Factors Enhancing Resilience Among Youth Exposed to Macro-Level Violence in Spanish-Speaking Countries in Latin America

Abstract

This scoping review aimed to synthesize current literature on strengths associated with resilience and well-being among youth in Spanish-speaking Latin American countries exposed to macro-level violence and by type of exposure (i.e., political, community, and anti-LGBTQ+ violence and child soldiers)—guided by the Resilience Portfolio Model (RPM). Following the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis-Scoping Review (PRISMA-R) guidelines, 42 studies were reviewed including 12 gray literature studies. Empirical studies were eligible for inclusion if they were (1) conducted in Spanish-speaking Latin American countries with (2) youth aged 15 to 24 who were (3) exposed to macro-level violence and (4) displayed positive outcomes or did not display negative outcomes. Multiple strengths in the domains of meaning-making (50% of studies), regulatory (52%), and interpersonal strengths (79%) were identified, outlining rich—although not comprehensive—resilience portfolios for youth exposed to macro-level violence in Spanish-speaking Latin America. These were supplemented by external social resources (43%) and cultural collective factors (33%). These factors focus on a person’s cultural background, collective worldview and responsibility, solidarity, civic participation, and activism for the benefit of the group or community. Findings confirmed and expanded the RPM by exploring cultural and collective strengths separately, informing policy and practice around the development of programs to enhance youth’s connections, supports, collectivism, purpose, and future orientation. Further research is needed across countries, cultures, and forms of violence.