Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health 1/2023

Open Access 01-12-2023 | Research

Protective factors for resilience in adolescence: analysis of a longitudinal dataset using the residuals approach

Authors: Jose Marquez, Louis Francis-Hew, Neil Humphrey

Published in: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health | Issue 1/2023

Login to get access

Abstract

Introduction

The residuals approach, in which residual scores from regression models are used as a proxy for resilient functioning, offers great potential to increase understanding of resilience processes. However, its application in child and adolescent wellbeing research is limited to date. We use this approach to examine how adversity exposure impacts later wellbeing (life satisfaction, and internalising mental health difficulties) in the early-to-middle adolescence transition; whether gender and ethnic differences in resilience exist; which internal and external factors confer protective effects for resilience; and, whether the protective effect of these factors differs by gender and level of adversity exposure.

Method

Secondary analysis of the #BeeWell longitudinal data set (N = 12,130 adolescents, aged 12/13 at T1 and 13/14 at T2, representative of Greater Manchester, England) was undertaken, using a series of linear regressions to establish adversity indices for later wellbeing, before assessing the protective effects of internal and external factors on resilience.

Results

Multiple adversity factors (e.g., home material deprivation, sexuality discrimination, bullying) were found to impact later wellbeing. Girls and white adolescents presented lower levels of resilience than their peers. Internal psychological factors (self-esteem, emotional regulation, optimism) consistently conferred the strongest protective effects, but behavioural/activity factors (physical activity, sleep) also contributed to resilience. Among external factors, friendships and peer support were the most salient. Physical activity yielded stronger protective effects among boys (compared to girls). Effects of protective factors were stronger among those at lower (compared to higher) levels of adversity exposure.

