Many studies throughout history reveal that when
an adolescent is exposed to trauma or risks, they are more likely experience a
negative developmental trajectory, mental and emotional risks, behavioral
issues, and delinquency. Although, there are a number of protective factors
that encourage resiliency in adolescent development. Emma Werner’s longitudinal
study found that one third of all high-risk children displayed resiliency.
Those who avoided continuity developed into caring, competent and confident
adults despite their problematic developmental histories (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emmy_Werner). According
to Sroufe (2005), there is a great variation in how well children develop in
the face of some known risk, and some children who are troubled for a period
get better, while others do not. Werner and fellow researchers found that
resilient individuals had a strong bond with a nonparent caretaker (such as an
aunt, babysitter, or teacher) and were involved with groups in their community
(Wikipedia.org).
In addition to adolescent support, Stress appears
to be another factor affecting resiliency. When children positively adapt and
change to risks or trauma, studies show increased support, decreased stress, or
both. According to Sroufe (2005), children with and without serious levels of
stress may be distinguished by the supports that are concurrently present. From
my experience as a mental health counselor with both adults and children, I
have noticed their to be a correlation between stress and support. When a
client has a history or an increase in support, their stress levels are
generally low or decrease. Overall, A supportive, positive care system is a
major protective factor for resiliency because adolescents desire the
acceptance by those in their immediate environment. Substantial support and
encouragement from parents, teachers, peers, and the community will foster
resiliency in the affected adolescent.
