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What Counsellors Need to Know About Resiliency in Adolescents

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Abstract

In this paper, the authors provide an overview of the research literature on resiliency in adolescents. We explore the history of resiliency as it relates to the health and well-being of adolescents, identify common themes, provide a description of resilient youth, and introduce the developmental assets framework. To provide counsellors with an increased understanding of the concept of resiliency as well as to encourage the application of resiliency to practice, a visual model is provided from which counsellors can organize ‘resiliency’ as a construct. The role of parents, families, schools, communities, and non-family adults are discussed with regard to asset development. Lastly, we examine developmental assets in relation to counselling practice, including how counsellors can effectively incorporate the concept of resiliency into their professional practice in working with adolescents.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. U of C Division of Applied Psychology, Faculty of Education, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, Canada T2N 1N4

    Jennifer L. Short & Shelly Russell-Mayhew

Authors
  1. Jennifer L. Short
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  2. Shelly Russell-Mayhew
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Correspondence to Jennifer L. Short.

Appendix

Appendix

Developmental Assets

EXTERNAL ASSETS

INTERNAL ASSETS

Support

Commitment to Learning

1. Family support

21. Achievement motivation

2. Positive family communication

22. School engagement

3. Other adult relationships

23. Homework

4. Caring neighborhood

24. Bonding to school

5. Caring school climate

25. Reading for pleasure

6. Parent involvement in schooling

 

Empowerment

Positive Values

7. Community values youth

26. Caring

8. Youth as resources

27. Equality and social justice

9. Service to others

28. Integrity

10. Safety

29. Honesty

 

30. Responsibility

Boundaries and Expectations

31. Restraint

11. Family boundaries

Social Competencies

12. School boundaries

32. Planning and decision making

13. Neighborhood boundaries

33. Interpersonal competence

14. Adult role models

34. Cultural competence

15. Positive peer influence

35. Resistance skills

16. High expectations

36. Peaceful conflict resolution

Constructive Use of Time

Positive Identity

17. Creative activities

37. Personal power

18. Youth programs

38. Self-esteem

19. Religious community

39. Sense of purpose

20. Time at home

40. Positive view of personal future

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Short, J.L., Russell-Mayhew, S. What Counsellors Need to Know About Resiliency in Adolescents. Int J Adv Counselling 31, 213–227 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10447-009-9079-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10447-009-9079-z

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