Let Our Youth Speak: A Phenomenological Analysis of Resilience in Students with Multiple Risk Factors

Resilience is a phenomenon that refers to the ability to overcome risk factors that increase the likelihood of academic or social failure. Considerable research has been conducted to determine what may enhance or hinder the ability of individuals to overcome adversity. Unfortunately, much of the research has focused primarily on factors that place individuals at greater risk of failure. Today in the United States, a number of students experience academic failure due to multiple risk factors. However, the research is clear that there are individuals referred to as resilient who are able to achieve at high levels in spite of many of the same risk factors. This heuristic phenomenological study provides insight, based on interviews with high risk, African-American, young adults, into those factors that enabled them to exhibit behaviors consistent with resilience in spite of risk factors in the home, school or community. The study helps to illuminate their challenges and the reasons for their success. For Mama and Richelle ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I was once told that writing a dissertation is an endurance test. Based on my experiences, this assertion is true. I could not have made it this far without the help of so many. First of all, I thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who guided and strengthened me during tough times. I thank my wife Richelle, who has been so encouraging and supportive throughout this entire process. I thank Mr. and Mrs. Richard Byrd for their ongoing support. I thank my committee members: Jean Crockett, Travis Twiford, Nancy Bodenhorn, Neil Stamm and Carol Cash, who could not have been more supportive. I am grateful to the many friends, coaches, teachers, church-members and neighbors who supported me during my childhood. I thank my immediate and extended family members who have meant so much to me all my life. I thank Sloan, Matthew, Nicholas, Brenda-Claire, Johnny, P.J. and Courtney for being the best nieces and nephews in the world. I thank my parents, Johnny and Brenda, who fought for my civil rights before I was even born. People like them made it possible for me to thrive in this great country. I thank my sisters who help me to laugh at myself. I am also appreciative of the support from my co-workers who supported me tremendously. I thank the children of An Achievable Dream who continue to inspire my work. Finally, I thank the participants of this study who opened up their hearts to tell the world their heroic stories. LIST OF FIGURES Page Figure 1. The dynamic conversion of risk factors and protective factors into resilient or nonresilient behaviors in multiple environments.9 Figure 2. The resiliency mandala shows how the resiliencies surround and protect the individual and is reproduced with written permission granted from Michael Greaves of Random House.28 Figure 3. Resiliencies help to positively shape the individual despite the opposing force of risk factors.29 Figure 4. Several resilience factors in the literature lead to positive behaviors and success.34 Figure 5. Avery’s dynamic conversion of risk and protective factors into resilient and non-resilient behaviors in multiple environments.89 Figure 6. Jerome’s dynamic conversion of risk and protective factors into resilient and non-resilient behaviors in multiple environments.102 Figure 7. Elisha’s dynamic conversion of risk and protective factors into resilient and non-resilient behaviors in multiple environments.124 Figure 8. Yvonne’s dynamic conversion of risk and protective factors into resilient and non-resilient behaviors in multiple environments.140 Figure 9. Susan’s dynamic conversion of risk and protective factors into resilient and non-resilient behaviors in multiple environments.154 Figure 10. John’s dynamic conversion of risk and protective factors into resilient and non-resilient behaviors in multiple environments.172