Manuel's Life

The Ecological Systems Theory applies to different aspects of the lifespan due to the ability to apply the five systems continuously throughout the life span. The chronosystem can transition and change within one’s life. The macrosytem can align with infancy, this system setting examines the culture of the individual. The exosystem can align with childhood into adolescent stages due to this systems connection with forming healthy attachments. The mesosystem aligns with relationships throughout life and peer interaction, this can take place in adolescence and continue throughout adulthood and change based on experiences, in which the individuals Microsystem evolves (Wong, Hall, Justice & Hernandez, 2015, p. 32-33).

375). For example, a person with a chronic condition such as cancer or heart disease may already have difficulty managing his/her condition and have less physical ability to cope with stress than someone without such condition. He or she may also be at risk or have other comorbidities, with each affecting the other. Moreover, resilience may be further decreased by their marginalized or disenfranchised status. They may be unable to maintain a full-time job, therefore, have inadequate salary and live at or below poverty level. This, in turn, “has an impact on his or her ability to secure adequate and/or safe housing, essential health care, and pharmacological services” (Lundy & Janes, 2009, p. 616). Therefore, vulnerability results from the combined effects of limited resources, which create a more hazardous situation (Stanhope & Lancaster, 2014b).

In quantum physics as well as in various ancient civilisation there was/ is believe that all is corrected including people. It my my believe, that it is really so. We all creating each other reality as well as improving/ destroying one to another ( helping or acting badly in order to make a harm)

One must wonder how a person with Steve’s shocking childhood could grow into a man who is successful, not only in his career but in his personal life as well. Resilience theory is a possible explanation as to why Steve survived, despite the odds that were stacked against him. Resilience theory is a strength based approach which provides a framework that focuses on positive outcomes and not just the negative ones. The idea is that it promotes what works best while de-emphasizing psychopathology. Resilience theory defines resilience and possesses several key terms, which include protective/risk factors. Research on resilience has been valuable in directing attention toward youth who succeed in spite of high levels of stress and economic instability, as it identifies factors that can serve as protective functions which foster competence.

System perspective see’s human behaviors as the outcome of interactions within and among social systems of interrelated parts. These social systems of interrelated parts consist of people within the family, friends, school and work. System perspectives can be understood as the subsystem of larger systems, where each system has its unique identity but they are all interdependent. From a system perspective, behaviors are influenced from the past which are learnt from within the family and other social systems. Within a system perspective, there are smaller systems that a Social Worker may consider for a more holistic view. This is done by considering the role the physical and social environment has on a person’s behavior as well as protective and risk factors that influences positive and negative outcomes.

• Supporting the ability of children and young people to be resilient, self confident and empowered to make informed choices 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 and 6.4

Systems theory describes a set of interrelated parts, comprising a functional whole. According to this theory, social systems construct society rather than individuals (Luhmann, Gilgen, & Mitchell, 2012). The theory provides a framework for understanding human existence and recognizes the transactional nature of human life within physical and social environments. This theory could aid in analyzing the interconnected parts that may have stifled an individual’s growth, adaptation, and their pursuit of goals.

Rafael Trujillo was the Dominican Republic’s dictator for over 30 years. His rule over the country for 3 decades is a long story to be told. Trujillo is one to think of when remembering the country’s history. He was a man to be feared, keeping control of the country during his two terms of presidency and then as a military land owner exercising authoritarian control. Trujillo was known for his strong anti-black beliefs. He proclaimed the Dominican Republic a white country, only accepting our Indian heritage. For this

Resilience, fundamentally, is the ability to bounce back from hardship and the phenomenon of overcoming stress or adversity, for example: personal crises, poverty, mental illness and trauma (Occupational Health & Wellbeing, 2012). This skill can help individuals overcome the most difficult of situations (Occupational Health & Wellbeing, 2012). Resilience theorists generally agree that the presence of protective factors can reduce the effects of exposure to adversity. The more protective factors (or “assets”) available, the more resilient a person will be. Protective factors are conditions or attributes that help people deal more effectively with stressful events and eliminate risk. On the contrary, risk factors are attributes or characteristics

Resilience is a term that is often applied to those who have faced hardship and viewed the experience in a positive light as an opportunity to grow and change for the better (Wagnild & Collins, 2009). The definition however seems to vary from place to place. Ungar et al. (2008) stated “definitions of resilience are ambiguous when viewed across cultures" (p.174) which is why the understanding of resilience may be difficult to capture (as cited in Windle, Bennett & Noyes, 2011). Although the literature agrees on several common themes about resilience there are many varying opinions on how to define the concept or the attributing factors. Earvolino-Ramirez (2007) and

Social Vulnerability refers to risk as its primary element (Scanlon & Lee, 2007). Every individual is exposed to risk factors therefore; everyone is potentially vulnerable to health problems (Scanlon & Lee, 2007). Social vulnerability consists of various economic, democratic, and cultural variables in relation to an individual’s likelihood of becoming ill (Scanlon & Lee, 2007). The degree of social vulnerability is that an individual experience is greatly reliant on their personal capacity to tolerate adverse influences (Scanlon & Lee, 2007). Each individual will have different strategies and abilities in coping, resisting, and recovering from situations that could result in social vulnerability (Scanlon & Lee, 2007).

This paper will examine the concepts of risk, protective factors, and resiliency. The paper will start with defining and elaborating on the concepts of risk and protective factors and examine how the latter promotes or hinders an individual’s capacity for resiliency. The paper will expound on the concepts of risk, protective factors and resiliency, by integrating the terms into the case study of Will Quinones. Lastly, the paper will conclude with strategies that can be used to promote resiliency in children that are deemed at- risk.

In attempts to solidify a sole American entity, there are various cultural and legal boundaries that individuals face on an everyday basis, particularly post-colonial immigrants. In Junot Diaz’ The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, Oscar de Leon’s disconnection from the society around him is continuously portrayed. Born and raised in New Jersey to Dominican parents, Oscar De Leon’s experience is an example of how cultural borders play a role in everyday life. Oscar struggles to reconcile into the American culture, and also fails at blending into the Dominican culture he inherited from his immediate family. Oscar instills a sense

There are several key processes discussed in the Family Resilience chapter, in the text, such as the family belief system, organizational patterns, and communication. These processes help the family deal with stress, adjust to changes, and learn ways to cope with difficult situations. Within these processes, there is a framework, which focuses on family resilience. This family resilience framework emphasizes the families’ ability to adapt/adjust to significant influences and/or situations (Walsh, 2016).

Concerning risk factors and protective factors, there are few that have been major in my life. First, I have supportive, loving, and generous parents. My parents have been excellent teachers and providers since birth. To this day they support me financially and are always available to hear me vent and offer advice. In each stage of development, I believe my parents have been protective factors. Another protective factor that has been with me the majority of my life has been my positive disposition. I had poor digestive health as an infant, but in times of good health my parents report that I was a “happy baby”. Growing up I was full of laughter and was welcome into new friend groups with ease. I feel negative emotions like everyone else and have struggled with feelings of anxiety and depression, but I still try to remain positive and upbeat. This has been a protective factor as it has left a good impression on peers and superiors alike, and I feel I come off as trustworthy and kind. The two big risk factors in my life are family relations and family history of alcoholism. Although my parents have been important protective factors, there are aspects of my family life that have contributed to it being a risk factor. When I was younger my parents constantly argued which led me to have insecurities and self doubt. I remember wondering if their fighting was somehow my fault, and when they got a divorce I started partaking in risky drinking. Familial alcoholism is the second risk