Which of the following are protective factors contributing to relationship resilience?

• A. Social support, healthy self-esteem, effective coping skills, and trust.
• B. Isolation and low self-esteem.
• C. Wealth and status alone.
• D. Constant conflict and avoidance.

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that relationship resilience is built by protective factors—resources and abilities that help couples withstand stress and recover from challenges. Social support provides emotional and practical backup from others, which reduces strain and offers different perspectives. Healthy self-esteem supports mutual respect and reduces defensiveness, making it easier to engage openly rather than withdraw. Effective coping skills, including problem-solving and emotion regulation, help partners manage stress in constructive ways. Trust creates safety to share concerns, apologize, and repair after disagreements, which strengthens the ability to bounce back.

The other patterns don’t provide the same foundation: isolation cuts off the supportive network that buffers stress, and low self-esteem undermines confidence and communication. Wealth and status may ease some pressures but don’t automatically cultivate the emotional tools or safety needed for resilience. Constant conflict paired with avoidance undermines closeness and makes recovery unlikely.