Assessing resilience: a review of measures across the life course

Abstract

Through this systematic review the authors analyze scales used to measure resilience in individuals across the life course. The scales were obtained according to a priori inclusion criteria through searches using electronic databases, cited references, and requests to human services researchers currently engaged in research utilizing a resiliency theory framework. Eleven measurement tools meeting study inclusion criteria were located within the existing literature. Currently validated instruments measure specific populations and vary in length and format. The need for an analytical approach to measuring resilience is long overdue. This assessment is intended to aid social work practitioners working with populations that have faced adversity.