Discuss one or more factors that influence the development of resilience.

Refer to the paper 2 assessment criteria when awarding marks. These can be found under the “Your tests” tab > supplemental materials.

The command term “discuss” requires candidates to offer a considered review of factors that influence the development of resilience.

Relevant risk/protective factors may include, but are not limited to:

• connections to competent and caring adults in the family and community
• cognitive skills (such as intelligence and problem-solving)
• self-regulation skills
• positive views of self
• motivation to be effective in the environment
• genetic influence.

Relevant studies may include, but are not limited to:

• Masten and Coatsworth’s (1998); Pettit et al.’s (1997) studies on positive relationships of at least one supportive parent or caregiver
• McRae et al.’s (2012) study on the ability to monitor and assess negative thoughts and replace them with more positive ones
• Karreman and Vingerhoets’s (2012) study on the role of attachment style on resilience
• Ozbay et al.’s (2008) study on the link between seeking social support and resilience
• Leontopoulou’s (2010); Southwick et al.’s (2005) studies on how prosocial behaviour and altruism are associated with resilience
• Russo et al.’s (2012); Feder et al.’s (2009) studies on a range of human genes linked to resilient phenotypes
• Koluchova’s study (1972)

Critical discussion may include but is not limited to:

• variable-focused approach vs. person-focused approach in the study of resilience
• implications for promoting resilience in child rearing
• possible gender difference in emotional regulation/cognitive reappraisal
• methodological and ethical considerations
• alternative factors and/or explanations.

Candidates may offer content concerning negative factors influencing the development of resilience - e.g. the impact of poverty, malnutrition or abuse on further development and argue that this has a negative impact on resilience. This approach is acceptable as long as it is clearly linked to the development of resilience.

This was not a popular choice. Strengths included the correct identification of studies to illustrate resilience, or lack thereof. Focus was often on PTSD, with evidence of well selected studies that were focused on the question. Weaknesses included a lack of general knowledge regarding the development of resilience.