Applying a Family Resilience Framework in Training, Practice, and Research: Mastering the Art of the Possible

Abstract

With growing interest in systemic views of human resilience, this article updates and clarifies our understanding of the concept of resilience as involving multilevel dynamic processes over time. Family resilience refers to the functioning of the family system in dealing with adversity: Assessment and intervention focus on the family impact of stressful life challenges and the family processes that foster positive adaptation for the family unit and all members. The application of a family resilience framework is discussed and illustrated in clinical and community-based training and practice. Use of the author's research-informed map of core processes in family resilience is briefly noted, highlighting the recursive and synergistic influences of transactional processes within families and with their social environment. Given the inherently contextual nature of the construct of resilience, varied process elements may be more or less useful, depending on different adverse situations over time, with a major crisis; disruptive transitions; or chronic multistress conditions. This perspective is attuned to the diversity of family cultures and structures, their resources and constraints, socio-cultural and developmental influences, and the viability of varied pathways in resilience.

Exploring resilience models in a sample of combat-exposed military service members and veterans: a comparison and commentary

“…These findings also align well with the systems perspective that would expect variability in resilient responses, as a function of outcome of interest, context, and impact of other systems (e.g. community, family, biological) (Walsh, 2016a). …”

“…This suggests that these types of measures are capturing different facets of resilience. The dynamic systems perspective of resilience notes the importance of integrating resilience within and across different systems (Walsh, 2016a, 2016b). In line with this perspective, the present findings highlight the potential usefulness of incorporating different measures (e.g.…”

“…Resilience is also often viewed as an outcome, such as the absence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or low levels of symptoms (Polousney et al, 2017). Resilience is also examined as a process, stemming from a systems-oriented perspective which views resilience as dynamic and flexible and expected to vary based on outcome of interest, over time, and across different contexts (Walsh, 2016a). This work often examines the development of resilience from a family systems (Walsh, 2016a, 2016b) and developmental (Masten, 2014; Sleijpen, June Ter Heide, Mooren, Boeije, & Kleber, 2013) perspective.…”

“…Resilience is also examined as a process, stemming from a systems-oriented perspective which views resilience as dynamic and flexible and expected to vary based on outcome of interest, over time, and across different contexts (Walsh, 2016a). This work often examines the development of resilience from a family systems (Walsh, 2016a, 2016b) and developmental (Masten, 2014; Sleijpen, June Ter Heide, Mooren, Boeije, & Kleber, 2013) perspective. Thus, it is critical to consider the ways in which various definitions of resilience shape the understanding of, and purported prevalence rates of, this construct.…”

Dar Voz aos Cuidadores: um jogo para o cuidador familiar de um doente dependente

“…The contributions of Walsh were especially significant, who has described some processes that favor family resilience and that can be stimulated by health teams (17) . These were also included in the game, namely: Making meaning of adversity, Positive outlook, Maintenance of transcendence and hope, and Flexibility of organizational patterns.…”