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Title: | 'They're battle scars, I wear them well': A phenomenological exploration of young women's experiences of building resilience following adversity in adolescence |
Authors: | Reynolds, FA Moran, J |
Keywords: | Identity;Self-esteem;Transition;Young adulthood;Resilience |
Issue Date: | 2010 |
Publisher: | Taylor & Francis |
Citation: | Journal of Youth Studies, 13(3), 273 - 290, 2010 |
Abstract: | This phenomenological study explored young women's accounts of building resilience following chains of adverse life experiences in adolescence. Six participants were interviewed, aged 20–25 years. Most had, or were receiving, a university education. They described their recovery from adversity as starting with certain pivotal moments, followed by both short-term and longer-term strategies. Short-term strategies tended to offer respite from distress and emotional comfort, increased clarity about their experiences and social affirmation. Recovery involved gaining new perspectives on their adverse situation and recovering a positive self-image through three longer-term strategies. These involved making visible progress in their education, rebuilding relationships with family and friends, and participating in the ‘normalizing’ activities and developmental projects of adolescence. Participants believed that they were stronger and more compassionate although positive achievements co-existed with some regrets. Most perceived the adversity as catalyzing personal growth. These accounts of resilience revealed the complex psychosocial processes and resources available to some adolescents. |
Description: | This is an Author's Accepted Manuscript of an article published in Journal of Youth Studies, 13(3), 273 - 290, 2010 [copyright Taylor & Francis], available online at: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/13676260903520886. |
URI: | http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13676260903520886 http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/8733 |
DOI: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13676260903520886 |
ISSN: | 1367-6261 |
Appears in Collections: | Occupational Therapy Dept of Health Sciences Research Papers |
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