Date of Award
2011
Document Type
Thesis
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) Honours
School
School of Psychology and Social Science
Faculty
Faculty of Computing, Health and Science
First Supervisor
Dr Julie Ann Pooley
Abstract
Resilience is an individual’s ability to positively adapt when challenging, adverse or stressful circumstances arise. Transitions are a change from what is familiar to what is unfamiliar and undergoing transitions may provide challenges that may cause anxiety and stress. Three mechanisms suggested to be beneficial in coping with transitions as well as developing and maintaining and potentially predicting resilience are optimism, perceived parental autonomy support (PAS) and perceived social support (PSS). This review will begin by providing definitions of resilience, risk and protective factors, buffering effects, a brief historical overview of the development of resilience research with mention of the ambiguity in definitions and terminology. Critical evaluation of the literature relating to optimism, PAS & PSS and the role of each mechanism in promoting positive adaptive outcomes for individuals facing adverse and stressful circumstances will be conducted. Finally mention will be made of areas that may benefit from further research.
Recommended Citation
Dawson, M. (2011). Resilience: The role of optimism, perceived parental autonomy support and perceived social support. Edith Cowan University. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses_hons/12