The current ‘best practice’ approach to trauma is to screen for pathology and provide treatment when required (Cloitre, 2009; Cornum et al., 2011). This reactive paradigm is seen in the wealth of information and numerous studies regarding debriefing, early intervention responses following trauma and therapeutic approaches to stress and trauma pathologies. Positive psychology literature abounds with research exploring components of resilience, comparing resilient individuals with less resilient individuals and, more recently, implementing resilience programs with children. Only in recent years have studies reflecting resilience training programs with adults appeared (Burton et al., 2009, 2010). 

This study aimed to explore the possibility of teaching resilience to adults in high-trauma professions in order to buffer participants against intense and prolonged stress and multiple trauma exposures. The program was tested in a longitudinal randomised control trial involving Australian fire and emergency service recruits. This presentation will outline the theory and process behind the development of this targeted intervention, including practical challenges and barriers in this field of work. Preliminary results will be discussed.