Understanding Resilience Among Ugandan Adolescents
Resilience, the ability to adapt and thrive despite adversity, is a crucial concept in positive youth development. The research article "Gender, Violence and Resilience Among Ugandan Adolescents" provides invaluable insights into how resilience manifests among young people in Uganda, particularly in the face of violence. This study explores the complex interplay between different forms of violence, resilience, and gender, offering guidance for practitioners aiming to foster resilience in similar contexts.
Key Findings and Implications
The study conducted by Namy et al. (2017) involved 3,706 primary school students in Uganda and identified five key dimensions of resilience: Emotional Support, Family Connectedness, School Connectedness, Social Assets, and Psychological Assets. These dimensions highlight the multifaceted nature of resilience, emphasizing the importance of supportive relationships and environments.
The research found that violence, particularly from teachers and caregivers, negatively impacts resilience. Teacher violence was associated with lower resilience across various factors, while caregiver violence and exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) were linked to decreased Family Connectedness. These findings suggest that adolescents exposed to violence may be vulnerable to internalizing behaviors and withdrawing from family support.
Gender Differences in Resilience
The study also examined gender differences in resilience outcomes. It found that boys and girls experience and respond to violence differently. For instance, boys reported higher scores in Emotional Support and Social Assets, while girls showed stronger negative correlations between teacher violence and School Connectedness. This underscores the need for gender-sensitive approaches when designing interventions to support resilience.
Practical Applications for Practitioners
Practitioners can draw several lessons from this research to enhance their practice:
- Focus on Building Supportive Environments: Schools and families play critical roles in fostering resilience. Practitioners should work to create safe, supportive spaces where adolescents can thrive.
- Address Violence in All Forms: Reducing violence, particularly from authority figures like teachers, is crucial. Interventions should aim to transform schools into nurturing environments that build resilience.
- Consider Gender-Specific Strategies: Tailor interventions to address the unique needs and experiences of boys and girls, ensuring that both benefit equally from resilience-building efforts.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, there is a need for further research to explore resilience in different cultural contexts and among diverse populations. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in research that examines the long-term effects of resilience-building interventions and the role of community factors in fostering resilience.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Gender, violence and resilience among Ugandan adolescents.
