Numerous challenges face teenagers. In the contemporary dynamic world, these problems appear in different forms and degrees. Over time, young adults from various social groups have learnt to cope with these difficulties and have built up tolerance that has morphed into uncanny resilience continually displayed in their social circles. Far from research about risk, adolescent resilience focuses on resources and assets that aid teenagers to overcome the negative corollary involved in risk exposure. Therefore, resilience refers to the entire process of triumphing against risk exposure effects and the trajectories they usually follow. Ultimately, in overcoming the effects of risk exposure, any adolescent needs acute resilience. Such resistance requires the presence of both promoter and risk factors that in due course, aid in bringing an avoidance or a reduction of negative outcomes. In analysing the theory of resilience, one finds that while it is more concerned with risk exposure in the context of teenagers, it is highly focused on the strengths rather than the deficits. In essence, resilience theory concentrates on an understanding of development that is healthy in light of the risks involved (Fergus & Zimmerman, 2005).
In overcoming adverse effects of risk exposure, there are relevant factors that help promote the process; resources and assets. Assets refer to the positive influences that are within a person. Such assets include the ability to have coping skills, self-efficacy, and competence, among others. Similar to assets, resources are also positivistic in nature, but the difference is that while assets come from within the individual, resources are the external influences that bring about positive change in an adolescent exposed to risk. Therefore, resources include adult mentoring, parental support, or even community organizations that provide conducive assimilation environments for troubled teens (Fergus & Zimmerman, 2005). Far from a static and individualistic state, resilience takes on an ecological stance and context through the term, resources, which emphasize the influences that relate to an individual’s socio-environment. A case in point is the risk or challenge of poverty. Although many adolescents growing up in abject poverty face a number of risks, some attain positivistic outcomes from such conditions due to a number of factors that promote a positive outlook on their situation. These factors may include higher levels of self-esteem or the existence of a mentor who in most cases is an adult. Consequently, in light of these factors, the best approach to adolescent resilience rests upon factors that promote a positive perspective on risk exposure.
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In the past 10 years alone, resilience research has exponentially grown. Simple searches in medical databases show that there are thousands of citations concerning this subject. In substance abuse, researchers have concluded that the number of resources and assets needed to recompense or protect against the risk levels involved in the misuse of substances are family, peers, school, and community levels. Assets such as religiosity, self-control and enthusiasm are pertinent to the development of teenagers and in overcoming the risks involved when it comes to substance abuse. Findings show that family-level resources and individual-level assets are integral in instilling factors that promote a positive outlook on life and ultimately reduce the risk of drug addiction. In addition, participation in common and extracurricular activities results in a compensation of the negative influences of alcohol, illegal drug use, and tobacco. Another deterrent to substance abuse is proper decision-making skills, which in turn give a positive school orientation.
Under violent behavior, empirical evidence indicates that the use of specific resilience models such as the protective and compensatory models results in a reduction in such behaviors (Fergus & Zimmerman, 2005). According to findings, assets that contribute to a compensation of risk factors in the individual-level include the instillation of prosocial truths that counteracts an inherently antisocial socialization pedigree common in violent individuals. Other compensation strategies include recompensing the involvement with gangs with religiosity or risky behavior with anger management skills. In a study of 325 African Americans, the use of public regard, racial identity, and centrality surfaced as significant assets that protected against violent behavior on account of racial discrimination (Fergus & Zimmerman, 2005). In addition, as a compensation strategy, maternal support is highly central in compensating for the risk factors associated with violent behavior. According to research, there are also resources and assets that make up for the aggregate risk factors in violent behaviors. A study found out that overall parental presence, academic performance, family and school connection resulted in compensation for cumulative effects that range from violence victimization and violent behavior to substance abuse, and school problems (Fergus & Zimmerman, 2005).
In the overall findings and across the myriad of risk factors involved, parental factors seemed to be the most significant aiding tool for the resilience of youths, especially in violent behavior, substance abuse and risky sexual behavior. In regards to the models of resilience, the compensatory model appeared to have tremendous empirical support although when it comes to violent behavior and substance abuse, factors that promote are also protective. A key point to note is the fact that up to now, scientists have not come up with ways to test the challenge or even inoculation models that would sufficiently justify the outcomes. Ultimately, while resources and assets aid adolescents to overcome the harsh effects of risks, the results usually differ regarding the population studied and context. However, parental factors remain to be highly critical and consistent deeming them a proven resource for youths to harness. Nonetheless, the essential use of resilience theory is the fact that it provides practitioners and researchers with a model to aid them in understanding the process of overcoming adversity among youths.
Reference
Fergus, S., & Zimmerman, M. (2005). ADOLESCENT RESILIENCE: A Framework for Understanding Healthy Development in the Face of Risk. Annu. Rev. Public Health , 26 , 399–419.
