Community-Based Programming and Ecological Resilience in Vulnerable Youth: A Mixed Methods Study

This exploratory sequential mixed-methods study aimed to provide a deeper understanding regarding ecological resilience theory among adolescents and emerging adults engaged in community-based programming. Phase 1 participants were 18 Leave Out Violence Nova Scotia Youth Leaders and alumni aged 16 to 31 (Mage = 24.28, SD = 3.75; n = 10 female). Semi-structured interviews were used to examine participants’ past and present experiences with Leave Out Violence Nova Scotia, with a focus on perceptions of resilience in their lives. Results were analyzed through mixed (inductive and deductive) thematic analysis. In Phase 2, a focus group assisted in developing a survey involving Leave Out Violence Nova Scotia youth participants aged 14 to 25 (Mage = 18.14, SD = 3.15; n = 16 female). To quantitatively test ecological resilience theory, results were analyzed through a series of hierarchical linear regressions and the PROCESS macro for SPSS (Hayes, 2013). Together, qualitative and quantitative findings support ecological resilience theory by characterizing resilience as a multidimensional and dynamic process that is facilitated through positive environments. They also suggest that community-based programs may improve resilience in vulnerable young people.