Pathways to Resilience III: Beyond Nature vs. Nurture

Abstract #320
Factors Associated with Resilience in Youths: A Population Study in Medellín, Colombia
Presenter: Alexandra Restrepo Co - Presenter: Nilton Montoya  
Abstract:
Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of protective factors and risk factors to which resilient youths, youths who engage in severely aggressive behaviors, and those who engage in other risk behaviors (i.e., drugs and sex) are exposed. Methods: Cross-sectional study with a representative sample of persons between 12 and 60 years of age from Medellín and the Metropolitan Area of the Aburrá Valley (n=4654). Probabilistic multistage study. Youths between 14 and 26 years of age were selected for this analysis (n=1780). Results: Resilient youths are twice as numerous as severe aggressors and have a greater probability of confiding in family members to solve their problems, are the subjects of greater vigilance by their mothers in childhood, and are more likely to report crimes to the authorities and to resolve conflicts by nonviolent means when a family member has been hurt. Family structure, school characteristics, and neighborhood characteristics do not seem to be as associated with resilience as family functionality, especially parenting style. Conclusions: The high proportion of resilient youths obliges us to redirect public policies for the tertiary prevention of violence to emphasize promoting resilient behaviors and the positive development of children and youths.