Resilience has been defined as the ability to overcome and emerge stronger from adversity. This capability is evolutionary and is influenced by protective factors, both personal and environmental. Although many of these factors have been identified, little is known about the complex interactions between them and the way that they contribute to the development of resilience. Based on the latest scientific evidence, the objective of this work was to develop an explanatory model of resilience in youth and adolescents. Each variable introduced in the model is rooted in theoretical or empirical evidence published. By the nature of the variables included (optimism, sense of humor, positive emotions, well-being, emotional intelligence), the proposed model fits within the guidelines of Positive Psychology. Theoretical, methodological, and epistemological suggestions are offered to test the model.
Resilience; explanatory model; positive psychology