Stronger than you think: Prof. Sherry Hamby visits Manchester Met

The CHANGE group were delighted to welcome renowned trauma researcher and psychologist Professor Sherry Hamby (University of the South, Tennessee, and Life Paths Research Centre) for a special event exploring resilience, wellbeing, and recovery in challenging times in June 2026.

Drawing on decades of research into trauma, victimisation, and resilience, Prof. Hamby challenged common assumptions about resilience. Rather than viewing resilience a fixed trait that some people are born with and others lack, she encouraged attendees to see it as something that can be developed and strengthened throughout life.

Central to the session was the concept of a ‘resilience portfolio’, a framework that recognises the many strengths and resources that help people navigate adversity. These include interpersonal strengths like social support or gratitude, meaning making strengths like spirituality or sense of purpose, regulatory strengths like active coping and the ability to regulate positive emotions, and environmental strengths like feeling connected to nature. Altogether, these strengths support wellbeing and better functioning after trauma.

The visit also coincided with the release of Prof. Hamby’s new book, Stronger Than You Think, which argues that experiencing trauma and adversity is not evidence of a lack of resilience. Instead, it often reflects the reality of confronting life’s most difficult challenges. Drawing on both scientific research and lived experience, she introduces the idea of a ‘resilience equation’, suggesting that increasing positive experiences and resources can help offset the impact of adversity.

Students and staff from across the university, and external colleagues, attended both in person and online, engaging with Sherry’s ideas about coping with stress, building supportive relationships, creating healthier environments, and finding meaning in what we do. The event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with psychological research and practical strategies that can be applied in everyday life.

Following the talk, attendees had the opportunity to meet Prof. Hamby during a book signing supported by Blackwell’s Manchester, with copies of the book available for purchase.

We would like to thank Prof. Hamby for sharing her expertise and insights with our students and colleagues. Her visit reminds us that resilience is not about avoiding hardship, but about developing the resources, connections, and strengths that help us respond to adversity.

You can watch some of Prof. Hamby’s talks on her website: https://lifepathsresearch.org/events/