From Helplessness to Optimism: The Role of Resilience in Treating and Preventing Depression in Youth

Abstract

This chapter, mainly theoretical in orientation, also reviews recent research on resilience and gender. The theoretical orientation represented here is known as relational-cultural theory. Dr. Jordan posits that gender and culture interact in multilevel and complex ways such that the concept of resilience should be applied in extremely different and specific ways in females versus males. To the extent that girls feel they are a part of mutually growth-fostering relationships in which they care about others and are cared about as well, they will experience a sense of flexibility, worth, clarity, creativity, zest, and desire for more connection.