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Resilience is defined as the ability to bounce back from adversity, change or stress, and then learning from those challenges so as to lead a productive and happy life. Most of the research regarding resilience has focused on studying the resilience of those in high poverty or dysfunctional home environments. This research studies young women who may or may not have challenging home lives, but still scored along the spectrum of resilience scores. Resilience is something that can be taught and learned. Understanding the variables is paramount. There are specific variables in the home and in the school that influence resilience scores. Significant school variables include class participation, taking leadership positions, and being involved in activities and athletics. Home variables that affect resilience include completing chores, working, experiencing the involuntary unemployment of parent and having consequences for failing grades. There are specific ways to increase resilience, and it is important for school administrators and parents to work collaboratively to assist young women to develop higher resilience.

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Susan M. Toohey, Ed.D completed her doctoral work at Creighton University (2013) in Interdisciplinary Leadership. She is currently Head of School of Marian, a college preparatory school for girls. She attained her M.A. in Secondary Education Administration the University of Nebraska at Omaha and has over 25 years of education experience.

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