The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #66155

Karen M. Perrin, PhD, MPH, RN¹, Karen Dorman, MPH¹, Robert Friedman, PhD², and Judith Jetson, MA³. (1) Dept of Community and Family Health, University of South Florida, College of Public Health, 13201 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., MDC-56, Tampa, FL 33612, 813 974 6704, kperrin@hsc.usf.edu, (2) Child and Family Studies, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33620, (3) Dept. of Child and Family Services, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33620

Purpose: The goal of this study was to explore perceptions, attitudes and beliefs about the elements of resiliency in the individual experiences of adolescents, and those that spend time with them on a daily basis. It is hoped that the information gathered would stimulate further research and provide insight for the development of programs and policies aimed at improving outcomes for adolescents. Methods: A total of 151 teens from across three counties in SW Florida were drawn from a convenience sample. Questions posed in 24 focus groups sought to draw out feelings, thoughts and beliefs about circumstances most conducive to resiliency. This article reports the qualitative explanations offered by adolescents, parents, teachers and professionals. Transcriptions were reviewed for consistent themes. Direct quotations representative of those themes are offered in this manuscript. Results: The perceptions of youth and some adults show a depth and width of concern and hope regarding positive outcomes in the lives of teens. Interdependency between environmental, familial and individual factors was most important. Conclusions: Promotion of resiliency in young people is best done through focus on protective factors rather than deficits. Designing services and implementing strategies and programs to improve outcomes for adolescent needs to be dynamic and based on the dimensions of: connections and belongingness; competencies and skills; hope, optimism and meaningfulness; giving to others and responsibility; and positive expectations on the part of important people in the environment and the youth themselves. Programs using a feedback loop from potential consumers are more likely to promote resiliency.

Learning Objectives:

• At the end of the session, the participant will be able to:
• 1. Describe the process used to recruit the adolescents, parents and teachers into the focus groups.
• 2. Discuss the interdependency between environmental, familial and individual factors among the adolescents.
• 3. Identify ways to promote resiliency among adolescents by focusing on protective factors rather than deficits.

Keywords: Adolescents, Child/Adolescent Mental Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.