ABSTRACT
The resilience construct is a popular one as evident in numerous reviews of an expanding conceptual and research base (see, for examples, reviews by Masten et al., 1990 and volumes edited by Wang and Gordon, 1994; and Haggerty et al., 1994) and in use of the construct to undergird prevention efforts (Gardner et al., 1994). In this chapter, which addresses use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (ATOD) by African American youths, resilience refers to abstinence, experimentation, or occasional use over time. Maladaptive outcomes consist of frequent usage or abuse, or usage that leads to other behavioral, psychosocial, or physical dysfunctions.
