Resilience in child development includes two protective factors. Which of the following best captures one of them?

• A. The ability to avoid adversity entirely; protective factors include waiting and hoping.
• B. Ability to adapt well to adversity; protective factors include supportive relationships and effective coping skills.
• C. A fixed trait determined at birth; protective factors include genetics.
• D. The absence of stressors; protective factors include isolation.

Answer: (B)

Resilience in child development means the ability to adapt well when facing adversity. One protective factor that supports this is having supportive relationships—stable, caring connections with adults or mentors who provide warmth, guidance, and a role model for coping. The other protective factor is having effective coping skills—emotional regulation, problem-solving, and knowing when and how to seek help. Together, these resources help a child manage stress and bounce back rather than be overwhelmed by difficulties. The other ideas miss what resilience is: it isn’t about avoiding adversity, it isn’t a fixed trait determined by genetics, and it isn’t about having no stressors or being isolated.