Resiliency and Protective Factors

Resiliency refers to specific personality traits that enable children to thrive in spite of negative circumstances. Protective factors are those indicators that have a positive effect on a child's self-esteem and development and decrease the probability of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug (ATOD) abuse.

In "Resilience Research: How Can It Help City Schools?" (NCREL, 1994), educational researchers describe how schools can foster resiliency by building on students' strengths and assets and encouraging protective factors.

Suggested Reading: Programs Building on Student Strengths and Assets

References