"Making It": Understanding Adolescent Resilience in Two Informal Settlements (Slums) in Nairobi, Kenya

• NCJ Number: 240416
• Journal: Child & Youth Services Volume: 33 Issue: 1 Dated: January - March 2012 Pages: 12-32
• Author(s): Caroline W. Kabiru; Donatien Beguy; Robert P. Ndugwa; Eliya M. Zulu; Richard Jessor
• Date Published: March 2012
• Length: 21 pages
• Grant Number(s): GR 07830M; 2004-4523; 2009-SCG 302
• Sponsoring Agency: Rockefeller Foundation; William and Flora Hewlett Foundation; Wellcome Trust
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Many adolescents living in contexts characterized by adversity achieve positive outcomes.

Abstract

Many adolescents living in contexts characterized by adversity achieve positive outcomes. The authors adopted a protection-risk conceptual framework to examine resilience (academic achievement, civic participation, and avoidance of risk behaviors) among 1,722 never-married 12-19 year olds living in 2 Kenyan urban slums. The authors found stronger associations between explanatory factors and resilience among older (15-19 years) than younger (12-14 years) adolescents. Models for prosocial behavior and models for antisocial behavior emerge as key predictors of resilience. Further accumulation of evidence on risk and protective factors is needed to inform interventions to promote positive outcomes among youth situated in an ecology of adversity. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.