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Resilience in Young Children with Social-Relational Risk for Developing Psychopathology: A Literature Review
Bast S, Janssen M, Bouw N, van Dongen-Boomsma M, Scholte R et al. ·
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Abstract
This literature review aimed to identify which protective factors are associated with positive mental health outcomes in young children (ages 0-6) exposed to social-relational risk factors. A structured literature search was conducted in MEDLINER, Web of Science, PsycINFO and ERIC, resulting in the inclusion of 50 studies. Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s bio-ecological model, protective factors were categorized into child, parent, family, and environmental factors. Child-factors identified were self-regulation, self-concept development, language and physical developmental, and temperament. Examples of protective factors within the parent-domain were positive parent-child interactions and parental psychological well-being. Within the family-domain, parental cohesion, quality of family relationships, and family structure and stability emerged as key protective factors. Within the broader environmental domain, protective factors identified included social support and community involvement, a supportive relationship with teachers and grandparents, and the quality of the neighbourhood. The findings support a transactional, multi-level perspective in which protective processes operate across interconnected systems. This underscores the importance of early, system- and individual-orientated screening and intervention aimed at strengthening protective processes in vulnerable young children and their caregiving environment.