Social Resilience Research Articles

Urban resilience reduces depressive symptoms among middle-aged and elderly adults: A multidimensional analysis based on China longitudinal healthy longevity survey

With the rapid urbanization and aging population, depression has become a severe public health issue globally, affecting millions of individuals and significantly impacting their quality of life and healthcare costs. Urban resilience refers to a city's ability to absorb, recover, and prepare for future shocks, ensuring sustainable development despite challenges. This study aims to explore the impact of urban resilience on depressive symptoms among middle-aged and elderly adults. Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), we analyzed five dimensions of urban resilience: economic, social, ecological, institutional, and infrastructural resilience. The results of cox proportional hazards model indicate that high levels of urban resilience significantly reduce the risk of depressive symptoms (HR = 0.875, 95% CI: 0.832–0.920, P < 0.001). Specifically, economic resilience (HR = 0.883, 95% CI: 0.846–0.921, P < 0.001), social resilience (HR = 0.916, 95% CI: 0.876–0.958, P < 0.001), ecological resilience (HR = 0.670, 95% CI: 0.516–0.869, P = 0.003), institutional resilience (HR = 0.922, 95% CI: 0.886–0.960, P < 0.001), and infrastructural resilience (HR = 0.875, 95% CI: 0.826–0.926, P < 0.001) all show significant negative correlations with depressive symptoms. Furthermore, the mitigation of depressive symptoms risk resulting from improved urban resilience disproportionately benefits vulnerable groups and those with healthy living habits. These findings provide scientific evidence for urban planning and policy formulation, contributing to the promotion of mental health and healthy aging among middle-aged and elderly populations.

Perceived social support and academic resilience as predictors of psychological distress and wellbeing among students with disabilities in the University of Education, Winneba

AbstractStudents with impairment whether physical, sensory or intellectual face challenges in their quest to have inclusive education predisposing them to various stressors. Yet, studies have rarely explored this important psychological construct. This cross‐sectional study assessed the prevalence of psychological distress and how perceived social support and academic resilience predict distress in this population. A total of 101 students with hearing, visual and physical impairments were purposively sampled and administered questionnaires that measured psychological distress, social support and academic resilience. Results revealed the prevalence of psychological distress was 75.5%. Also, perceived social support (β = −0.25, p &lt; 0.01) and academic resilience (β = −0.34, p &lt; 0.001) significantly predicted psychological distress with perseverance (β = −0.51, p &lt; 0.001) being the only dimension of academic resilience that predicted psychological distress. This study concludes that students with impairments have a high prevalence of psychological distress, which can be reduced through social support and resilience building interventions at both individual and group levels. We recommend that these counselling interventions be provided for students with impairment to help them deal with the challenges or stressors they encounter.

Enhancing Economic, Social, and Ecological Resilience Through Sustainable Waterfront Development in Penang

The global economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted development across various regions, including Penang, where supply chain disruptions, restricted cash flow, and delayed progress have led to reduced economic growth for stakeholders and communities alike. This study aims to explore the interconnected economic, social, and ecological (ESE) systems within the context of sustainable waterfront development in Penang, focusing on how these systems contribute to economic resilience and dynamism. The land and water resources of Penang, strategically situated along vital maritime routes, present substantial potential for economic revitalization. A quantitative research approach was employed, gathering data from questionnaire surveys, revealing a positive correlation between ESE variables. Key attributes such as local authority governance, development scale and impact, business operations, place identity, heritage preservation, and waste management were found to play crucial roles in shaping sustainable waterfront initiatives. The study highlights that Penang’s core economic sectors—agriculture, mining and quarrying, manufacturing, construction, and services—have historically driven the local economy, but the growing focus on waterfront development offers new avenues for economic recovery and growth. The results validate the chosen quantitative methodology and underscore the importance of adopting integrated strategies to address land and water management challenges. By aligning with sustainability goals and adopting a holistic approach, Penang's waterfront development can foster resilience, ensuring long-term socio-economic and ecological balance. The insights provided contribute to a broader understanding of sustainable urban development and offer actionable strategies for policymakers and stakeholders involved in Penang's waterfront projects.

