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International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction

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Open Access 01-02-2014

A Whole Community Approach toward Child and Youth Resilience Promotion: A Review of Resilience Literature

Authors: Nazilla Khanlou, Ron Wray

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction | Issue 1/2014

Abstract

A literature review of child and youth resilience with a focus on: definitions and factors of resilience; relationships between resilience, mental health and social outcomes; evidence for resilience promoting interventions; and implications for reducing health inequities. To conduct the review, the first two following steps were conducted iteratively and informed the third step: 1) Review of published peer-review literature since 2000; and 2) Review of grey literature; and 3) Quasi-realist synthesis of evidence. Evidence from three perspectives were examined: i) whether interventions can improve ‘resilience’ for vulnerable children and youth; ii) whether there is a differential effect among different populations; and, iii) whether there is evidence that resilience interventions ‘close the gap’ on health and social outcome measures. Definitions of resilience vary as do perspectives on it. We argue for a hybrid approach that recognizes the value of combining multiple theoretical perspectives, epistemologies (positivistic and constructivist/interpretive/critical) in studying resilience. Resilience is: a) a process (rather than a single event), b) a continuum (rather than a binary outcome), and c) likely a global concept with specific dimensions. Individual, family and social environmental factors influence resilience. A social determinants perspective on resilience and mental health is emphasized. Programs and interventions to promoting resilience should be complimentary to public health measures addressing the social determinants of health. A whole community approach to resilience is suggested as a step toward closing the public health policy gap. Local initiatives that stimulate a local transformation process are needed. Recognition of each child’s or youth’s intersections of gender, lifestage, family resources within the context of their identity markers fits with a localized approach to resilience promotion and, at the same time, requires recognition of the broader determinants of population health.

In the area of self-esteem, Rosenberg et al. (1995), consider global self-esteem as a general attitude toward the self and with more relevance to psychological wellbeing. They consider specific self-esteem as attitudes toward specific aspects of the self and with more relevance to behaviour.

In the original categorization by Barankin and Khanlou (2007) physical health was also listed under individual factors influencing children and youth.

In the original categorization by Barankin and Khanlou (2007) family structure, sibling’s relations, and parents’ health, was also listed under family factors influencing children and youth.

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Title: A Whole Community Approach toward Child and Youth Resilience Promotion: A Review of Resilience Literature
Authors: Nazilla Khanlou
Ron Wray
Publication date: 01-02-2014
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction / Issue 1/2014
Print ISSN: 1557-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1882
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-013-9470-1

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A Whole Community Approach toward Child and Youth Resilience Promotion: A Review of Resilience Literature

Abstract

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Abstract

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