In Their Own Words

In Strengthening Family Resilience, University of Chicago professor Froma Walsh presents her family-resilience framework developed for mental-health practitioners and community-based prevention programs serving families in crisis, at risk, or facing prolonged hardships.

Resilience--the ability to withstand and rebound from adversity--has become a valuable concept in understanding how some children and families are able to overcome adversity and experience positive growth.

Walsh identifies key family processes in resilience to target and facilitate for the wellbeing of all members, from small children to frail elders. Guidelines and case illustrations address sudden crisis, trauma, and loss; disruptive transitions, such as job loss, divorce, and migration; chronic multi-stress conditions of serious illness or poverty; barriers to success for at-risk youth; and recovery from major disasters. Particular attention is given to helping today's diverse families address new challenges in a changing world and tap their cultural and spiritual resources.

This fully revised and expanded edition incorporates conceptual, empirical, and clinical advances. Demonstrating powerful ways to bring out the best in family relationships in the worst of times, this volume provides essential concepts and methods for students and professionals in mental health, social services, and public policy.