Contribution to Book
Resilience in Development
The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology
(2021)
Abstract
Resilience is the capacity for positive adaptation in significant adversity. This chapter covers the central concepts of resilience research in developmental science, and describes the fundamental models and strategies guiding this research. We summarize findings in terms of protective and promotive factors associated with resilience. These factors—such as self-regulation skills, good parenting, community resources, and effective schools—suggest that resilience arises from ordinary protective processes that protect human development under diverse conditions. The greatest threats posed to children may be adversities that damage these human protective systems. Implications of these findings for theory and practice are discussed, highlighting three strategies for fostering resilience: reducing risk, building strengths or assets, and mobilizing adaptive systems that protect and restore positive human development. The concluding section outlines future directions of resilience research, including the integration of research and prevention efforts across disciplines and across level of analysis.
Keywords
- Resilience,
- Strengths,
- Competence,
- Adaptation,
- Protective factor
Disciplines
Publication Date
2021
Editor
C.R. Snyder, S.J. Lopez, L.M. Edwards, and S.C. Marques
Publisher
Oxford University Press
DOI
10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199396511.013.9
Publisher Statement
This material was originally published in The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology edited by C. R. Snyder, S. J. Lopez, L. M. Edwards, and S. C. Marques, and has been reproduced by permission of Oxford University Press https://www.oxfordhandbooks.com/view/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199396511.001.0001/oxfordhb-9780199396511 For permission to reuse this material, please visit http://global.oup.com/academic/rights.
Citation Information
Cutuli, J. J., Herbers, J. E., Masten, A. S., & Reed, M.-G. (2021). Resilience in Development. In C.R. Snyder, S.J. Lopez, L.M. Edwards, and S.C. Marques, The Oxford Handbook of Positive Psychology, 3rd ed. (pp. 171-188). New York: Oxford University Press. doi: 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199396511.013.9