Conclusion

The residuals approach can make a considerable contribution to our understanding of the interplay between adversity exposure and access to protective factors in determining adolescent wellbeing outcomes. Moreover, its application provides clear implications for policy and practice in terms of prevention (of adversity exposure) and intervention (to facilitate resilience).
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Literature
2.
go back to reference Shean M. Current theories relating to resilience and young people: a literature review. Melbourne: Victorian Health Promotion Foundation; 2015. Shean M. Current theories relating to resilience and young people: a literature review. Melbourne: Victorian Health Promotion Foundation; 2015.
3.
go back to reference Wright M, Masten AS, Narayan A. Resilience processes in development: Four waves of research on positive adaptation in the context of adversity. In: Goldstein S, Brooks RB, editors. Handbook of Resilience in Children. New York: Springer; 2013. p. 15–37.CrossRef Wright M, Masten AS, Narayan A. Resilience processes in development: Four waves of research on positive adaptation in the context of adversity. In: Goldstein S, Brooks RB, editors. Handbook of Resilience in Children. New York: Springer; 2013. p. 15–37.CrossRef
5.
go back to reference Masten AS. Ordinary magic: resilience in development. New York: Guilford Press; 2014. Masten AS. Ordinary magic: resilience in development. New York: Guilford Press; 2014.
7.
go back to reference Sesma A, Mannes M, Scales PC. Positive adaptation, resilience and the developmental assets framework. In: Goldstein S, Brooks R, editors. Handbook of Resilience in Children. Boston: Springer; 2013. (10.1007/978-1-4614-3661-4_25). Sesma A, Mannes M, Scales PC. Positive adaptation, resilience and the developmental assets framework. In: Goldstein S, Brooks R, editors. Handbook of Resilience in Children. Boston: Springer; 2013. (10.1007/978-1-4614-3661-4_25).
11.
go back to reference Diener E, Lucas R, Oishi S. Subjective well-being: the science of happiness and life satisfaction. In: Snyder CR, Lopez SJ, editors. The handbook of positive psychology. Oxford University Press; 2002. p. 63–73. Diener E, Lucas R, Oishi S. Subjective well-being: the science of happiness and life satisfaction. In: Snyder CR, Lopez SJ, editors. The handbook of positive psychology. Oxford University Press; 2002. p. 63–73.
12.
go back to reference Ryff CD, Boylan JM, Kirsch JA. Eudaimonic and hedonic well-being: An integrative perspective with linkages to sociodemographic factors and health. In: Lee MT, Kubzansky LD, VanderWeele TJ, editors. Measuring well-being: Interdisciplinary perspectives from the social sciences and the humanities. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2021. p. 92–135.CrossRef Ryff CD, Boylan JM, Kirsch JA. Eudaimonic and hedonic well-being: An integrative perspective with linkages to sociodemographic factors and health. In: Lee MT, Kubzansky LD, VanderWeele TJ, editors. Measuring well-being: Interdisciplinary perspectives from the social sciences and the humanities. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2021. p. 92–135.CrossRef
15.
go back to reference Digital NHS. Mental health of children and young people in England, 2017. London: NHS Digital; 2018. Digital NHS. Mental health of children and young people in England, 2017. London: NHS Digital; 2018.
16.
go back to reference Humphrey N. Are the kids alright? Examining the intersection between educational and mental health. Psychol Educ Rev. 2018;42:4–12. Humphrey N. Are the kids alright? Examining the intersection between educational and mental health. Psychol Educ Rev. 2018;42:4–12.
20.
go back to reference Due P, Eriksson C, Torsheim T, et al. Trends in high life satisfaction among adolescents in five Nordic countries 2002–2014. Nordisk välfärdsforskning. 2019;4:54–66.CrossRef Due P, Eriksson C, Torsheim T, et al. Trends in high life satisfaction among adolescents in five Nordic countries 2002–2014. Nordisk välfärdsforskning. 2019;4:54–66.CrossRef
29.
go back to reference Jordan JV. Relational resilience in girls. In: Goldstein S, Brooks R, editors. Handbook of resilience in children. Boston: Springer; 2013. Jordan JV. Relational resilience in girls. In: Goldstein S, Brooks R, editors. Handbook of resilience in children. Boston: Springer; 2013.
