Why is it essential to develop resilience from a young age?
Resilience, defined as the ability to adapt positively despite adversity, is increasingly recognized as a fundamental skill in child development . Previously, resilience was thought to be an innate trait, present or absent from birth; however, it is now understood as an active process, shaped by individual, relational, and environmental factors (Masten & Barnes, 2018), and one that can be strengthened or weakened throughout life, especially during childhood.
The 16th FAROS Report , entitled Navigating adversity: keys to a resilient childhood and adolescence , focuses on understanding the role of factors that promote resilience in these stages of life, as it has important implications for emotional health, academic performance, social functioning and long-term developmental outcomes.
Increasingly, research demonstrates that fostering resilience in children can mitigate the negative effects of stress and promote positive development in multiple areas (Lacomba-Trejo et al., 2022). It is important to emphasize that resilience is not simply the opposite of reducing psychopathological symptoms; they have been shown to be related but independent characteristics of psychological functioning.
Resilience and mental health
Resilience and mental health are clearly linked, since resilience protects mental health .
Studies show that children with higher levels of resilience are less likely to experience anxiety, depression, and behavioral difficulties when facing adversity (Mesman et al., 2021). For example, resilient children are better at regulating their emotions and employing adaptive coping strategies, such as problem-solving or seeking social support during stressful times. These behaviors contrast with maladaptive strategies, such as avoidance or withdrawal, which can often exacerbate distress.
Resilience and academic success
Beyond the mental health benefits, resilience is also linked to academic success. Research indicates that resilient children tend to show persistence, motivation, and self-regulation when faced with academic challenges (Mesman et al., 2021).
Educational psychology has consistently emphasized the importance of a "growth mindset"—the belief that skills can be developed and performance improved with effort. Resilience is the foundation of this mindset, enabling students to reinterpret failure as a learning opportunity. Notably, longitudinal studies have shown that perseverance and resilience are stronger predictors of academic success than IQ (Thorsen et al., 2021).
What is resilience and why is it important in adolescence?
Resilience and social development
Resilience also plays a central role in children's social development. Peer relationships are key to developing social competence, but they are also a source of stress, as challenges such as rejection, conflict, and bullying generate distress. Resilient children tend to exhibit stronger interpersonal skills, such as empathy, conflict resolution, and the ability to maintain positive relationships even after negative situations (Masten & Tellegen, 2012).
Social resilience not only prevents long-term negative consequences arising from difficulties with peers, but also contributes to the development of supportive friendships, which in turn strengthen resilience.
Longitudinal evidence from the COVID-19 pandemic exemplifies this: adolescents with greater socio-emotional skills showed higher levels of resilience and fewer behavioral problems, despite increased stress (Martinsone et al., 2022).
Resilience in the family setting
Family systems represent another area where resilience is key. Many children face stressors related to family transitions such as divorce, financial difficulties, or parental illness.
Research confirms that resilient children maintain a sense of stability and competence even in the face of these challenges, especially when they have the support of at least one attentive and responsive adult (Yoon et al, 2023).
It is important to emphasize that resilience does not imply the absence of difficulties, but rather the ability to access available resources and maintain adaptive functioning.
The impact of resilience extends beyond childhood and influences long-term development.
- Children who demonstrate resilience are more likely to become adults with strong coping mechanisms, positive self-esteem, and the ability to adapt to life changes (Masten & Barnes, 2018).
- Conversely, a lack of resilience is associated with greater vulnerability to stress, worse mental health, and fewer achievements.
It is crucial to understand that resilience is not static, but can be cultivated over time . Research underscores the importance of supportive relationships, opportunities to achieve competence, and environments that foster autonomy and problem-solving (Masten & Barnes, 2018).
Promoting family resilience
Interventions such as social-emotional learning programs have proven effective in improving resilience in children (Clauss et al., 2022). Promising digital interventions to promote resilience are also being developed, although more specific research in children is needed (Schäfer et al., 2024). These findings highlight that even small changes —such as fostering positive relationships or emphasizing effort rather than innate ability—can significantly influence a child's capacity to recover from adversity .
Supporting resilience in childhood and adolescence is a shared responsibility . Families, schools, healthcare professionals, and communities all play a vital role in creating environments where children feel safe, valued, and empowered. By fostering resilience, we not only help children cope with challenges, but we also equip them to thrive, learn from adversity, and fully achieve their potential and goals.
The 16th FAROS Report offers valuable tools and insights that highlight the importance of resilience and provide practical ways to strengthen it in everyday life. Its contribution is especially relevant today, as children and young people face unprecedented social, emotional, and environmental changes. Investing in resilience is investing in the well-being of the next generation and in a healthier, more compassionate society.
This is an original article from the Escola de Salut de l'Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona . For more information on family communication, please consult the 16th FAROS Report, entitled Navigating adversity: keys to a resilient childhood and adolescence.
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