What is resilience?

• The ability of child to recover and show early and effective adaptation after a potentially traumatic event
• The ability for a child to respond to the event with minimal distress or impact on daily functioning
• Caregivers may see a temporary dip in ability to cope followed by early and effective return to a child’s usual functioning

What makes adults uniquely effective at the promotion of resilience?

• Early identification of trauma exposure in youth and ability to promote and enhance natural strengths

What factors might promote resilience after exposure to a traumatic event?

External:

• Support from parents, friends, school, and community (e.g., strong relationship with caregiver/adult)
• Resources that buffer negative consequences
• Feeling safe at home, school, and/or community
•  Internal:
• Heightened self-esteem and self-worth
• Sense of self-efficacy
• Meaning in one’s life (e.g., spiritual or cultural beliefs)
• Talents or skills in certain areas (e.g., art, sports)
• Adaptive and flexible coping skills

Warning: the following video may trigger some emotional responses due to the content. You may choose to watch the video now or take a break and watch it at a later time. Once you watch the video, consider the following:

• Think about all of the potential ways Chad has been exposed to trauma. Also, think about the factors in Chad’s life that have helped him to become resilient.
• Consider how you can help children become more resilient in your current and/or future work.