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The components of resilience—Perceptions of an Australian rural community
Author(s) -
Buikstra Elizabeth,
Ross Helen,
King Christine A.,
Baker Peter G.,
Hegney Desley,
McLachlan Kathryn,
RogersClark Cath
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
journal of community psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.585
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1520-6629
pISSN - 0090-4392
DOI - 10.1002/jcop.20409
Subject(s) - psychological resilience , community resilience , participatory action research , resilience (materials science) , perception , public relations , citizen journalism , process (computing) , sense of community , community psychology , sociology , psychology , knowledge management , social psychology , political science , engineering , computer science , physics , redundancy (engineering) , neuroscience , anthropology , law , reliability engineering , thermodynamics , operating system
Resilience, of individuals, is a well‐established concept in the psychology/mental health literatures, but has been little explored in relation to communities. Related theory in the community development and social impact assessment literature provides insight into qualities and assets of communities that enable them to develop effectively or to adapt to major changes. This article reports the components of community and individual resilience identified through a participatory action research study within a rural Australian community. These are social networks and support; positive outlook; learning; early experiences; environment and lifestyle; infrastructure and support services; sense of purpose; diverse and innovative economy; embracing differences; beliefs; and leadership. These components entail interactions between individuals, the community, infrastructure, the environment and the economy in the process of building resilience. The findings extend from previous research by recognizing environmental and economic factors, infrastructure and support services, as enhancing resilience, and expand the limited evidence base for those wishing to promote resilience at the community scale. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.