Abstract
Interactional resilience theory is a new developing theory to encapsulate people’s ability to face and
overcome various adversities. This study aimed to explore the manifestation of interactional resilience
among participants who suffer from bipolar mood disorder. This is a qualitative study of five
participants who were obtained using non-probability purposive sampling from mental health
practitioners across the Western Cape. Data collection involved two semi-structured interviews per
participant: the first one on the participant’s current resilience enablers, and the second explored how
some of their resilience enablers may be interactional – that is, did the transaction between the person
and their environment create the resilience? Grounded theory informed the analysis of the data and
the subsequent outcomes.
Findings were grouped into: resilience factors and interactional resilience codes. Resilience factors
were grouped into personal, relational, and environmental factors, describing the following codes:
self-regulation, self-efficacy, self-awareness (personal), meaning-making activities and the act of
formulating constructs (spiritual under personal); supportive network and creating transformation
(relational), accessing professional services and work or study courses (environmental). The three
interactional enablers that were uncovered to be interactional were: personal learning (the ability to
communicate through their lived experience), self-guarding efficacy (acting on choices for a healthy
lifestyle, which enables functionality), and shuttling reality (moving between reality and the future).
In conclusion these findings described various resilience factors for participants. These factors created
a productive response in participants to their bipolar mood disorder: through regulating time, lifestyle
and activities participants achieved mastery, the belief that they are high functioning enabled coping
strategies, access to support networks and services, and empowering others in their own life situations
created insight and a safe space for participants. Secondly, three interactional ‘codes’ or enablers
showed how transactions created resilience between the person and their environment: personal
learning involved participants shifting responses to various situations – due to the response received
by family or friends; self-guarding efficacy entailed healthy lifestyle choices through acting in a
regulated manner and shuttling reality involved participants perceiving that they will make it in
through challenges, choosing to respond accordingly which enabled the participant to cope. It was
discovered that the interaction created the resilience enablers, and not merely the trait or environment
of the person, but the person as an active agent in their environment.
Recommendations for future studies are for additional qualitative and quantitative data to be collected
on interactional resilience theory; and further studies specifically on people with bipolar mood
disorder who are resilient. This can assist people with bipolar to understand how to cope better than
expected in their environments.
Keywords: Resilience, interactional resilience, adult, resilience enablers, bipolar mood disorders.