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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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