Impact of Adversities on Children’s Resilience: The Role of Protective and Compensatory Factors

Abstract

Our adult lives are significantly shaped by the experiences we encounter as children. Numerous illnesses and psychological issues have been linked to childhood adversity, such as abuse, dysfunctional families, and neglect. People with resilience have the mental strength to handle stress and adversity. It is the capacity to "bounce back" from life's challenges. Numerous studies have shown that resilience in children is influenced by protective factors and compensatory factors, which, in turn, affect behavioral outcomes. However, prior research has mainly been unable to provide insight into the combined roles of protective factors and compensatory in helping children develop resilience. Consequently, it was considered essential to explore in the current study if adversity, resilience, and behavioral outcomes (emotional awareness, selfesteem, and academic achievement) in children can be associated with protective (well-being and hardiness) and compensatory factors (adult mentoring and parental support). A total of 400 students from public and private schools across districts of Punjab, India—200 boys and 200 girls of the age range 9 to 12 years participated in the study. Children who have experienced adversity were identified using the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACE-Q). The self-reported questionnaires were used to evaluate protective and compensatory factors. Two distinct tools were used to measure resilience: the Child and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM) and the Mandala art technique. For structural equation modeling (SEM), a conceptual framework was developed and tested with AMOS 23. Resilience, protective factors, compensatory factors, and behavioral outcomes were negatively correlated with children who experienced adversity. Additionally, compensatory factors were shown to mediate the relationship between adversity and resilience in the conceptual model. Furthermore, when the model was tested individually, parental support and well-being mediated the relationship between children's resilience and adversity. The current study expands on previous research by showing how protective and compensatory factors mediate the relationships between childhood adversity and resilience. The study's findings have theoretical and applied implications for parents, educators, consultants, researchers, policy makers, and trained psychologists. Our study has practical implications for all the counselors and psychologists who can introduce an art technique named mandala to calm and relax children. Mandala helps children identify their emotions through colors and be resilient at the same time. Parents and school teachers can also extend this technique to their children and students. Future generations can benefit the most from our study if parents, through positive parenting, can help children to be resilient and deal with life challenges.