INTRODUCTION
Resilience is the ability to rebound from adversity strengthened by the experience. It refers to manifest competence in the context of significant challenges to adaptation or development (Masten & Coatsworth, 1999). To identify resilience two judgments are required: first, that there has been a significant threat to the individual (or system) typically indexed by high-risk status or exposure to severe adversity or trauma; and secondly, that the quality of adaptation or development is good (Masten & Coatsworth, 1999). Resiliency entails more than merely surviving, getting through, or escaping a harrowing ordeal (Walsh, 1998). Survivors are not necessarily resilient; some become trapped in a position as victims, nursing their wounds and blocked from growth by anger and blame (Wolin and Wolin, 1993). Resilient people learn from their experiences and heal from painful wounds. They take charge of their lives, living fully and loving well. Resilient people build on their experience of adversity and become stronger, more effective people.
This study examines resilient responses in Black families to a range of hazardous adversity. While all families exist under greater stress in today’s society, Black families are particularly vulnerable. Black families are increasingly faced with growing problems: isolation from the economic mainstream; public schools that are becoming more unsuccessful; violence that abounds in our communities; and more children being raised in families by women alone (McAdoo, 1998). This study supports a competence based approach to assisting Black families by delineating the processes that currently work for some Black families in dealing with difficulty, stress and adversity.
