Identifying Factors Contributing to Child and Adolescent Resiliency Following a Residential Fire: The Role of Social Support, Coping and Ethnicity
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Abstract
Although some children develop Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following a traumatic event, such as a residential fire, many children continue to function normally. The link between trauma and posttraumatic stress has been well-established; however, less is known about the relationship between trauma and resiliency. Traditionally, resilience has been defined as behavioral competence and external adaptation, although the role of internalizing disorders in resilience is now being recognized. The purpose of this study was to examine resiliency, as conceptualized by both internal and external competence, following a residential fire. This study also sought to examine the roles of social support, coping and ethnicity in moderating the relationship between resource loss and resiliency. Results indicated there was a significant relationship between loss and resiliency. Specifically, resource loss was found to negatively predict resiliency. None of the proposed moderators were found to be significant. Implications for these findings will then be discussed.