Understanding resilience: Lifestyle-based behavioral predictors of mental health and well-being in community-dwelling older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundChanges in sleep, physical activity and mental health were observed in older adults during early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here we describe effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on older adult mental health, wellbeing, and lifestyle behaviors and explore predictors of better mid-pandemic mental health and wellbeing.MethodsParticipants in the Adult Changes in Thought study completed measures of lifestyle behaviors (e.g., sleep, physical activity) and mental health and wellbeing both pre-pandemic during regular study visits and mid-pandemic via a one-time survey. We used paired t-tests to compare differences in these measures pre- vs. mid-pandemic. Using multivariate linear regression, we further explored demographic, health, and lifestyle predictors of pandemic depressive symptoms, social support, and fatigue. We additionally qualitatively coded free text data from the mid-pandemic survey for related comments.ResultsParticipants (N = 896) reported significant changes in mental health and lifestyle behaviors at pre-pandemic vs. mid-pandemic measurements (p < 0.0001). Qualitative findings supported these behavioral and wellbeing changes. Being male, never smoking, and lower pre-pandemic computer time and sleep disturbance were significantly associated with lower pandemic depressive symptoms. Being partnered, female, never smoking, and lower pre-pandemic sleep disturbance were associated with higher pandemic social support. Pre-pandemic employment, more walking, less computer time, and less sleep disturbance were associated with less pandemic fatigue. Participant comments supported these quantitative findings, highlighting gender differences in pandemic mental health, changes in computer usage and physical activity during the pandemic, the value of spousal social support, and links between sleep disturbance and mental health and wellbeing. Qualitative findings also revealed additional factors, such as stresses from personal and family health situations and the country’s concurrent political environment, that impacted mental health and wellbeing.ConclusionsSeveral demographic, health, and lifestyle behaviors appeared to buffer the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and may be key sources of resilience. Interventions and public health measures targeting men and unpartnered individuals could promote social support resilience, and intervening on modifiable behaviors like sleep quality, physical activity and sedentary activities like computer time may promote resilience to fatigue and depressive symptoms during future community stressor events. Further research into these relationships is warranted.

Food insecurity versus public health? Social resilience.

The health problems of low-income communities and their relationship to food insecurity are a widespread problem worldwide. Understanding the complex relationship between these two conditions of food insecurity and health outcomes is the focus of this study. In addressing these issues, managing food security and adopting comprehensive strategies that consider the broader public health of the poor and socially vulnerable requires a multi-pronged approach that integrates sustainable food systems, social protection interventions, community engagement, and nutrition-specific interventions. This study is useful for improving our understanding of the relationship between food insecurity and health outcomes, which ultimately contributes to better health and social resilience strategies.

Towards more resilient cities-analyzing the impact of new-type urbanization on urban resilience: Considering spatial spillover boundaries

This paper examines the New-type Urbanization pilot policy (NTUP) and its influence on urban resilience, offering insights into how NTUP fosters a human-centric, sustainably coordinated, and inclusive model of urban development distinct from traditional approaches. This model plays a key role in enhancing urban capacities to confront economic, social, and environmental challenges, aiding in building more resilient cities. Notably, existing literature scarcely explores the relationship between NTUP and urban resilience, marking a significant gap this research aims to fill. Utilizing a multi-period DID model to examine panel data across 281 Chinese cities from 2006 to 2020, this study delves into NTUP's direct effects on urban resilience, its mechanisms, and spatial spillover boundaries. Findings reveal that: (1) NTUP enhances urban resilience, confirmed by a series of robustness tests. (2) NTUP significantly improves economic, infrastructure, and institutional resilience, while its influence on social resilience is minimal, and it detrimentally impacts ecological resilience. (3) Urban technology innovation and economic agglomeration are the primary mechanisms through which NTUP promotes urban resilience. (4) NTUP has a positive spatial spillover effect on the resilience of neighboring cities up to 350 km, with this effect shifting from a "radiation effect" to a "siphoning effect" as geographical distance increases.

