Revealing the resilience ecosystem: an integrative analysis of protective factors in adolescents using multi-modeling approaches

Identifying associated factors for resilience in adolescents is crucial for enhancing. This study aimed to examine the level of resilience among Chinese adolescents and explore correlating factors for adolescents' resilience by using multi-modeling. This cross-sectional study was conducted a total of 6,078 adolescents recruited from Changchun, Jilin Province, China. The Chinese version of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale for adolescents was used to assess resilience. Covariates were collected via single-item questions or scales. Multiple line regression, random forest regression and network analysis were used to identify and rank correlating factors. Multiple linear regression indicated that internal personality traits accounted for the highest variance in resilience (62.5%). Random forest regression corroborated these findings, and variable importance rankings demonstrated that internal factors (i.e., neuroticism, hope, emotional intelligence, self-efficacy, conscientiousness, interpersonal skills) predominantly associated with resilience. Furthermore, network analysis revealed that several variables correlated with resilience indirectly through other factors, identifying neuroticism, openness, and childhood emotional neglect and abuse as the central nodes within the network structure. Internal personality traits and early adverse experiences were the primary factors of adolescent resilience. The complex, interconnected nature of these associated factors suggested that psychological interventions should prioritize important core nodes. Neuroticism, openness, and childhood emotional neglect and abuse were essential for effectively enhancing resilience.