Caring Relationships as a Protective Factor for At-Risk Youth: An Ethnographic Study

Abstract

The resiliency literature documents that adult caring relationships are key to the development of resilience in children. The present ethnographic study of 23 youths' perceptions of caring adults explored the meanings they ascribe to caring relationships in helping them face adversity. The study confirmed that caring adults can serve as a protective factor for at-risk youth. In addition, the study delineated seven characteristics of those caring relationships: trust, attention, empathy, availability, affirmation, respect, and virtue. The presented results suggest a road map for self-reflection and skill development for those who seek to have a positive impact on the lives of challenging youth.

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