Hope under the shadow of fear and uncertainty: Resilience factors among working adolescents

Abstract

Background & Aim: Working adolescents need to cope with extreme situations they face, and it is important to identify what factors influence their resilience to better support their health and well-being. The purpose of this study was to explore resilience in working adolescents. Methods & Materials: The directed content analysis approach based on the ecological-transactional resilience model was employed across five domains of resilience (Self, Family, Peers, School, and Community). Semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of working adolescents were conducted. Inclusion criteria were being 12-18 years of age, Persian speaker, and direct experience of being forced to work for at least one year. Hsieh & Shannon (2005) instruction was used for data analysis. Results: 17 participants were interviewed, 59% were male, 88% immigrants, and 41% had started working by age 6. Adolescents reported experience of significant adversity. A dichotomic range of resilience-related factors was identified within five domains, embedded with distinct themes. There was evidence of self-care, patience, empathy, and emotional insight within extremely difficult life circumstances. Peers and schools were identified as supporting resilience. Very few Family or Community resilience factors were identified; instead, adolescents reported hurt, alienation, and voicelessness within the family; and fear and insecurity in the community. Conclusion: Working adolescents in this study revealed some dichotomic strengths and vulnerabilities. Individual, peer, and school factors were more evident than family and community factors in fostering resilience among working adolescents.