RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF FAMILY DYSFUNCTION: COPING MECHANISMS AMONG CHILDREN IN IKENNE LOCAL GOVERNMENT, OGUN STATE

Abstract

The primary aim of the study is to explore the coping mechanisms that childrenfrom dysfunctional families engage in to survive unpleasant situations and experiences. It alsoconsiders the different forms of social support that children from dysfunctional families receiveas a promoting factor for resilience. Walsh’s family resilience framework was adopted in thisstudy. The literature review revealed three basic styles that children use to cope with difficultand unpleasant situations: seeking support from other people, investing in close friends,providing peer support, seeking belonging, seeking spiritual support and seeking professionalhelp. Additionally, resilient children have a positive attitude towards life and themselves, andthey can treat difficulties as a challenge to overcome and an opportunity for a new experience,which in turn helps the development of their cognitive and intellectual functions. The researchdesign that was adopted in this research was the phenomenological research design and aqualitative methodology. A purposive sampling technique was employed, and 25 participantswere recruited for this research study. Data was gathered through interviews/focuseddiscussions and was thematically analysed. The study revealed various strategies throughwhich children cope in toxic experiences from dysfunctional families, including speaking totheir teachers, who have interests in mind and are committed to extending support (moralsupport, faith talks and prayers, reaching out to parents, financial aid) to these children.However, it was also noted that some of these children stay away from home/stay with friendsas a way of escaping the toxic experiences of their families. Counselling is a strategy that isused to advise and admonish children and students on suitable solutions that can be adoptedfor problems of dysfunctionality.