Fostering Resilience in Children Who Have Been Maltreated: A Review and Call for Translational Research

One-third of Canadian children experience some form of maltreatment in childhood, which is associated with poor mental, emotional, and behavioral outcomes in adulthood. Yet, exposure to child maltreatment is far from deterministic, with many children adapting in the face of adversity. Over the last 30 years, the study of resilience has centered on understanding how to reduce poor developmental outcomes and promote positive adaptation following exposure to risk and adversities, such as child maltreatment. The present paper provides a review of resilience theory as it pertains to child maltreatment. We review the literature to date examining resilience mechanisms following child maltreatment across the social ecology, including the individual, family, and community levels. We identify prevention and intervention strategies across the social ecology that are effective in promoting resilience for children who have been maltreated. Finally, we identify research gaps and discuss translational research directions for increasing positive outcomes for children who have experienced maltreatment. Public Significance Statement Child maltreatment is a significant public health concern in Canada and is a leading cause of mental health difficulties in adulthood. Despite these pernicious experiences, children can adapt in the face of maltreatment, demonstrating resilient outcomes. We examine the theories, mechanisms, and interventions for promoting resilience for children who have been maltreated. We discuss future directions for the field to increase the translation of knowledge into practice.