The volume gathers theoretical and practical contributions to current research on resilience with a focus on the ambivalent effects of hope, consolation and gratitude on resilience. To address this challenge, they apply the outcomes of the DFG funded research group ‘Resilience in Religion and Spirituality’ (DFG-FOR 2686) as a framework. The contributions in this volume explore the theme of ambivalence from an interdisciplinary perspective. In doing so, they reflect the interdisciplinary work of the research group, which draws on theology, philosophy, moral psychology, psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy, palliative care and spiritual care. Building on the group’s preliminary work, three different areas of further development are demonstrated: Firstly, key terms and concepts are discussed and re-evaluated. Secondly, theoretical and methodological reflections are carried out. Thirdly, illustrative case studies are conducted and potential areas of application are explored.

Prof. Dr. Cornelia Richter is Professor at the Department for Systematic Theology at the Faculty of Protestant Theology in Bonn. Additionally, since 2025, she is the bishop of the Protestant Church of Austria (A.B.). Research focus: hermeneutics, truth and fiction, resilience in religion and spirituality, liberal piety, reconciliation, ambivalence and ambiguity.

Prof. Dr. Lukas Radbruch is a palliative doctor and works at the Universitätsklinikum Bonn. He engages with seriously ill and dying people and their right to optimal pain relief. He has developed new instruments and therapy recommendations for palliative care. Research focus: palliative care, symptom control, fatigue-syndrome, opioids, resilience in religion and spirituality, ethical question at the end of life.