Resiliency in South African and Belgian single-parent families

Abstract

This study focuses on the identification and comparison of resilience qualities in South African and Belgian single-parent families. The results reveal that the inherent strength of the family is one of the most important of these qualities. Other important aspects are a sense of control over the outcomes of life experiences; the family’s orientation with regard to challenges that have to be faced, and an active orientation with regard to adaptation in a stressful situation. Children from both countries affirmed the importance of using the support of family and friends to deal with stressors, and also perceived their communities as sources of social support.