Goldstein, A., Faulkner, B. & Wekerle, C. (2013). The relationship between internal resilience, smoking, alcohol use, and depression symptoms in emerging adults transitioning out of child welfare. Child Abuse and Neglect, 37(1): 22-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2012.08.007
Among 93 emerging adults leaving the child welfare system, higher internal resilience was linked to more religious and community involvement and caregiver monitoring, and to less smoking, nicotine dependence and depression. It predicted lower depression beyond the effect of maltreatment and was especially protective at higher levels of sexual abuse. Strengthening internal resilience should therefore be part of child welfare prevention and transition support.