Resilience in development

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.