Family Resilience

The “ability of a family to respond positively to an adverse event and emerge strengthened, more resourceful and more confident” (Benzies & Mychasiuk, 2009, p. 103; McCubbin & McCubbin 1993). Resiliency is fostered by protective factors and inhibited by risk factors. Protective factors transform responses to adverse events so that families avoid possible negative outcomes (Weihs, Fisher, & Baird, 2002).  Affirm family strengths and competence

·        Identify protective behaviors, as well as risk factors within and outside the family unit that influence health

·        Commend family strengths and praise efforts to meet needs

·        Identify ways family can access resources

·        Identify who helps the most with family’s greatest challenges

·        Explore families’ constraining beliefs that negatively influence health and resilience

·        Explore families facilitating beliefs that positively influence health and resilience

·        Implement actions that balance threats and resources

·        Identify spiritual or religious beliefs and sources that are viewed as helpful to the family

·        Encourage family discussions about conflicts and differences