Prepared by Dr. Haider Kadhim Mawla Psychological immunity is a relatively new concept in positive psychology, focusing on an individual's ability to adapt to stress, cope with difficulties, and maintain inner balance despite challenges. Just as the body possesses an immune system that protects it from organic diseases, the human psyche possesses flexible defense mechanisms that constitute what is known as psychological immunity. Psychological immunity is the ability to adapt to and cope with psychological stressors with resilience, through adopting positive thinking, setting clear goals, and relying on problem-solving skills. It is considered a protective system that strengthens the self to face crises and includes traits such as optimism, psychological resilience, self-efficacy, and awareness of weaknesses in the personality with the aim of improving them. In this context, Ference (2012) explained that psychological immunity is based on the principle that mind and body are inseparable, that the brain influences all physiological and psychological processes in the individual, and that the human self is always susceptible to weakness and psychological and physical illness due to the individual's own way of thinking. If an individual can be more flexible in their way of thinking, they thereby provide their immune system with energy that contributes to keeping the body's natural processes within their normal range and enabling them to perform their functions optimally. It also strengthens the mind and its various abilities. To activate psychological immunity in an individual, it is necessary to develop their capacity for endurance and resilience in the face of stressful situations. And crises, and resisting negative thoughts and feelings that lead to anxiety, despair, failure, psychological defeat, and emotional breakdown. Components of Psychological Resilience 1. Self-Confidence: An individual's awareness of their abilities and potential. 2. Positive Thinking: The ability to see the bright side, even in difficult situations. 3. Social Support: Supportive family relationships and friendships. 4. Psychological Resilience: Adapting to crises and changing strategies according to the situation. 5. Self-Awareness: Understanding and controlling emotions instead of being overwhelmed by them. 6. Values ​​and Meaning: Having goals and objectives that give life meaning. Factors Affecting Psychological Resilience Importance of Psychological Resilience 1. Protecting the individual from psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. 2. Enhancing the ability to achieve and be creative. 3. Contributing to building healthy and positive relationships. 4. Reducing the negative effects of chronic stress on physical health. Dimensions of Psychological Resilience • Positive Thinking: The ability to view situations optimistically and see the bright side of things. • Self-control and emotional balance: Controlling emotions and impulses and remaining calm in difficult situations. • Psychological resilience and adaptability: The ability to adapt to changes and different circumstances and recover quickly from stress. • Psychological toughness and resilience: The ability to withstand pressure and persevere in the face of adversity. • Self-confidence and self-efficacy: Belief in personal abilities and a sense of self-efficacy in achieving goals. • Social competence: The ability to build positive social relationships and interact effectively with others. • Problem-solving and creativity: The ability to find effective solutions to problems and use creativity in facing challenges. • Goal-oriented and challenge-oriented: Having a clear goal and working towards it, and facing challenges with a positive attitude. • Cohesion: A sense of belonging and inner strength. • Personal growth: The continuous pursuit of development and learning. How to enhance psychological resilience to protect oneself: • Modify thoughts: Replacing negative thoughts with positive and optimistic ones. • Emotional management: Learning to control negative emotions and feelings, and avoiding exaggerated reactions. • Building self-confidence: Developing self-confidence to increase the ability to face challenges instead of running away from them. • Psychological resilience: Acquiring the ability to adapt to difficult circumstances and find alternative solutions when an attempt fails. • Improved relationships: Building strong and healthy social relationships and providing necessary support during crises. • Practicing mindfulness through meditation techniques to reduce stress levels and improve mental health. (Al-Mustaqbal University is the leading university in Iraq)