31.
go back to reference Theron LC, Liebenberg L. Understanding cultural contexts and their relationship to resilience processes. In: Theron L, Liebenberg L, Ungar M, editors. Youth resilience and culture. Cross-cultural advancements in positive psychology, vol. 11. Dordrecht: Springer; 2015. (10.1007/978-94-017-9415-2_2). Theron LC, Liebenberg L. Understanding cultural contexts and their relationship to resilience processes. In: Theron L, Liebenberg L, Ungar M, editors. Youth resilience and culture. Cross-cultural advancements in positive psychology, vol. 11. Dordrecht: Springer; 2015. (10.1007/978-94-017-9415-2_2).
33.
go back to reference Solmi M, Radua J, Olivola M, Croce E, Soardo L, Salazar de Pablo G, Il Shin J, Kirkbride JB, Jones P, Kim JH, Kim JY, Carvalho AF, Seeman MV, Correll CU, Fusar-Poli P. Age at onset of mental disorders worldwide: large-scale meta-analysis of 192 epidemiological studies. Mol Psychiatry. 2022;27(1):281–95. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-021-01161-7.CrossRefPubMed Solmi M, Radua J, Olivola M, Croce E, Soardo L, Salazar de Pablo G, Il Shin J, Kirkbride JB, Jones P, Kim JH, Kim JY, Carvalho AF, Seeman MV, Correll CU, Fusar-Poli P. Age at onset of mental disorders worldwide: large-scale meta-analysis of 192 epidemiological studies. Mol Psychiatry. 2022;27(1):281–95. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1038/​s41380-021-01161-7.CrossRefPubMed
37.
go back to reference Wang J, Zhang X, Simons SR, Sun J, Shao D, Cao F. Exploring the bi-directional relationship between sleep and resilience in adolescence. Sleep Med. 2020;73:63–9.CrossRefPubMed Wang J, Zhang X, Simons SR, Sun J, Shao D, Cao F. Exploring the bi-directional relationship between sleep and resilience in adolescence. Sleep Med. 2020;73:63–9.CrossRefPubMed
38.
go back to reference #BeeWell Research Team. The #BeeWell survey. Manchester: University of Manchester; 2021. #BeeWell Research Team. The #BeeWell survey. Manchester: University of Manchester; 2021.
39.
go back to reference University of Essex, Institute for Social and Economic Research. (2022). Understanding Society: Waves 1-12, 2009-2021 and Harmonised BHPS: Waves 1-18, 1991-2009. [data collection]. 17th Edition. UK Data Service. SN: 6614, 10.5255/UKDA-SN-6614-18 University of Essex, Institute for Social and Economic Research. (2022). Understanding Society: Waves 1-12, 2009-2021 and Harmonised BHPS: Waves 1-18, 1991-2009. [data collection]. 17th Edition. UK Data Service. SN: 6614, 10.5255/UKDA-SN-6614-18
40.
go back to reference Currie, C., Inchley, J., Molcho, M., Lenzi, M., Veselska, Z., & Wild, F. (Eds.) (2014). Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study protocol: Background, methodology and mandatory items for the 2013/14 survey. Child and Adolescent Health Research Unit (CAHRU). http://www.hbsc.org/methods/ Currie, C., Inchley, J., Molcho, M., Lenzi, M., Veselska, Z., & Wild, F. (Eds.) (2014). Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study protocol: Background, methodology and mandatory items for the 2013/14 survey. Child and Adolescent Health Research Unit (CAHRU). http://​www.​hbsc.​org/​methods/​
42.
go back to reference Williams DR, Yu Y, Jackson JS, Anderson NB. Racial differences in physical and mental health: socioeconomic status, stress, and discrimination. J Health Psychol. 1997;2(3):335–51.CrossRefPubMed Williams DR, Yu Y, Jackson JS, Anderson NB. Racial differences in physical and mental health: socioeconomic status, stress, and discrimination. J Health Psychol. 1997;2(3):335–51.CrossRefPubMed
52.
go back to reference StataCorp. Stat Statistical Software: Release. College Station: StataCorp LLC, 2017, 15. StataCorp. Stat Statistical Software: Release. College Station: StataCorp LLC, 2017, 15.
55.
go back to reference Masood A, Masud Y, Mazahir S. Gender differences in resilience and psychological distress of patients with burns. Burns. 2016;42(2):300–6.CrossRefPubMed Masood A, Masud Y, Mazahir S. Gender differences in resilience and psychological distress of patients with burns. Burns. 2016;42(2):300–6.CrossRefPubMed
56.
