Resilience is a phenomena which enables children and adolescents to survive and function in spite of disadvantages, uncertainties and risks beyond the challenges of growing up. Children and adolescents with emotional resilience are more equipped to handle hardship, overcome obstacles, and preserve mental health, all of which contribute to long-term emotional and psychological well-being.

Associated factors with children’s emotional health have been emphasized by the past research. These factors are believed to be specific to the child, his/her family, and his/her environment (e.g. school, society, etc.). Life events such as loss or separation which is resulting from family breakdown, parental separation or divorce, hospitalization, death of the parent or a significant family member can be addressed as one of the major risk factors. Additionally, crucial life changes (such as switching schools and moving to new houses) as well as traumatic events (i.e., domestic violence, abuse in any sorts, accidents and injuries, natural disasters and war) can significantly affect the child’s emotional well-being. 

Although some kids will manage to mature into confident, compassionate and capable adults, developing an understanding of the protective factors which result in emotional resiliency is essential for the children’s mental health. 

Resilience factors can be identified and improved within the child, family and the community: 

Factors which have a direct relationship with resilience in the child are as follows; 

• Secure and stable early attachment
• Being a female
• Intelligence level 
• Optimism and problem-solving mindset towards challenges 
• Adaptable communication and socializing skills 
• Sense of humor 
• Religious beliefs 
• Capacity to organize and take control of events
• The ability to reflect

Some other variables in emotionally resilient children are associated with their families: 

• Affection and compassion towards the child
• Constructive and consistent discipline 
• Secure parent-child relationship with a least one parent
• Educational support 
• Supportive and nurturing relationship with the child 

Components which are linked to the community that can lead to emotional resiliency among children and young adults include: 

• Wider support system
• Sufficient housing 
• Schools fostering a strong sense of community with a significant emphasis on positive behaviors and attitudes and anti-bullying policies.
• Educational institutions providing a diverse academic and non-academic opportunities
• Variety of sports or recreational activities

Equipping your child with emotional resilience can bring numerous advantages to their life. Firstly, it reduces the negative reactions towards challenging events significantly. Also, having higher levels of emotional resiliency, promotes positive and encouraging relationships as well as success in achieving goals which lead to higher self-esteem and self-efficacy among children. Lastly, emotional resiliency paves the way for new and positive opportunities or turning points where confronted risks and challenges might be rerouted.

References

1. Luthar, S. S. (Ed.). (2003). Resilience and vulnerability: Adaptation in the context of childhood adversities. New York: Cambridge University Press.
2. Masten, A. S. (2001). Ordinary magic: Resilience processes in development. American Psychologist, 56(3), 227–238.
3. Reynolds, A. J., & Ou, S. R. (2003). Promoting resilience through early childhood intervention. In S. S. Luthar (Ed.), Resilience and vulnerability: Adaptation in the context of childhood adversities (pp. 436–459). New York: Cambridge University Press.
4. Roberts, J. M., & Masten, A. S. (2004). Resilience in context. In R. DeV Peters, R. McMahon, & B. Leadbeater (Eds.), Resilience in children, families, communities: Linking context to practice and policy (pp. 13–25). New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum.