Family Resilience

Abstract

This chapter presents an overview of the concept of family resilience, grounded in a multilevel systems orientation. The concept of family resilience refers to the capacity of the family as a functional system in overcoming significant life challenges. Highly stressful events and social contexts impact the whole family, and in turn, family processes facilitate the adaptation of all members, their relationships, and the family unit. A research-informed map of key processes in family resilience is outlined. Given the contextual contingency of the concept of resilience, process elements and pathways in resilience may vary with different adverse situations over time; diverse family cultures, structures, and resources; and salient socioeconomic and developmental influences. The broad application of a family resilience framework in clinical and community-based intervention and prevention is discussed and illustrated. Research challenges and recommendations are offered, emphasizing the value of mixed-method, multidisciplinary, and multilevel approaches.

Belief traps: Tackling the inertia of harmful beliefs

“…Despite the apparent dysfunctionality of “harmful” beliefs, they may be linked to a “deep story” which is a source of resilience for individuals and societies ( 95 ). Indeed, belief systems can make meaning of the most adverse circumstances, provide a sense of coherence, and facilitate the appraisal of new threats and opportunities ( 96 , 97 ). As, in the process of changing a “harmful” element, other associated “good” elements may disintegrate, a thorough understanding of the “harmful beliefs” and their relation to broader worldviews and a degree of humility is essential as we embark on change efforts of this nature.…”

Investigating the predictive contribution of attitude towards life and belief system on self-resilience and psychological toughness of cancer patients about the mediating role of emotion regulation

“…Resilience is a structure based on the approach based on strengths and indicates the ability of people to cope with problems and risks [9]. In other words, resilience positively adapts to adverse conditions [10]. It also protects the psychological impact of problematic events.…”

“…People who believe that they can overcome problems, have an internal source of control, consider themselves connected to supernatural forces and give them religious meanings, and have a positive view of challenges, consider them transitory or led they know maturity, and they have an optimistic writing style and a good sense of humor, they endure hardships more than others. Walsh (2015) believes about the importance of the belief system that adapting to crises and hardships depends on their conceptualization [10]. According to his belief, beliefs are a range of values, beliefs, attitudes and assumptions, the combination of which forms the framework of the basic assumptions of the family and forms the basis of emotional responses, decisions, and actions.…”

Błażek Ambivalent Parental Communication Questionnaire (BAPCQ)

“…Acceptance of crisis by the family, preparing an action plan, and taking steps to solve a stressful situation that the family faces is only possible with clear and unambiguous communications [ 15 ]. By expressing themselves in a clear, understandable, and authentic way, family members create an area for growth for positive relationships based on honesty, shared responsibility, respect, and cooperation [ 16 ]. Communication patterns in the family, which condition the maintenance of an appropriate level of family cohesion and flexibility, are conducive to coping with adversities [ 17 , 18 ].…”