Explanatory variables of resilience in latin american youngsters

摘要

This study tested an explanatory model of resilience in youth and adolescents. All variables introduced in the model were rooted in published theoretical and/or empirical evidence. Because of the nature of the variables included (optimism, sense of humor, personal values, positive emotions, well-being, positive coping, emotional intelligence), the model meets the guidelines of Positive Psychology. The model was tested with a sample of 1478 students (450 Argentines, 493 Brazilians, and 535 Mexicans). Stepwise regression analyses showed that all the variables considered explained significant amounts of the total variance of resilience, although subjective well-being and optimism emerged as the strongest predictors. Mediated regression analyses indicated that horizontal collectivism moderates the relationship between positive coping and resilience. These results suggest that collectivist orientation, characterized by a sense of equality (i.e., by the active rejection of any socially constructed hierarchy), is the primary mediator between the young, the demands of the environment, their resources to cope with stress, and their level of resilience. The current predictive and moderating model can be useful to build knowledge about resilience among Latin Americans youngsters. To conclude, we discuss the strengths and limitations of the empirical verification performed.