Beyond a mere happening against the canvas of life : the experience of resilience in relocated families

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The present study chiefly aimed to explore, identify and clarify the role that familialcapabilities, characteristics and resources (collectively referred to as resilience factors)play in cushioning the impact of relocation on the family unit and assisting the family torecover from this crisis. The study emanates from the salutogenic paradigm, focusing onresilience, rather than mere pathology. The main theoretical basis of this investigationresides in the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation (McCubbin& Thompson, 1991). The study claims distinction in terms of its amalgamation of acombined cross-sectional survey research design and qualitative analysis in identifyingand describing the critical familial resilience factors. Self-report questionnaires werecompleted by either a parent (husband or wife) or by both a parent and an adolescentchild as representatives of the family. A total of sixty-eight families completed thequestionnaires, including an open-ended question. The results identified (i) traits andabilities of individual family members, (ii) the family system's internal resources andsupport, (iii) familial integration and stability, (iv) the family unit's utilisation of theirinternal strengths and durability to manage problems outside of their boundaries, (v)social support, as well as (vi) a passive appraisal coping style amidst the crisis, asimportant resilience-enhancing resources. It is hoped that this information could be usedto develop more effective, culture-bound therapeutic intervention programmes that mayprevent problems, foster family resilience and affirm the reparative potential of families.In so doing, South African families in need may be supported, strengthened andempowered.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University