts to fully accept reality, problem solve based on discernment, and push beyond ongoing struggles. Cour ageous behavior is characterized by efforts to be productive, make contribu tions, and help others and results in a sense of personal integrity and thr iving. Courage is promoted and sustained by several interrelated intraperso nal and interpersonal forces as well as the reflective awareness that one h as developed a courageous persona.