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. 2023 Nov;55(6):1189-1203.
doi: 10.1111/jnu.12901. Epub 2023 Apr 25.

Beyond coping: The role of supportive relationships and meaning making in youth well-being

Wendy S Looman  1 , Elena Geiger-Simpson  1 , Donna J Eull  1 , Jiwoo Lee  1 , Paula V Nersesian  2 , Adrianna N Bell  1 , Angela L Miller  1
Affiliations

Beyond coping: The role of supportive relationships and meaning making in youth well-being

Wendy S Looman et al. J Nurs Scholarsh. 2023 Nov.

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to identify coping strategies, resources, and strengths that predict well-being in a community-based sample of youth with varying levels of adversity.

Design: Grounded in the resilience portfolio model, we used a mixed methods approach with data from a cross-sectional sample of 231 youth ages 8-17.

Materials and methods: Data were collected using a survey, participant-generated timeline activity, and brief interview. Measures included assessments of coping and appraisal, resilience resources and assets, and subjective well-being and depression.

Results: Active and passive coping strategies predicted subjective well-being and depression. Controlling for demographics and coping, meaning making strengths and supportive relationships were significant predictors of subjective well-being and lower depression, and decreased the impact of adversity on these outcomes.

Discussion: The results of this study provide support for the resilience portfolio model in a community-based sample of youth, with relationships as predicted for subjective well-being and symptoms of depression. For both outcomes, family relationships held the strongest associations with positive well-being and lower symptoms of depression. Supportive relationships with peers, meaning making strengths, interpersonal strengths, less passive coping, and fewer adverse life events were also associated with better outcomes.

Conclusions: These findings underscore the need to assess youth resources and strengths and to design interventions that target these protective factors for all youth, regardless of exposure to adversity.

Clinical relevance: A theory-informed understanding of resources and strengths that predict youth well-being is essential to inform strengths-based interventions for pediatric research and practice. The resilience portfolio model is a useful framework for understanding predictors of youth well-being.

Keywords: adolescence; child health; community health; mental health; social environment.

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