go back to reference Stratta P, Capanna C, Patriarca S, de Cataldo S, Bonanni RL, Riccardi I, Rossi A. Resilience in adolescence: Gender differences two years after the earthquake of L’Aquila. Personality Individ Differ. 2013;54(3):327–31.CrossRef Stratta P, Capanna C, Patriarca S, de Cataldo S, Bonanni RL, Riccardi I, Rossi A. Resilience in adolescence: Gender differences two years after the earthquake of L’Aquila. Personality Individ Differ. 2013;54(3):327–31.CrossRef
60.
go back to reference Maynard MJ, Harding S, Minnis H. Psychological well-being in black Caribbean, black African, and white adolescents in the UK medical Research Council DASH study. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2007;42:759–69.CrossRefPubMed Maynard MJ, Harding S, Minnis H. Psychological well-being in black Caribbean, black African, and white adolescents in the UK medical Research Council DASH study. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2007;42:759–69.CrossRefPubMed
62.
go back to reference Knowles G, Gayer-Anderson C, Beards S, Blakey R, Davis S, Lowis K, Stanyon D, Ofori A, Turner A, Pinfold V, Bakolis I, Reininghaus U, Harding S, Morgan C. Mental distress among young people in inner cities: the Resilience, Ethnicity and AdolesCent Mental Health (REACH) study. J Epidemiol Community Health. 2021;75(6):515–22. https://doi.org/10.1136/jech-2020-214315.CrossRefPubMed Knowles G, Gayer-Anderson C, Beards S, Blakey R, Davis S, Lowis K, Stanyon D, Ofori A, Turner A, Pinfold V, Bakolis I, Reininghaus U, Harding S, Morgan C. Mental distress among young people in inner cities: the Resilience, Ethnicity and AdolesCent Mental Health (REACH) study. J Epidemiol Community Health. 2021;75(6):515–22. https://​doi.​org/​10.​1136/​jech-2020-214315.CrossRefPubMed
64.
66.
go back to reference Bennett J, Heron J, Gunnell D, Purdy S, Linton MJ. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student mental health and wellbeing in UK university students: a multiyear cross-sectional analysis. J Ment Health. 2022;31(4):597–604.CrossRefPubMed Bennett J, Heron J, Gunnell D, Purdy S, Linton MJ. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student mental health and wellbeing in UK university students: a multiyear cross-sectional analysis. J Ment Health. 2022;31(4):597–604.CrossRefPubMed
67.
go back to reference Knowles G, Gayer-Anderson C, Turner A, Dorn L, Lam J, Davis S, Blakey R, Lowis K. Covid-19, social restrictions, and mental distress among young people: a UK longitudinal, population-based study. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2022;63(11):1392–404.CrossRefPubMed Knowles G, Gayer-Anderson C, Turner A, Dorn L, Lam J, Davis S, Blakey R, Lowis K. Covid-19, social restrictions, and mental distress among young people: a UK longitudinal, population-based study. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2022;63(11):1392–404.CrossRefPubMed
69.
go back to reference Benca RM, Obermeyer WH, Thisted RA, Gillin JC. Sleep and psychiatric disorders: a meta-analysis. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1992;49(8):651–68.CrossRefPubMed Benca RM, Obermeyer WH, Thisted RA, Gillin JC. Sleep and psychiatric disorders: a meta-analysis. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1992;49(8):651–68.CrossRefPubMed
70.
go back to reference Belcher BR, Zink J, Azad A, Campbell CE, Chakravartti SP, Herting MM. The roles of physical activity, exercise, and fitness in promoting resilience during adolescence: effects on mental well-being and brain development. Biol Psychiatry. 2021;6(2):225–37. Belcher BR, Zink J, Azad A, Campbell CE, Chakravartti SP, Herting MM. The roles of physical activity, exercise, and fitness in promoting resilience during adolescence: effects on mental well-being and brain development. Biol Psychiatry. 2021;6(2):225–37.
71.
go back to reference Rosenbaum S, Tiedemann A, Sherrington C, Curtis J, Ward PB. Physical activity interventions for people with mental illness: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Psychiatry. 2014;75(9):14465.CrossRef Rosenbaum S, Tiedemann A, Sherrington C, Curtis J, Ward PB. Physical activity interventions for people with mental illness: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Psychiatry. 2014;75(9):14465.CrossRef
72.
go back to reference Scott AJ, Webb TL, Martyn-St James M, Rowse G, Weich S. Improving sleep quality leads to better mental health: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Sleep Med Rev. 2021;60: 101556.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Scott AJ, Webb TL, Martyn-St James M, Rowse G, Weich S. Improving sleep quality leads to better mental health: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Sleep Med Rev. 2021;60: 101556.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
