Nature of Resiliency The process by which people not only endure hardship but also create and sustain lives that have meaning and contribute to those around them “Success against odds”

Role of Adversity and Resiliency Resiliency is forged through adversity—ability to cope with it Adversity can both steel people (reduce vulnerabilities to adversity) to increase vulnerability through a sensitization effect (Rutter, 2012)

Types of Resiliency Overcoming the odds --positive outcome despite high-risk status (eg. Premature baby) Sustained competence under stress--ability to cope despite ongoing difficult circumstances (chronic illness) Recovery from trauma—ability to function well after a highly stressful event (war)

Risk Vulnerability, and Protective factors Vulnerability—increases the likelihood that a person will develop a negative outcome in response to adverse event Risk—Aspects of life that increase the likelihood of a negative outcome Specific event or cumulative (more difficult Protective—Buffer the negative impact of adversive life events –internal or external

Resiliency and the life course Resiliency is a dynamic proces during the life cycle of the individual/family Family resiliency tested especially during times of transition Experience of coping increases resiliency Ability to cope varies by developmental cycle and life events

Father and new daughter

Dad now gets to be a coach

Life events can demand very difficult coping and adaptive capacity Events can be Non normative—idiocyncratic to individual or small group of people Normative—social definition of the life cycle (loss of spouse) Cohort-common to people from a cohort of people (Great depression) Major traumatic life events (accident)

Individual Resiliency Factors promoting individual resiliency— Personal characteristics—easy going personality, intelligence, self-esteem, spiritual connections, self-regulation Family—nurturing family External –support system (caring people in the environment), opportunities for personal growth and mentoring

Family circle celebrating

Laughing with my nutty cousins

Friends can be a great help in celebrating birthdays

And don’t forget the cat (as well as Grandpa)

Family Resiliency Family characteristics important for individuals Emphasis on family resiliency in the counseling process helps develop effective working relationship

Family Resiliency Factors Belief system of family Protective— Relational perspective (we) Trust of family (loyalty)affection Self-efficacy, sense of mastery Appropriate cultural beliefs Sense of coherence Hope, courage, perseverance Recognition of complex patterns Recognition of what is possible Transcendent beliefs that promote meaning

Family Resiliency Beliefs that contribute to risk factors Lack of sense of “we” regarding family Lack of trust Lack of self-efficacy Negative cultural beliefs Lack of developmental perspective Demoralization Fatalistic views Blaming and scapegoating All or nothing thinking Negative aspects of spirituality

Family Resiliency Factors Protective family organizational patterns Role models of strength Family cohesion, flexibility Effective leadership Clear, open communication Effective problem solving, coping Positive interaction, trust Sense of humor

Mom and Dad with new son

Grandpa and grand daughter enjoying a joke together

What a great day for a family outing

Family Resiliency Factors Family organizational risk factors Ineffective role models Lack of cohesion, rigidity Lack of effective leadership-chaotic, abuse of power Ineffective communication Conflict Ineffective problem solving, coping strategies

Family Resources Reactivation of Past events Protective—evidence of strength/family support Risk—Evidence of weakness, unresolved conflict

Family Resiliency Model Adjustment—minor changes Adaptation-major changes Process effected by family and context’s definition of the potential stressor, the coping strategies of the family, potential resources within the support system, community Actions of the family to cope in turn alter the family’s circumstances and can require family to make further changes (adaptations) Chart of adjustment/adaptation

Adjustment/Adaptation model