ABSTRACT
Many variables affect the outcomes of childhood adversity. Researchers and theorists agree to some measure that youths who are able to adapt to the demands of each phase of development are likely to have a normal developmental trajectory, whereas those who fail or have difficulties in negotiating these demands may enter a trajectory toward psychopathology (Price & Lento, 2001). Not all youths exposed to adversity develop problems or psychopathology, whereas some youths with little apparent life difficulty do develop problems (Yates, Egeland, & Sroufe, 2003). These findings have contributed to the study of risk and resilience factors (Price & Lento). Risk factors are variables that are empirically associated with a disorder and predict its increased probability of occurrence, whereas vulnerability factors are a subset of risk factors, endogenous to the individual, that may serve as causal mechanisms in the development of a disorder (Ingram and Price, 2001; Price & Lento). Risk and vulnerability may interact or operate in concert. Resilience, on the other hand, refers to reduced vulnerability and the presence of protective factors such as increased competence. Resilience, risk, and protective factors, such as self-esteem (SE), locus of control, trust, and coping skills, are not always assessed when evaluating youths exposed to traumas. Their levels are important to trauma outcomes and to treatment planning.
