What Can We Learn About Resilience from Large-Scale Longitudinal Studies?

Abstract

This chapter provides insights into large-scale longitudinal studies that focus on the process of resilience at different points in time—from infancy to adulthood. Included are studies from the United States, Canada, Britain, New Zealand, Australia, Scandinavia, Africa, and Germany. Individual attributes associated with successful coping among high-risk children, such as communication and problem-solving skills, family relationships, and informal support systems, are identified and discussed. Furthermore, findings from longitudinal studies regarding the role of gender, culture/ethnicity, and biology are reviewed. For example, a summary of the evidence of interconnectedness between childhood adversity and adaptation and protective mechanisms in later life is presented. Although there is an increasing number of large-scale longitudinal studies of resilience, future research needs to focus on gene–environment (G x E) interactions that moderate an individual’s response to stressful life events.