Considering Resilience in Children and Youth

Ellen Douglas, Hiral Mehta, and Mark Pepe

Defining Resiliency

“The capacity of children and youth to face stress without being

incapacitated.”

Defining Resiliency

“A process of, or a capacity for, or the outcome of successful adaptation

despite challenging and threatening circumstances.” (Garmezy & Masten)

Defining Resiliency

“Resilience is (1) not a monolithic construct (2) the result of

environmental as well as individual factors (3) not a fixed attribute or quality of the individual and (4) dependant on context. It is not a

universal construct that applies to all life domains. (Rutter)

Case Study

Nadia, a ten year old from North Philadelphia (born and raised on the playground where she spends most of her days), who attends M. Hall

Stanton Elementary School.

Key Research Findings on Resiliency

The Critical Role of Relationships

Key Research Findings on Resiliency

The Importance of School Context and Belonging

Key Research Findings on Resiliency

The Ordinariness of Resilience

Key Research Findings on Resiliency

An Aboriginal Perspective: The Circle of Courage

Discussion Questions

1. Given the definitions of resiliency, would you consider Nadia to be “resilient?”

2. What are some identifying factors that contributed to Nadia’s resiliency? Confidence? Humour? Intelligence? Her teachers? Her “grandfather?”

3. What are some factors that can impede resiliency? Puberty? Transition to high school?