Resilience refers to the ability to respond adaptively in the face of adversity (Waller, 2001) and can be conceptualised as the process by which the harmful or detrimental
effects of risk factors are mediated or removed by the influence of protective factors. The mechanisms of resilience have been described as the improvement of outcomes via alteration of the influence of risk factors, interruption of the negative sequelae of risk factors, enhancement of self-esteem and self-efficacy, and/or promotion of positive opportunities for the individual (Rutter, 1993).