Abstract This chapter presents an overview of the concept of family resilience, grounded in a multilevel systems orientation. The concept of family resilience refers to the capacity of the family as a functional system in overcoming significant life challenges. Highly stressful events and social contexts impact the whole family, and in turn, family processes facilitate the adaptation of all members, their relationships, and the family unit. A research-informed map of key processes in family resilience is outlined. Given the contextual contingency of the concept of resilience, process elements and pathways in resilience may vary with different adverse situations over time; diverse family cultures, structures, and resources; and salient socioeconomic and developmental influences. The broad application of a family resilience framework in clinical and community-based intervention and prevention is discussed and illustrated. Research challenges and recommendations are offered, emphasizing the value of mixed-method, multidisciplinary, and multilevel approaches.
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