Pathways to Resilience III: Beyond Nature vs. Nurture

Youth at Risk:

Abstract #233
Youth Recidivism: A Qualitative Study of Risk and Resilience
Presenter: Jesse Near
Abstract:
This presentation gives voice to the experience of recidivism for youths in conflict with the law.  Research to date has explored risk and protective factors.  However, the relationships between these factors and recidivism are not well understood. Informed by a constructionist approach, this paper addresses the following key question: what do youths say they believe would help them avoid reoffending? Resilience theory has increasingly been used as a framework to explore the concept of recidivism. The present study builds upon this trend and explores the ways in which at-risk youths are resilient.  This qualitative study includes in-depth interviews of ten youths in a secure custody facility and a review of the literature on youth recidivism and resilience.  Consistent with current literature, findings in this study suggest that societal context is a significant contributing factor to youth recidivism.  Outcomes of this research invite a discussion about whether future research and interventions with at-risk youths would benefit from a continued emphasis on the social context of recidivism, particularly structural and cultural violence perspectives.  Such frameworks may assist in building trust and permitting a broader understanding of youths’ circumstances.  Research with this population is recommended as a tool for advocacy.

Abstract #239
Individual Factors, Relation Factors and Service Use Related with Resilience Among Youth 13 to 19 Years Old. Medellin, 2012
Presenter: Alexandra Restrepo Co - Presenters: Nilton Montoya
Abstract:
Objective: to determinate some individual, family and service use factors related with youth resilience.Methods: A case and control study was conducted with a Non Clinical sample (n= 608), functional resilience (n=598) and youth with risk behaviors (n=200). A survey was conducted by personal trained. The Children and Youth Resilience Measure, Service Use Measure and Parenting Practices and Lerner Positive youth measure was some of the test applied. A Structural Equations Model was calculated to determinate the factors related with being resilient. Results: Relational factors: Relation with peers the have positive behavior (Β=0,39), Relation with Peer that have problematic behavior (B-0, 056), Relation with mother (B=0,29) and Stress Familiar Factors (B=-0,005).Individual factors: Index Youth positive develop have direct related with resilience (B=0,54), aperture (B= 0,012). Service use: Service use (B=0,16) and activities participation (B=0,18). The model had adequate fit indicators (GFI=0,95, NFI (B=0,85), RMSEA=0,053)Conclusion: Individual characteristics, family, relationships with peers and appropriate contact with services are related to greater resiliency in youth.to promote resilience is necessary to carry out interventions including promoting better services for young people, promoting better relationships with parents and peers, and the development of personal abilities of the young.

Abstract #262
Pathways to Resilience in Youth
Presenter: Lucienne Monique Van Erwegen
Abstract:
This study is looking at pathways to resilience in youth. 
A survey (resilience) will be sent to about 500 children coming from different backgrounds. At the back of the questionnaire they can choose to be more involved in the study and become a member of one of the three focus groups that will be set up. Each focus group will consist of 4 to 6 members, aged between the age of 12 and 18; they will meet at least 6 times over 6 months to analyse an explain the findings of the questionnaire. The members of the focus groups will be chosen randomly from the list of people that have an interest in becoming involved in the study. Together with the professional researcher they will write up a report. Each step that will be taken will be defined by the young people, each decision is theirs. To accomplish this, the researcher will listen to the children, not only with her ears, but with her whole body. Participatory methods such as paintings, collage and photos will be used. This study will start January 1st 2015, and only preliminary findings and experiences will be presented at the conference.