ABSTRACT

Resilience is defined as a meta-competence which helps the person in achieving subjective well-being. The construct is associated with personality factors such as agreeableness, extroversion, neuroticism, openness to new experiences. Even though previous research has found emotional stability being a strong predictor for resilience, there are several studies demonstrating the presence of resilience where emotional stability is poorly developed. The purpose of our study was to identify cognitions, emotions, behaviors associated with low emotional stability in young people, strategies considered to be useful for compensatory coping in order to demonstrate resilience. Considering the aim of the study, a mixed-method design was used with young students (N=320) of age between 19 and 22. For the current study, a number of 82 participants were selected from the larger sample based on their scores at neuroticism and resilience. We used Zuckerman Personality Questionnaire for assessing emotional stability (neuroticism); Youth Resilience Measurement for resilience and compensatory factors and low emotional stability were collected by open questions. The data analysis illustrates that young people with high scores in neuroticism are using a pattern of coping strategies associated with resilience.

KEYWORDS: resilience, neuroticism, coping strategies, social support, personality

PAGES:465-480