Definition1:
1: the capability of a strained body to recover its size and shape after deformation caused especially by compressive stress;
2: an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change
When placed in difficult environments with few nutrients (physical and/or emotional) from which to grow, children and youth often struggle and may not live up to what would otherwise be their full-potential. The greater the number of Developmental Assets2 a child has, the more she or he is able to be resilient when faced with adverse situations. Developmental assets include such things as family support, caring neighborhoods that value children and youth, adult role models, positive expectations, engagement in play and creative activities, a sense of connection to community programs, good interpersonal skills, and a positive self-esteem. Resilient children and youth have such things as faith, talents, self-confidence, good cognitive skills, a close relationship to a caring parental figure, supportive connections to extended family, and connections to prosocial adults and organizations outside of their families3.
Sources:
1: Merriam Webster online dictionary. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resilience
2: Search Institute. 40 Developmental Assets Lists. http://www.search-institute.org/developmental-assets/lists
3: Masten, A. S., & Coatsworth, J. D. (1998). The development of competence in favorable and unfavorable environments: Lessons from research on successful children. American Psychologist, 53(2), 205-220.
In reflecting on the many challenges that children and youth may face growing up, what actions might you take to help brighten their worlds and foster resilience against adversity?
***feel free to do your own post and/or build off of others' posts to create a discussion forum***
1: the capability of a strained body to recover its size and shape after deformation caused especially by compressive stress;
2: an ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change
When placed in difficult environments with few nutrients (physical and/or emotional) from which to grow, children and youth often struggle and may not live up to what would otherwise be their full-potential. The greater the number of Developmental Assets2 a child has, the more she or he is able to be resilient when faced with adverse situations. Developmental assets include such things as family support, caring neighborhoods that value children and youth, adult role models, positive expectations, engagement in play and creative activities, a sense of connection to community programs, good interpersonal skills, and a positive self-esteem. Resilient children and youth have such things as faith, talents, self-confidence, good cognitive skills, a close relationship to a caring parental figure, supportive connections to extended family, and connections to prosocial adults and organizations outside of their families3.
Sources:
1: Merriam Webster online dictionary. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resilience
2: Search Institute. 40 Developmental Assets Lists. http://www.search-institute.org/developmental-assets/lists
3: Masten, A. S., & Coatsworth, J. D. (1998). The development of competence in favorable and unfavorable environments: Lessons from research on successful children. American Psychologist, 53(2), 205-220.
In reflecting on the many challenges that children and youth may face growing up, what actions might you take to help brighten their worlds and foster resilience against adversity?
***feel free to do your own post and/or build off of others' posts to create a discussion forum***