The Application of Resiliency Processes by School Counselors in Texas

Abstract

Researchers have found that resilient youth have certain internal and external factors that help them overcome life's adversities. School counselors are often in advantageous positions to positively affect large numbers of youth by helping them develop resiliency factors. The purpose of this study was to determine what resiliency factors elementary and secondary school counselors most often address with their students and what techniques they use to increase resiliency. Most often counselors stated that they address self-worth, problem-solving, communication skills, caring for others, locus of control, school success and competency, self- understanding, conviction that one is loved, self-efficacy, and not following the crowd. Techniques most often used to increase resiliency included positive languaging, specific therapeutic approaches, skill building activities, direct teaching, games, social learning theory techniques, consultation, and questioning. Significant differences were found between elementary and secondary school counselors regarding which techniques they most often used to build each resiliency factor.