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Does adversity make you stronger? Scientists say not always

A man in distress. [iStock]

There's an old saying that adversity makes you stronger. Real-life shows that's not always true, but the adage highlights an evolving debate among scientists about resilience.

After traumatic events and crises such as child abuse, gun violence or a pandemic, what explains why some people bounce back, while others struggle to cope? Is it nature - genes and other inherent traits? Or nurture - life experiences and social interactions?

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