Can resilience change over time? Patterns and transitions in resilience among young children involved with the child welfare system

Child Dev. 2024 Jan-Feb;95(1):191-207. doi: 10.1111/cdev.13980. Epub 2023 Aug 8.

Abstract

This study examined transitions in resilience profiles and the role of caregiver risk and protective factors in resilience transition probabilities over 18 months among children involved with the child welfare system, using latent profile analysis and latent transition analysis. The sample included 486 children (48% female, baseline Mage = 3.49). There were three resilience profiles at Time 1 (19.9% low emotional behavioral, 26.1% low cognitive, 54.0% multidomain) and two profiles at Time 2 (18.9% low emotional behavioral, 81.1% multidomain). Caregiver mental health problems were negatively associated with membership in the multidomain resilience group at Time 1. Higher levels of cognitive stimulation were associated with initial and continued membership in the multidomain resilience group. Implications for resilient child development are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child Development
  • Child Welfare
  • Child, Preschool
  • Emotions
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Protective Factors
  • Resilience, Psychological*