Varied Patterns of Family Resilience in Challenging Contexts

Abstract

While we know much about patterns of family resilience, most of our research and clinical discussion has focused on microsystemic, intrafamilial protective processes. We have far fewer maps of the bidirectional interactions between families and other systems that contribute to successful family adaptation in challenging contexts. The purpose of this article is to address this gap in knowledge and present a map of family resilience that is both systemic and contextually and culturally responsive. Seven specific patterns of family resilience are reviewed. Combined, they account for the varied adaptational patterns families use to nurture and sustain resilience. The article concludes with reflection on how we can assess family resilience and the application of this map to family therapy.

Home Environment and Self‐Efficacy Beliefs among Native American, African American, and Latino Adolescents

“…If so, then not only will these experiences potentially be helpful in developing key capacities for adult life, but they may also help protect against mental health and addiction problems (Ungar, 2015;Watkins, Howard-Barr, Moore, & Werch, 2006;Williams & Merton, 2014). Proc., Vol.…”

“…58, June, 2019 BRADLEY / 427 positive efficacy beliefs in key areas such as enlisting social resources, independent learning, and self-regulation; thus, perhaps increasing their adaptability to meet key challenges. If so, then not only will these experiences potentially be helpful in developing key capacities for adult life, but they may also help protect against mental health and addiction problems (Ungar, 2015;Watkins, Howard-Barr, Moore, & Werch, 2006;Williams & Merton, 2014). Indeed, findings from this study connect to a broader set of findings pertaining to resilience among minority youth in the United States; specifically, family involvement and parent-child connectedness help reduce the likelihood of school drop-out and maladaptive behavior and self-system processes often mediate those relations (Borowsky, Resnick, Ireland, & Blum, 1999;Copeland-Linder, Lambert, & Ialongo, 2010;Roosa et al, 2012;Seegan et al, 2012).…”

“…The manner in which competencies evolve and personal identity is constructed may vary somewhat for members of different demographic groups (Ali, McWhirter, & Chronister, 2005;Schwartz et al, 2005;Ungar, 2015). Minority youth, many of whom face discrimination, are often confronted with contradictory goals that require both flexibility and a strong sense of agency with respect to one's own self-governance, managing social relationships, and independent learning (Bandura, 2012).…”

Best Articles of 2016: A Reflection of Our Values

“…The article rated the best article of 2016 is by Michael Ungar and is titled, “Varied patterns of family resilience in challenging contexts.” In it, Ungar () discusses family adaptation in challenging contexts (e.g., violent families or communities) and reflects on seven patterns of family resilience which he applies to the practice of family therapy. His “map” of family resilience is systemic, contextual, and culturally sensitive.…”

Family resilience: Emerging trends in theory and practice

“…They and many others began to observe the positive impact of attachments and the opportunities that proximal (family) and distal (community) systems provided vulnerable populations of children. The result has been the broadening of our understanding of the mechanisms that create resilience, with the resilience of family processes now known to improve the resilience of individuals biologically (Sternthal et al, 2009), psychologically (Cicchetti, 2013), and socially (Ungar, 2015(Ungar, , 2016). …”