Identifying Profiles of Resilience among a High-Risk Adolescent Population

Abstract

IDENTIFYING PROFILES OF RESILIENCE AMONG A HIGH-RISK ADOLESCENT POPULATION Anna W. Wright, B.A. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2016. Major Director: Wendy L. Kliewer, Ph.D. Professor and Chair of Psychology Department of Psychology The purpose of the present study was to determine whether distinct patterns of adolescent adjustment existed when four domains of functioning were considered. The study included a sample of 299 high-risk urban adolescents, predominantly African American, ages 9-16 and their maternal caregivers. Cluster analysis was used to identify patterns of adjustment. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore whether variations in levels of five theoretically and empirically supported protective factors predicted cluster membership. A four-cluster model was determined to best fit the data. Higher rates of goal directedness and anger regulation coping predicted membership within the highest functioning cluster over a cluster demonstrating high externalizing problem behaviors, and neighborhood cohesion predicted highest functioning cluster membership over a cluster demonstrating high internalizing symptoms. Findings suggest that within a high-risk population of adolescents, significant variability in functioning will exist. The presence or absence of specific protective factors predicts developmental outcomes. 1 Identifying Profiles of Resilience among a High-Risk Adolescent Population Introduction Understanding resilience can help us understand typical and atypical human development. Research shows that both certain life experiences, and characteristics of a person’s genetics, leave them with a significantly increased likelihood of developing psychopathology or other negative outcomes (DuMont, Widom, & Czaja, 2007; Fowler, Tompsett, Braciszewski, Jacques-Tiura, & Baltes, 2009; McGloin & Widom, 2001; Petterson & Albers, 2001). For example, growing up in poverty causes detrimental effects on children in a number of ways. Petterson and Albers (2001) reviewed numerous studies of poverty, finding that children’s cognitive abilities, intelligence scores, physical growth and physical health all suffer after even just a couple of years living in poverty. Studies examining the effects of community violence on children have found that this experience can lead to a number of mental health problems such as posttraumatic stress disorder and internalizing problems, as well as externalizing problem behaviors which can have a rippling effect on those around the child (Fowler et al., 2009). Children who have been abused or neglected are at a higher risk of mental health problems, delinquency, and substance abuse among other things (McGloin & Widom, 2001). Fortunately, despite these odds, a fair number of individuals develop positively in the face of adversity. Longitudinal studies following children who have experienced maltreatment have shown that anywhere from 22-48% demonstrate resilience in adolescence and early adulthood (DuMont et al., 2007; McGloin & Widom, 2001). Closer investigation of what individual characteristics or environmental elements have been present for those who show resilience has been an area of increasing interest to researchers in psychology. Studying resilience is a crucial part of understanding how to prevent the development of negative outcomes (Cicchetti & Garmezy, 1993). It takes far fewer resources to promote