75.
go back to reference Rincon Uribe FA, Neira Espejo CA, Pedroso JDS. The role of optimism in adolescent mental health: a systematic review. J Happiness Stud. 2022;23(2):815–45.CrossRef Rincon Uribe FA, Neira Espejo CA, Pedroso JDS. The role of optimism in adolescent mental health: a systematic review. J Happiness Stud. 2022;23(2):815–45.CrossRef
76.
go back to reference Chu PS, Saucier DA, Hafner E. Meta-analysis of the relationships between social support and well-being in children and adolescents. J Soc Clin Psychol. 2010;29(6):624–45.CrossRef Chu PS, Saucier DA, Hafner E. Meta-analysis of the relationships between social support and well-being in children and adolescents. J Soc Clin Psychol. 2010;29(6):624–45.CrossRef
79.
go back to reference Casas F, Bălţătescu S, Bertran I, González M, Hatos A. School satisfaction among adolescents: Testing different indicators for its measurement and its relationship with overall life satisfaction and subjective well-being in Romania and Spain. Soc Indic Res. 2013;111:665–81.CrossRef Casas F, Bălţătescu S, Bertran I, González M, Hatos A. School satisfaction among adolescents: Testing different indicators for its measurement and its relationship with overall life satisfaction and subjective well-being in Romania and Spain. Soc Indic Res. 2013;111:665–81.CrossRef
80.
go back to reference Casas F, González M. School: one world or two worlds? Children’s perspectives. Child Youth Serv Rev. 2017;80:157–70.CrossRef Casas F, González M. School: one world or two worlds? Children’s perspectives. Child Youth Serv Rev. 2017;80:157–70.CrossRef
81.
go back to reference Halliday AJ, Kern ML, Turnbull DA. Can physical activity help explain the gender gap in adolescent mental health? A cross-sectional exploration. Ment Health Phys Act. 2019;16:8–18.CrossRef Halliday AJ, Kern ML, Turnbull DA. Can physical activity help explain the gender gap in adolescent mental health? A cross-sectional exploration. Ment Health Phys Act. 2019;16:8–18.CrossRef
82.
go back to reference McMahon EM, Corcoran P, O’Regan G, Keeley H, Cannon M, Carli V, Wasserman C, Hadlaczky G, Sarchiapone M, Apter A, Balazs J. Physical activity in European adolescents and associations with anxiety, depression and well-being. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2017;26:111–22.CrossRefPubMed McMahon EM, Corcoran P, O’Regan G, Keeley H, Cannon M, Carli V, Wasserman C, Hadlaczky G, Sarchiapone M, Apter A, Balazs J. Physical activity in European adolescents and associations with anxiety, depression and well-being. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2017;26:111–22.CrossRefPubMed
83.
go back to reference Bang H, Won D, Park S. School engagement, self-esteem, and depression of adolescents: the role of sport participation and volunteering activity and gender differences. Child Youth Serv Rev. 2020;113: 105012.CrossRef Bang H, Won D, Park S. School engagement, self-esteem, and depression of adolescents: the role of sport participation and volunteering activity and gender differences. Child Youth Serv Rev. 2020;113: 105012.CrossRef
84.
go back to reference Askeland KG, Bøe T, Breivik K, La Greca AM, Sivertsen B, Hysing M. Life events and adolescent depressive symptoms: protective factors associated with resilience. PLoS ONE. 2020;15(6): e0234109.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Askeland KG, Bøe T, Breivik K, La Greca AM, Sivertsen B, Hysing M. Life events and adolescent depressive symptoms: protective factors associated with resilience. PLoS ONE. 2020;15(6): e0234109.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
86.
go back to reference Fraguas D, Díaz-Caneja CM, Ayora M, Durán-Cutilla M, Abregú-Crespo R, Ezquiaga-Bravo I, Arango C. Assessment of school anti-bullying interventions: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. JAMA Pediatr. 2021;175(1):44–55.CrossRefPubMed Fraguas D, Díaz-Caneja CM, Ayora M, Durán-Cutilla M, Abregú-Crespo R, Ezquiaga-Bravo I, Arango C. Assessment of school anti-bullying interventions: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. JAMA Pediatr. 2021;175(1):44–55.CrossRefPubMed
