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[Resilience--from theory to empirical research]
1Zakład Ochrony i Promocji Zdrowia Dzieci i Młodziezy, Instytut Matki i Dziecka w Warszawie. joanna.mazur@imid.med.pl
Medycyna Wieku Rozwojowego
|March 24, 2009
Summary
Resilience in adolescents is strengthened by supportive family relationships, which buffer negative peer influences and promote well-being. This study highlights the protective role of family in mitigating risks associated with adverse peer environments.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent health research
- Psychosocial development studies
- Family dynamics in youth well-being
Context:
- Adverse childhood experiences and their impact on adolescent mental health.
- The role of peer relationships and family environment in shaping youth resilience.
- Prevalence of subjective complaints and risk factors among adolescents.
Purpose:
- To present resilience theory and empirical evidence on factors influencing adolescent health.
- To investigate the relationship between peer environment, family support, and adolescent subjective complaints.
- To identify protective factors that enhance resilience in young people.
Summary:
- A 2006 survey of 2287 adolescents (average age 15.7) from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study examined risk and protective factors for subjective health complaints.
- Negative peer environment perception was a risk factor, while ease of communication with parents and quality of family relationships acted as protective factors.
- Results indicated that 45.9% of girls and 29.2% of boys experienced multiple subjective complaints, with prevalence increasing in negative peer environments, but this effect was moderated by family support.
Impact:
- Findings underscore the critical role of strong family relationships in protecting adolescent mental health and resilience.
- Identifies specific groups of adolescents (those with poor family relationships and high-risk peer environments) who require targeted support.
- Informs interventions aimed at strengthening family bonds to improve adolescent well-being and mitigate the impact of peer adversity.
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