Alternatively, beneath a seemingly diverse range of so-called resilient outcomes, a generic set of
psychosocial mechanisms may be in operation. The development of a positive self-concept may be
one such example. Having acquired a positive self-concept, individuals may be well set up to
maintain competence (i.e. demonstrate a resilient outcome) under a range of seemingly different
kinds of adversities. Equally, the self-concept may be well developed in one area but not in
another, making for a resilient outcome in the former but not the latter. Effective intervention
would rest in the cultivation of a few key attitudes and life approaches. The development of
standardized measures of resilience would provide the potential to better explore the nature of
resilience and the range of interventions designed to develop resilience.