The metatheory of resilience and resiliency suggests that there are three waves of resiliency inquiry. The first wave focuses on the phenomenological traits of resiliency. The second wave discusses the process of resiliency and resilient reintegration. The third wave focuses on the theory of resilience as a core quality or a driving force. This definition of resilience implies that there is an internal energy force that provides the drive needed to progress, grow, and reach fulfillment.; The goal of this study was to develop a tool that measures the concept of core resilience. This measurement is needed to assist health-care providers, health educators, and program developers to measure the resilience of patients, students, clients, and others interested in increasing their capacity for growth.; A panel of experts in the field of resilience provided the item content for this assessment. Six hundred thirty-five adults in seven urban areas completed the 80-item instrument. Concurrently, the participants completed 4 additional items to establish the validity of the instrument. Data analysis indicates the scale to be reliable but suggests the need for some revision in the domains. Exploratory factor analysis was applied, identifying seven underlying factors. Items were realigned into the top three factors. Data analysis on these items indicated the scale to be internally consistent and reliable and allowed several items to be deleted to shorten the scale length. Item analysis for each of the separate domains was found to be reliable.; Criterion-related validity of the assessment was supported by significant positive correlation with three established reliable and valid instruments: (a) Scale of Resilience (SCORE), (b) Index of Spiritual Experience (INSPIRIT), and (c) Inventory of Positive Psychological Attitudes (IPPA). Construct validity was supported by exploratory factor analysis and a significant negative correlation with a divergent measure of daily hassles.; The study results indicate that the Assessment of Core Resilience (ACR) and its three subscales are valid and reliable instruments to measure adult resilience. The need to apply the exploratory factor analysis indicates that further research is necessary regarding the construct of resilience. A discussion is included regarding the implications of the findings and recommendations for future research.
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