In this article, the Linking Human Systems (LINC) Community Resilience model, a theoretical framework for initiating and sustaining change in communities that have undergone rapid and untimely transition or loss, is presented. The model assumes that individuals, families, and communities are inherently competent and resilient, and that with appropriate support and encouragement, they can access individual and collective strengths that will allow them to transcend their loss. This competence can be nurtured by helping people regain a sense of connectedness with one another; with those who came before them; with their daily patterns, rituals, and stories that impart spiritual meaning; and with tangible resources within their community. Rather than imposing artificial support infrastructures, LINC interventions engage respected community members to act as natural agents for change. These "community links" provide a bridge between outside professionals, families, and communities, particularly in circumstances in which outside intervention may not be welcomed. The article illustrates how LINC interventions successfully have been used in communities around the world.

This article presents an overview of the philosophy and practical principles underlying the Linking Human Systems Approach based on the theory of resilience in individuals, families, and communities facing crisis, trauma, and disaster. The Link Approach focuses on tapping into the inherent strength of individuals and their families and emphasizes resilience rather than vulnerability. It has been successfully used in combating critical public health problems, such as addiction, HIV/AIDS, and recovery from major trauma or disaster. Also, three specific models of Link intervention aimed at the individual, family, and community levels are discussed, with special emphasis on the family-level intervention. These interventions are directed toward mobilizing resources for long-term physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual healing.

There are few HIV risk reduction interventions to meet the unique needs of women who experience intimate partner violence (IPV). This pilot study tested the feasibility, safety, and preliminary effects of an integrated IPV-sexual risk reduction intervention for abused women. Fifty-five women were randomized to the supporting positive and healthy relationships (SUPPORT) intervention (n = 27) or to a control group (n = 28). Assessments were conducted pre- and post-intervention and at 3-month follow-up. Post-intervention, SUPPORT participants showed a significant decrease in frequency of unprotected sex and an increase in safer sex communications with steady and other sexual partners. Compared to the control group, SUPPORT participants reported a higher number of safer sex conversations with their steady partner at the 3-month follow-up, and fewer episodes of IPV at both assessments in comparison to baseline. They showed improvements in sexual relationship power at both follow-ups and in several hypothesized antecedents of HIV-risk behavior. These encouraging preliminary findings suggest the need for a larger clinical trial.

Research has revealed that almost half of relationships will end in divorce or separation when one member experiences a head injury. Many patients are not diagnosed initially, or for several months or years after their injury. Persons dealing with the numerous long-term cognitive and physical problems accompanying mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) may develop a profound sense of "loss of self." This loss of self, manifest as identity ambiguity on the part of the MTBI subject may be strongly correlated with perceptions of boundary ambiguity on the part of the subject and family resulting from the situation of ambiguous loss. Early recognition and intervention may prevent relational and marital breakdown as well as unnecessary distress to family members. This article discusses the theoretical foundations of our research, preliminary findings of our ongoing qualitative study, and implications for future research and clinical intervention.

A family's heritage and values have profound bearing on the stressors they encounter and how they cope. Socioeconomic change, natural and man-made disasters, and international migration are major influences on the integrity of society. In these times of global financial crisis, communities around the world are in danger of losing their intrinsic structure and protective factors. Connectedness or attachment to family and culture of origin correlate with reduced risk-taking behaviors and a reduction in family and societal violence, posttraumatic stress, addiction, depression, suicidality, sexual risk taking, and other chronic and/or life-threatening health problems and illnesses. Facilitating these families' cultural and community ties and enhancing their access to extended-family and community resources can thus be protective against trauma. These relationships foster resilience and reduce the short- and long-term effects of stress on families and communities. Targets of interventions may be individuals, families, or communities. Assessment of vulnerabilities, protective factors, goals, and resources encourages and facilitates collaboration across natural and artificial support systems. Such collaboration is important in building resilience rather than perpetuating vulnerability and long-term problems for individuals, their families, and the communities in which they live. The recent Kosovar experience in implementing the LINC Model of Community Resilience illustrates these principles, as applied in the context of substance abuse services and community rebuilding in the period soon after armed conflict.