Pathways to Resilience III: Beyond Nature vs. Nurture

The Kauai Longitudinal Study: A Qualitative Narrative Approach on Resilience in Older Adulthood:

Abstract #225
The Kauai Longitudinal Study: A Qualitative Narrative Approach on Resilience in Older Adulthood
Presenter: Laurie McCubbin Co - Presenters: Jason Sievers, Jennifer Moniz, Augusto "Bango" Gancinia, Greg Urquhart
Abstract:
This study, using a narrative life history qualitative approach, involved interviewing 8 original “resilient” participants (4 men, 4 women) from the Kauai Longitudinal study. The purpose of the study was to examine their adaptation, resilience and well-being in older adulthood.  
The most prevalent theme across all participants was ‘ohana (family) including the adversity they faced as children growing up in Kauai along with reflections on their current family situation. Navigating past family trauma appeared manageable but for some participants a continuous negotiation with past issues with parents (e.g. abandonment, physical abuse and alcoholism) was present in their stories.  The second theme in the interviews was coping. Coping was inclusive of family based upon self-reflection of intergenerational parenting practices.  Coping was also seen in two additional subthemes: cultural values and spirituality.   Some participants coped with finding a higher purpose through connections to the ‘aina (land) and mona (ocean) and giving back to future generations.  Spirituality was expressed in multiple ways including finding God and finding purpose in life.   These themes overlap many constructs in the resilience and well-being literature including Ungar’s navigation and negotiation in resilience (2010), Ryff’s work on psychological well-being (1999) and Masten’s concept of ordinary magic (2001).  
Matsen, A.S. (2001).  Ordinary magic.  American Psychologist, 56(3), 227-238.
Ryff, C.D. & Marshall, V.W. (1999). The self and society in aging processes.  New York, NY: Springer.