This talk will offer: i) a framework integrating intrapersonal, inter-subjective, civic and cultural components of resilience, considering it as a trait, a process and how it may be optimised in appropriately scaffolded contexts; ii) an outline of possible developmental contributions to resilience; iii) considerations as to how well conceptions of resilience research based on stress and daily hassles can translate to instances of trauma by examining the unique challenges of trauma, and how these might inform treatment aims. Case studies from current and former research students illustrate scaffolded forms of resilience, from children facing recurrent painful medical procedures, or adapting to Diabetes, adults coping with retrenchment, women surviving extreme domestic violence in Sri Lanka, and people escaping human trafficking.