Exploring family resilience amongst South African social work client families
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Authors
Moss, Susara Maria
Issue Date
2010-03
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Individual resilience , Family resilience , Family policy , Risk factors , Family buffering , Protective factors , Strengths-based approach , Family resilience approach , Family well-being
Alternative Title
Abstract
Family resilience is the ability of a family to rebound from adversities, often stronger than before. To
be knowledgeable on the characteristics and processes that render individuals and their families
resilient, contribute to family well-being.
Using a qualitative research approach and an interview guide, the researcher focused on developing a
better understanding of the manifestation of family resilience as part of a family’s ability to adapt to
changing circumstances and life in its dynamic form. Family resilience as an interactive process over
time, normalizes resilience as part of the day to day living of the family and its members, including the
young and the old.
The domains of family resilience are, organizational patterns, adaptability, protective processes
(including family risks, family strengths and protective/buffering factors), communication processes
and family belief systems that, in synergy with one another, render families resilient.
The research results confirmed the presence of characteristics and processes of family resilience
amongst social work client families in South Africa. Depending on the challenges families my face, all
families are either more resilient or less resilient. The latter most often needing additional support, such
as social work intervention.
South African policies should be family-focused and urge for a strengths-based approach towards
enhancing family resilience and ultimately family well-being. Service providers need to give
recognition to the fact that all families have challenges that need to be faced, but that families also have
strengths to be drawn-upon to address and overcome these challenges. This implies that social work
interventions that impact on the lives of families, should be rendered from a family resilience
perspective and strengths-based approach, with the family as focal point for service delivery.
Description
Citation
Moss, Susara Maria (2010) Exploring family resilience amongst South African social work client families, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/3405>