The Impact of Social Support on Depressive Symptoms Through Mindfulness and Resilience Among Chinese Parents Who Lost Their Only Child.

The number of Shidu parents (parents over the age of 45 years who have lost their only child) has been increasing in China, which is important because Shidu parents experience depressive symptoms. This study investigated the potential mediating roles of mindfulness and resilience in the relation between social support and depressive symptoms among Shidu parents. From June to December 2021, 111 Shidu parents in Baoji city, China, completed a web-based survey on social support, depressive symptoms, mindfulness, and resilience. The results indicated that Shidu parents suffer from a high risk of depressive symptoms, and significant correlations were found between the study variables. Path analysis models showed that the relation between social support and depressive symptoms in Shidu parents was fully mediated by a combination of mindfulness and resilience. These findings further highlighted the significance of social support, mindfulness, and resilience in potentially alleviating depressive symptoms among Shidu parents.

Sociological Study of Deurbanization Through Sustainable Village Development in Indonesia

This study aimed to analyze deurbanization through sustainable village development from a sociological perspective. The study was conducted in Bantaeng Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. This area was selected because sustainable village development can change the number of "underdeveloped" and "very underdeveloped" villages into "developed" and "independent". A qualitative method was adopted to explore sustainable village development by referring to the village development index (IDM), namely social, economic, and environmental resilience. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with informants selected using purposive sampling. The data include elements of village government, community institutions, and society, such as community leaders, educators, religion, youth, traders, farmers, as well as representatives of women and poor groups. Observations were carried out at the study location while collecting documents related to regulations and reports on sustainable village development. The Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) Software Program was used to analyze the data collected as well as write study reports. The results show that sustainable village development has led to the development of social, economic, and environmental resilience, which has an impact on deurbanization. Ruralization also occurred, where people living in the city moved to villages for economic, social, and cultural reasons, especially those who have kinship relations. In conclusion, private sector contributions can improve rural areas, because professional workers from cities move to villages to work in private companies, thereby supporting rural economic growth.

Dukungan Sosial dan Resiliensi Pada Remaja Pasca Kematian Orang Tua: Sebuah Kajian Literatur

&lt;p&gt;Losing a parent due to death is a meaningful event and has a profound impact on adolescents. It often creates a sense of sadness, loss and ongoing trauma. The role of parents is very important in supporting the developmental stages of adolescents. This study uses the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach to evaluate the influence and relationship between social support and resilience in adolescents after the death of a parent. The data for analysis is obtained through Google Scholar, accessed through Publish or Perish (Pop) using the keywords "social support" "resilience" and "adolescents after the death of a parent" resulting in 6 sources of journal articles and scientific papers that are worthy and in accordance with the research topic for further analysis. The results of the literature analysis show that social support has a positive contribution to resilience in adolescents who experience the loss of a parent due to death. Forms of social support that play a role in increasing resilience in adolescents include support from family and peers which are formed through emotional support and their direct presence in accompanying adolescents during difficult times after the death of their parents. This study confirms that the greater the social support received, the higher the level of resilience of adolescents in adapting, continuing self-development and facing life with optimism after the death of parent and better mentality&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;em&gt;Keywords &lt;/em&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;- &lt;em&gt;Adolescents, Death of &lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;P&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;arents,&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt; Social support, Resilience.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Resilience in Action through Culture: Latinas Successfully Navigating STEM Spaces at an HSI

Though research on the perspectives and assets of communities of color in higher education has grown, understanding how underrepresented groups in STEM use those assets to navigate and succeed in STEM fields is still in progress. In this study, Latina students majoring in STEM fields in a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) were interviewed about their college experience and persistence. A Latine resilience model and an HSI servingness framework guided the analysis. Qualitative methodology via case study served to understand this research. Evidence gathered in this study demonstrates how social climate experiences and cultural background influence resilience and success strategies among diverse Latina STEM majors in an HSI. The STEM social climate or culture seemingly clashed with participants’ cultural backgrounds. Perhaps most pertinent to their cultural background and resilience as Latinas were the specific success strategies or assets that participants utilized to navigate the STEM experience. Participants gravitated to diverse spaces, desired more women and ethnic representation in their STEM departments, and practiced prosocial or communal motivations. Understanding STEM culture in conjunction with the assets and strategies that Latinas utilize as ethnic women is important for HSIs as they consider how they truly serve their constituents.

