The Neuro-Mechanisms Of The “Bounce Back” Ability: The Science Of Overcoming Failure And Self Doubt As Medical Students

WRITTEN BY: SHINY PEIRIS CLASS OF 2026

This blog is about the physiological response of the body towards failure and how our system, with the right resources, will enlighten the rebounding phenomena within ourselves to thrive forward towards the silver lining.

INTRODUCTION

People process failure, succinctly, in three distinct ways: some crash at the door of failure, some accept failure but aren’t willing to correct themselves, while some have mastered the “bounce-back” theory. Belonging to either of the mentioned groups simply means that we are human. Even though growing roots towards the third group seems like an illusion, it is not. It is attainable, tied to the fact that one is aware of the foundational principles at play. Especially as medical students and as future doctors, this phenomenon is of utmost importance to us not only because of the gravity of our profession but also to sustain our own mental discipline, without which, marching forward is unlikely.

THEORIES TO UNDERGIRD THE “BOUNCEBACK” EFFECT

1.       “The growth mindset” theory

It is the confidence that intelligence and skills are cultivated through efforts, implementations and dedication. By actively practicing growth oriented activities, it is possible to reduce the activation of fixed mindset neural pathways that perceive capabilities to be limited.

2.       'The resilience” theory

Resilience is the power to persevere through challenging situations which build up tension. Our brain restructures and forms new neural connections in response to these challenging events. When faced with pitfalls, individuals can consciously engage in resilience boosting techniques. Repeated activation of these neural pathways strengthens them, promoting their accessibility in the future. Similarly, dysfunctional coping mechanisms can potentiate neural pathways associated with hopelessness or anxiety.

3.       'The cycle' theory

 This theory defines the combined effect of the growth mindset and resilience theories. They potentiate each other continuously for an enhanced effect. This theory is the core element. As one develops a growth mindset, they exhibit a greater inclination towards embracing new challenges; in fact, they peer at setbacks as golden opportunities for improvement. In other words, this growth geared perspective activates neuroplastic changes that reinforce resilience-escalating neural networks. As a result of this newly developed resilience, there will be a sustained adoption of a growth mindset when we understand that there’s untapped potential within us to learn from failures. This cycle, in turn, gives rise to cortical re-mapping.

MODEL OF THE BEHAVIORAL SYSTEM

This system consists of 4 subsystems.

1.       Behavioral Activation System.

The fundamental feature of this system is motivation oriented; therefore, it is responsible for the feeling of success and reward.

2.       Behavioral Inhibition System.

 The negative system functions to analyze or even to enhance the effect of negative emotions such as threats, defeat and hopelessness. Failure will result in a heightened system response resulting in avoidance and worry.

3.       The Flight-or-Fight system.

 As medical students, we have been receiving information about this system since the very beginning, but the question rises on how this physiological phenomenon relates to failure. In simple terms, failure gives rise to a rigid flight-or-fight response which leads to the impairment of physical and emotional dynamics resulting in the retardation of effective logical thinking.

4.       Attachment system

This involves the requirement for social bonds and support which can be of extreme importance for combating failure as failure triggers feelings of loneliness and solitude, which will further decrease the ability to fight against it.

 Understanding this synergy, allows us to develop tailored approaches to overcome obstacles, maintain motivation and render resilience.

TARGETED STRATEGIES FOR MEDICAL STUDENTS TO TACKLE ROADBLOCKS.

1.       The first place goes to dissecting the mistakes.

 This is the pillar of success. Once you breakdown the mistake into segments and look deeper into each segment, there’s a higher likelihood of answering the questions associated with the pitfall like: “what”, “how” and “where”.

2.       Setting attainable goals.

 Attainability goes hand in hand with using your time suitably and working smarter, not harder. As an example, when one prepares for an exam, it is necessary to plan your time properly as running out of time will proportionately lead to unsatisfactory outcomes. In fact, referring to pre-formulated, briefer content rather than scanning through loads of information within a limited timeframe, will be incredibly fruitful. “Working smarter” also includes seeking out mentors who will help you according to your situation because advice or information that comes from experience is of sterling quality.

Another notion under this concept is “individuality”. Identifying methods that galvanizes one’s singular mindset is of utmost efficiency.

3.       Practice of acceptance.

 Without acceptance, our neural pathways will redirect and tap with negative emotions and if this process occurs continuously, these neural connections will grow stronger.

 Acceptance is an integral part of the “growth mindset” theory. However, one has to be mindful that acceptance solely is futile. If appropriate measures aren’t taken towards the other processes in the bounce back mechanism, one would simply be doomed to the same place.

4.       Self-care

Self-care balances out and facilitates the mechanisms. It acts indirectly. The primary function of holistic self-cultivation is maintaining composure and structure.

5.       Support system.

 It includes surrounding yourself with optimistic people. Compassion strengthens the attachment system discussed above under the model of the behavioral system. In fact, it enhances the mere process of forming positive neuronal connections.

 At the end of the day, when one practices the art of rebounding, victory will be inevitable.

The proverb “If there’s a will, there’s a way” formulated by a Welsh poet, George Herbert, is a fruitful way to instill this concept within us.