Boris Cyrulnik

Boris Cyrulnik 2014

Boris Cyrulnik (born 26 July 1937) is a French neuropsychiatrist, ethologist, and psychoanalyst. He is best known for his work on resilience and the psychological impact of trauma. Cyrulnik has authored numerous books and articles on these subjects, contributing significantly to the fields of psychology and psychiatry.

Early Life and Education

Boris Cyrulnik was born in Bordeaux, France, to a family of Jewish immigrants. During World War II, his parents were deported, and he was placed in a series of foster homes and orphanages. These early experiences with trauma and loss profoundly influenced his later work.

Cyrulnik studied medicine at the University of Paris, where he specialized in neuropsychiatry. He also trained in ethology, the study of animal behavior, which he later applied to his research on human behavior and resilience.

Career

Cyrulnik began his career as a neuropsychiatrist, working in various hospitals and clinics. He later became a professor at the University of Toulon, where he taught courses on resilience and trauma. His interdisciplinary approach, combining neuropsychiatry, ethology, and psychoanalysis, has made him a prominent figure in the study of psychological resilience.

Contributions to Resilience Theory

Boris Cyrulnik is perhaps best known for his work on resilience, the ability to recover from trauma and adversity. He has written extensively on the subject, exploring how individuals can overcome significant psychological challenges. His books, such as "Un merveilleux malheur" (A Wonderful Misfortune) and "Les vilains petits canards" (The Ugly Ducklings), have been widely read and translated into multiple languages.

Cyrulnik's theories emphasize the importance of social support, personal relationships, and individual coping mechanisms in the process of resilience. He has also highlighted the role of narrative and storytelling in helping individuals make sense of their traumatic experiences.

Major Works

• Un merveilleux malheur (A Wonderful Misfortune)
• Les vilains petits canards (The Ugly Ducklings)
• Sauve-toi, la vie t'appelle (Save Yourself, Life is Calling You)
• La nuit, j'écrirai des soleils (At Night, I Will Write Suns)

Personal Life

Boris Cyrulnik is married and has children. He continues to write, lecture, and conduct research on resilience and trauma. He is also involved in various humanitarian efforts, using his expertise to help those affected by war, natural disasters, and other forms of trauma.

Related Pages

• Resilience (psychology)
• Trauma (psychology)
• Neuropsychiatry
• Ethology
• Psychoanalysis
• University of Paris
• University of Toulon