PeiYang HaiZi De FuYuan NengLi (Fostering Resilience in Children). ERIC Digest

This digest summarizes studies that provide evidence that youth with multiple and severe risks in their lives can develop into confident and competent adults; and discusses the critical role schools can play in this process of development. Resilience is the term used to describe a set of qualities that foster a process of successful adaptation and transformation despite risk. An innate capacity for resilience helps children develop social competence, problem-solving skills, a critical consciousness, autonomy, and a sense of purpose. Research shows that certain characteristics of family, school, and community environments may alter or even reverse expected negative outcomes and enable children to manifest resilience despite risk. These "protective factors" can be grouped into three major categories: (1) caring and supportive relationships; (2) positive and high expectations; and (3) opportunities for meaningful participation. First, the presence of at least one caring person provides support for healthy develo