Antifragility and Growth Through Adversity: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Antifragility challenges conventional thinking by proposing that adversity is not merely to be survived but actively used to promote growth. This scoping review synthesizes 18 emerging research studies focused on antifragility in human systems across disciplines, distinguishing antifragility from resilience and robustness and highlighting key empirical gaps, particularly in psychological research. During the screening process, articles were categorized as human or non-human systems. Non-human systems (n = 29; e.g., robotics, logistics, information systems, urban planning, artificial intelligence) were excluded from synthesis to align with the review’s focus on human domains (e.g., psychology, leadership, coaching, health). Drawing from biology, psychology, and organizational studies, the review summarizes applications in mental health, performance, and quality of life. Findings emphasize the proactive nature of antifragility, in which stressors are intentionally engaged to strengthen capabilities. Biological concepts like hormesis and psychological frameworks such as post-traumatic growth align with mechanisms relevant to growth through adversity. Yet empirical studies remain scarce, underscoring the need for robust measurement tools and longitudinal designs. Future directions include refining antifragility as a state, trait, or process, developing dose-specific models, and exploring biopsychosocial correlates. Embracing antifragility could transform how individuals and systems confront challenge, not by resisting breakdown, but by evolving beyond it.