Adolescents in Institutional Care: Significant Adults, Resilience and Well-Being

Background: Attachment theory states the importance of secure relationships with significant figures for the development of resilience and well-being. The institutional care context represents a particular environment where relationships beyond the family should be attended for. Objective: The purpose of this study was to analyse the relationship between significant figures (teachers, school and institution staff), resilience and well-being in a sample of 246 Portuguese adolescents, aged 12-18, from both genders and under institutional care. Method: The mediational role of resilience in the association between relationship to significant figures and well-being was tested through structural equations modelling. Results: Results showed that resilience plays a mediational role in the association between quality of relationship to significant figures and well-being. Results were discussed according to attachment theory that stresses the importance of safe haven and secure base provided by significant figures for the individual's adaptation and development. Results pointed also to the importance of preparing caregivers and other significant adults to face demands and challenges of adolescents in institutional care. Conclusion: An investment on caregivers' developing competences and attitudes is required, in order to overcome contingencies and vicissitudes of working with this population.