Citation

Benzies K, Mychasiuk R. Child Fam. Soc. Work 2009; 14(1): 103-114.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1365-2206.2008.00586.x

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The aim of this integrative review was to identify the protective factors that contribute to family resiliency. Families are comprised of individuals who interact across levels in a socio‐ecological system. Family resiliency does not develop through evasion of risk, but through successful application of protective factors to engage in adverse situations and emerge from them stronger. In an effort to move away from pathological labelling, this review provides a foundation for strength‐based family interventions. Thirteen peer‐reviewed databases were searched for articles and information regarding family resiliency. Careful review yielded 24 protective factors that foster resiliency across three distinct but interactive levels: individual, family and community. The protective factors identified in this review of the literature offer an excellent starting point for development of clinical interventions to support family resiliency.