Adaptive coordination strategies in humanitarian action: lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose This study aims to investigate the optimization of coordination mechanisms in humanitarian action and focuses on the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach Conducted as a case study in collaboration with an international humanitarian organization, this research examines the components and associated coordination mechanisms of humanitarian action phases. Findings The analysis reveals the complexities of managing humanitarian crises, emphasizing the need for adaptive coordination strategies. Four key crisis response coordination mechanisms are explored – structural configuration, outcome standardization, process standardization and mutual adjustment. The study particularly assesses the emergency-development phase. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to a single humanitarian organization and the COVID-19 context. Future research could explore additional case studies and broader contexts to enhance understanding of coordination mechanisms in humanitarian crises. Practical implications This research has practical implications for humanitarian organizations, policymakers and practitioners involved in crisis response. Enhancing coordination mechanisms and strategies can improve the efficacy of response efforts and facilitate navigation of the complexities of humanitarian crises. Social implications Effective coordination is crucial in mitigating the impact of humanitarian crises and promoting social resilience. By optimizing coordination mechanisms, this research contributes to building more adaptive societies in the face of global challenges. Originality/value This study innovatively applies the activities-resources-actors (ARA) model to the humanitarian context and concentrates on the response to COVID-19 of one international humanitarian organization. By adapting the ARA model to a real-world scenario, this research provides insights into optimizing coordination mechanisms in crisis management.

Challenges to anticipatory coastal adaptation for transformative nature-based solutions

Much of England’s coastline is underprepared for adapting to long-term coastal change, with many coastal areas moving from ‘hold the line’ to managed realignment as this century progresses. This paper offers a unique case study of a frontage experiencing this transition. It explores the perspectives of Bacton and Walcott residents and coastal policymakers on managing the risk of coastal change for the Bacton-Walcott frontage on the Norfolk coast (UK), after the projected lifetime of a nature-based solution (NBS), known as sandscaping. Drawing upon survey and interview data, this research finds local residents have an increased sense of security of future coastal change through the perceived importance of the nearby Bacton Gas Terminal (currently supplying up to a third of the UK’s gas supply), and the protection afforded to it by sandscaping. For policymakers, sandscaping has bought time to prepare for managed realignment, whereas for residents, sandscaping has bought time to postpone it. There is a risk of maladaptation if reduced concern of future erosion affects willingness to engage in coastal adaptation in the present. This case study highlights the multiple temporal and spatial interests in coastal management, where decision-making at a local level has national-scale implications for domestic energy supply, and where novel nature-based solutions may bring additional uncertainty and complexity to building social resilience. It provides insights on the challenges of anticipatory adaptation, which is of relevance to other coastal areas looking to mitigate climate impacts and better prepare against future risk.

A framework for urban resilience measurement and enhancement strategies: A case study in Qingdao, China

Comprehensive measurement and analysis of urban resilience is essential to ensure sustainable urban development. This paper creates a multilevel urban resilience evaluation index system based on four dimensions of economy, society, ecology, and infrastructure and the three attributes (resistance, recovery, and adaptability), then applies the framework to Qingdao, China. The results suggest that: (1) The overall level of urban resilience in Qingdao showed an upward trend, rising from a relatively high level in 2012 to a high level in 2021. Economic and social resilience maintained a high consistency, developing rapidly, while the development of ecological and infrastructure resilience fluctuated, and infrastructure resilience was slow and lagging. (2) Qingdao's overall resilience is higher than other cities in the same region, but infrastructure resilience is relatively low. Moreover, the coupling coordination degree (CCD) of the resilience of the four subsystems in Qingdao has evolved from near imbalance to good coordination. (3) Infrastructure resilience is the primary obstacle factor in the dimension layer, followed by ecological resilience. Based on the results, corresponding improvement strategies are proposed. A comprehensive multidimensional measurement of the urban resilience of Qingdao can identify the main shortcomings and provide a reference for decision-making and resource allocation in resilient cities.