87.
go back to reference Chung KF, Chan MS, Lam YY, Lai CSY, Yeung WF. School-based sleep education programs for Short sleep duration in adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Sch Health. 2017;87(6):401–8.CrossRefPubMed Chung KF, Chan MS, Lam YY, Lai CSY, Yeung WF. School-based sleep education programs for Short sleep duration in adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Sch Health. 2017;87(6):401–8.CrossRefPubMed
88.
go back to reference Liu M, Wu L, Ming Q. How does physical activity intervention improve self-esteem and self-concept in children and adolescents? Evidence from a meta-analysis. PLoS ONE. 2015;10(8): e0134804.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed Liu M, Wu L, Ming Q. How does physical activity intervention improve self-esteem and self-concept in children and adolescents? Evidence from a meta-analysis. PLoS ONE. 2015;10(8): e0134804.PubMedCentralCrossRefPubMed
89.
go back to reference Haney P, Durlak JA. Changing self-esteem in children and adolescents: a meta-analytical review. J Clin Child Psychol. 1998;27(4):423–33.CrossRefPubMed Haney P, Durlak JA. Changing self-esteem in children and adolescents: a meta-analytical review. J Clin Child Psychol. 1998;27(4):423–33.CrossRefPubMed
90.
go back to reference Moltrecht B, Deighton J, Patalay P, Edbrooke-Childs J. Effectiveness of current psychological interventions to improve emotion regulation in youth: a meta-analysis. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2021;30(6):829–48.CrossRefPubMed Moltrecht B, Deighton J, Patalay P, Edbrooke-Childs J. Effectiveness of current psychological interventions to improve emotion regulation in youth: a meta-analysis. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2021;30(6):829–48.CrossRefPubMed
91.
go back to reference Malouff JM, Schutte NS. Can psychological interventions increase optimism? A meta-analysis. J Posit Psychol. 2017;12(6):594–604.CrossRef Malouff JM, Schutte NS. Can psychological interventions increase optimism? A meta-analysis. J Posit Psychol. 2017;12(6):594–604.CrossRef
92.
go back to reference Kincade L, Cook C, Goerdt A. Meta-analysis and common practice elements of universal approaches to improving student-teacher relationships. Rev Educ Res. 2020;90(5):710–48.CrossRef Kincade L, Cook C, Goerdt A. Meta-analysis and common practice elements of universal approaches to improving student-teacher relationships. Rev Educ Res. 2020;90(5):710–48.CrossRef
93.
go back to reference Dai X, Du N, Shi S, Lu S. Effects of mindfulness-based interventions on peer relationships of children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Mindfulness. 2022;13(11):2653–75.CrossRef Dai X, Du N, Shi S, Lu S. Effects of mindfulness-based interventions on peer relationships of children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Mindfulness. 2022;13(11):2653–75.CrossRef
94.
go back to reference Harris M, Andrews K, Gonzalez A, Prime H, Atkinson L. Technology-assisted parenting interventions for families experiencing social disadvantage: a meta-analysis. Prev Sci. 2020;21:714–27.CrossRefPubMed Harris M, Andrews K, Gonzalez A, Prime H, Atkinson L. Technology-assisted parenting interventions for families experiencing social disadvantage: a meta-analysis. Prev Sci. 2020;21:714–27.CrossRefPubMed
95.
go back to reference Kalisch R, Cramer AO, Binder H, Fritz J, Leertouwer I, Lunansky G, Meyer B, Timmer J, Veer IM, Van Harmelen AL. Deconstructing and reconstructing resilience: a dynamic network approach. Perspect Psychol Sci. 2019;14(5):765–77.CrossRefPubMed Kalisch R, Cramer AO, Binder H, Fritz J, Leertouwer I, Lunansky G, Meyer B, Timmer J, Veer IM, Van Harmelen AL. Deconstructing and reconstructing resilience: a dynamic network approach. Perspect Psychol Sci. 2019;14(5):765–77.CrossRefPubMed
Metadata
Title
Protective factors for resilience in adolescence: analysis of a longitudinal dataset using the residuals approach
Authors
Jose Marquez
Louis Francis-Hew
Neil Humphrey
Publication date
01-12-2023
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health / Issue 1/2023
Electronic ISSN: 1753-2000
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-023-00687-8

Other articles of this Issue 1/2023

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health 1/2023 Go to the issue