1. 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”

2. 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)

3. 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)

4. 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

5. 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

6. Father and new daughter

7. Dad now gets to be a coach

8. 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)

9. 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

10. Family circle celebrating

11. Laughing with my nutty cousins

12. Friends can be a great help in celebrating birthdays

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

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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. Mom and Dad with new son

19. Grandpa and grand daughter enjoying a joke together

20. What a great day for a family outing

21. 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

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

23. 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

24. Adjustment/Adaptation model