How Social Work Education Fosters Professional Resilience: Student and Newly Qualified Practitioner Perspectives

ABSTRACT Navigating complex and evolving practice environments requires resilient social workers. However, education's contribution to professional resilience development is underinvestigated. As part of a longitudinal, qualitative study, this article reports the findings on how social workers as students and then newly qualified practitioners perceived how their education fostered professional resilience. In stage one, interviews were conducted with 23 social work students from eight Australian universities in the final 12 months of their Master of Social Work (Qualifying) degree. In stage two, the sample was reduced to 19, with interviews occurring after approximately six months of practice. Framed by critical theory and social constructionism, narrative inquiry guided the analysis of participants’ perceptions. The results revealed professional resilience is relational and developed through curricula and pedagogy facilitating connection, building knowledge through critical reflection, and preparing students for the realities and complexities of practice. The study extends evidence that transitioning from student to practitioner is a crucial time in social workers’ careers. The findings identify that professional resilience can be fostered by responsive external resources and evidence-based programs offered by universities, practice organisations, and professional bodies. IMPLICATIONS Social workers' resilience relies upon education fostering connection between students, academics, and qualified social workers, incorporating critical reflection and developing knowledge and skills in navigating practice contexts. Field education is integral to this process. Social workers in Australia could benefit from a nationwide program creating a consistent and evidence-informed approach to support newly qualified social workers as they transition into the workforce.

Depressive Symptoms Among Caregivers of Older Adults With Both Diabetes and Functional Limitations and Moderation by Caregiver Expressive Social Support.

The purpose of the study was to explore how caring for older adults with both diabetes and functional limitations impacts caregiver depressive symptoms and whether this impact is moderated by caregivers' expressive social support and psychological resilience. Cross-sectional data of 278 dyads, each comprising an older adult with functional limitations and his/her primary family caregiver were analyzed. Older adult diabetes status (yes/no) was based on ever-diagnosis of diabetes. Caregiver depressive symptoms, expressive social support, and psychological resilience were measured using standard scales. Multivariable linear regression was used to assess the association of interest and its moderation by caregiver expressive social support and psychological resilience. Caregivers of older adults with both diabetes and functional limitations had a higher depressive symptoms score compared to caregivers of older adults with only functional limitations. This association was inversely moderated by caregiver expressive social support. As caregiver expressive social support increased, the difference in depressive symptoms between caregivers of older adults with diabetes and functional limitations and caregivers of older adults with only functional limitations reduced. Family caregivers of older adults with functional limitations and diabetes have a higher depressive symptoms score. However, enhancing caregiver expressive social support could mitigate this risk. Service providers should prioritize support for caregivers in such vulnerable situations and strive to enhance their expressive social support.

The relationship between social capital and community resilience among urban poor communities in Malaysia

The problem of poverty remains persistent in developing countries around the world. Poor households, particularly those headed by women, young people, and informal workers, particularly those who live in urban areas, are those most affected by vicious cycles of socioeconomic disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This condition, therefore, will lead to urban poverty issues that decline individuals’ quality of life and livelihoods due to the growing population and expansion of urbanization areas. However, there are limited numbers of empirical studies on the impact of community resilience on poverty. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between social capital and community resilience among urban poor communities. 481 respondents from urban poor communities living in the poor communities housing called, the People’s Housing Project (PHP) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were given a structured questionnaire by cluster sampling from December 2021 to July 2022. Data were analyzed using reliability analysis, correlation, and regression analysis. The findings showed that social capital is positively significant in community resilience building through having a good relationship with the community’s representative and having good involvement in the neighborhood. This study has proven that social capital in poverty adaptation among the poor should be given priority by the authorities in the poverty alleviation programs. The government must implement specific social capital policies and methods for upgrading the income of the urban poor with the aim of fostering resilience among urban poor communities in Kuala Lumpur in an effort to eradicate poverty.

