Resourcefulness

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to evaluate the current state of studying resourcefulness among children and families and to propose future research directions. Five domains of studying resourcefulness were discussed in this article; these domains are positive outcomes of being resourceful on family members, definition of resourcefulness, assessments of resourcefulness, factors contributing to children's resourcefulness, and the programs aimed at increasing resourcefulness. By reviewing findings of the existing studies, this article revealed that resourcefulness is a multifaceted concept that has caused variations in the definitions/emphases from different scholars and the various existing scales testing different facets of the concept. While most of the studies focused on family members, none of them discussed the value of family resourcefulness in their studies. Research findings suggest that both environmental influences and personal characteristics contribute to children's resourcefulness, which either directly or inexplicitly reflect the notions of family systems theory. Several resourcefulness intervention programs were identified, but these programs were mainly focused on children and socioeconomically disadvantaged families and all serve different purposes. We propose to generate matched programs for either parents or kids to enhance the outcome of these programs in the family settings. Future studies on consolidating the various definitions, scales, and programs on resourcefulness and family resourcefulness, as well as expanding understandings of the internal and external influences that contribute to a family's resourcefulness from the systemic perspective are needed.

Family and Systems Theory in Counselor Education: A PRISMA Systematic Review

“…Some articles identified by the primary theme of Cybernetics directly reference the intersection of various forces as creating the interaction effect, such as with family of origin and career impact (Barclay et al, 2011; Dipeolu et al, 2020; Fider et al, 2014; Johnson et al, 2014; Lustig & Xu, 2018; Maddy et al, 2015; Makhija et al, 2019; McAdams et al, 2018; Porter & Henriksen, 2016; Waliski et al, 2012; Wright et al, 2020), family of origin and symptom development and treatment (Buser et al, 2014; Haiyasoso & Trepal, 2019; Lampis et al, 2020; Noble & Bradley, 2019; Noble et al, 2017; Wang et al, 2016; Watts et al, 2020; Williams et al, 2016), familial dynamics and spiritual development (Hooper & Newman, 2011; Jankowski & Hooper, 2014; Muselman & Wiggins, 2012), familial dynamics and developmental outcomes (Fish & Priest, 2011; Gold, 2013; He, 2017; Hoekstra & Katz, 2021; Kataoka & Tsuchiya, 2020; Lenz & Oliver, 2018; Li et al, 2018; Messina et al, 2018; Wilkinson & Dewell, 2019), and attachment development and impact (Bernardon & Pernice-Duca, 2012; Coffman & Swank, 2021; Myrick et al, 2014; Toof et al, 2020; Willcox et al, 2019). Others allude to cybernetics indirectly such as with physical disability and substance abuse (Feather et al, 2018), as well as other contextual factors like incarceration (Tadros, 2021; Tadros & Finney, 2018).…”

“…Cybernetics provides a useful approach to understanding the developmental impact of life experiences, interpersonal relationships, and the systemic homeostatic demand facing the individual. Articles included in this secondary theme recommend a cybernetic awareness in the conceptualization and treatment of survivors of childhood abuse and developmental trauma (Dickens, 2014;Haiyasoso & Trepal, 2019;Katafiasz, 2020;Muselman & Wiggins, 2012;Overton & Cottone, 2016;Southern & Sullivan, 2021;Watts et al, 2020), the assessment of cognitive complexity and development (Lustig & Xu, 2018;Wilkinson & Dewell, 2019;), as well as assessing and promoting identity integration, life satisfaction, self-esteem, and self-efficacy (Fish & Priest, 2011;Gold, 2013;He, 2017;Hoekstra & Katz, 2021;Johnson et al, 2014;Kataoka & Tsuchiya, 2020;Lenz & Oliver, 2018;Li et al, 2018;Maddy et al, 2015;Messina et al, 2018;Wilkinson & Dewell, 2019. Attachment. After the posthoc analysis of articles discovered in TFJ, attachment was added as a third secondary theme to further nuance and specify cybernetic awareness, conceptualization, and treatment recommendations.…”