The Study of an Urban Social Resilience Evaluation Index System under the Context of Public Health Emergencies

This paper focuses on urban social resilience under the context of public health emergencies. It constructs an evaluation index system based on the theories of resilience and urban resilience, urban and social vulnerability, system coupling and coordination, risk and chaos, as well as a review of the current state of domestic and international research. A BP comprehensive evaluation model was established and applied. The study found that among 21 cities, except for Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Nanjing, and Hangzhou, the social resilience levels of the remaining 15 cities are below the average level.

Distributed Ledger of Blockchain Enhance API Supply Chain Social Economical Resilience

The application of Blockchain to enhance the industry's social economic resilience is widely of concern in the science, technology, and pharmaceutical industries. The research discusses the resilience of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) in the face of global health challenges and how blockchain can improve supply chain transparency and efficiency through its unique distributed ledger (DLT) technology. The report uses literature review methods to analyze the application of blockchain technology to real-time data sharing in the API supply chain and its impact on improving API supply chain adaptability, optimizing resource allocation, and enhancing risk management capabilities. As can be seen from the result, through the real-time data sharing by the distributed ledger (DLT), the API supply chain can more effectively respond to the fluctuation of the environment and market to enhance its social and economic resilience. This research demonstrates the potential of blockchain technology in optimizing pharmaceutical supply chain management to safeguard human health and well-being.

The Study of an Urban Social Resilience Evaluation Index System under the Context of Public Health Emergencies

The Study of an Urban Social Resilience Evaluation Index System under the Context of Public Health Emergencies

Women, agriculture, and villages: A community of empowerment study to achieve wellbeing and sustainable development

Background: The women farmers play a crucial role in Indonesian villages. It needs the empowerment model for addressing the challenges and opportunities so the women farmers can increase her capacity especially in the agriculture system and family quality. By this condition we conduct research that focuses on the process of empowerment to achieve wellbeing and sustainable development. Method: Data drawing on a literature review, best practices, and real-life narratives. Findings: The data shows that despite their significant contribution to agriculture, women farmers are facing a lack of resources like land, credit, and information. Social norms build can relegate them to less demanding tasks, while decision-making power frequently resides with men. These persistent gender biases hinder their full potential and limit their agency. The narrative analysis reveals the remarkable resilience of women farmers. They manage their farms efficiently, innovate to adapt to changing circumstances, and find purpose and well-being through their work. The stories showcase their crucial role in rural economies and their capacity to overcome limitations. The research identifies key areas to empower women farmers and achieve sustainable development. Conclusions: Investing in their well-being through access to healthcare, childcare, and financial security empowers them to invest in themselves and their families. Promoting sustainable practices through training programs equips them with the tools to nurture the land for future generations. Fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration creates a network for innovation and best practices to flourish. Finally, breaking down gender barriers and promoting women's leadership in agriculture is crucial for achieving true empowerment and a more equitable future. By prioritizing the well-being of women farmers and fostering sustainable practices, we can create a virtuous cycle. Empowered women farmers contribute to a more secure and nourishing future, not just for themselves and their families, but for the entire community and the environment they sustain. Investing in women farmers is an investment in a future where well-being and sustainability go hand in hand. Novelty/Originality of this Study: This study employs a multi-faceted approach to empower rural women farmers in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. By integrating qualitative data from in-depth interviews and document analysis, it uncovers the intricate interplay between gender, agriculture, and rural development. Ultimately, the research highlights the critical role of tailored empowerment strategies in enhancing the economic, social, and environmental resilience of these women.