Asian American Journal of Psychology, Vol 15(4), Dec 2024, 275-285; doi:10.1037/aap0000341
Older Pacific Islanders (PIs) are one of the fastest growing adult populations in the United States who possess significant health disparities. Research often focuses on adverse health outcomes rather than positive attributes of this population. Employing a mixed-methods convergent approach, this study investigated the role resilience played in coping with adversity and the terms used to define resilience. Participants comprised a community sample of PIs 50 years or older (M = 63.5 years; SD = 8.95) residing in southern California, who completed a questionnaire and semistructured interview. Qualitative responses were examined using content analysis and coded into themes. The study sample was also grouped into high (HR) or low (LR) resilience categories to identify variations. Results showed challenges with personal and family health ranked the highest (45.7%), followed by bereavement (20.0%) and financial concerns (14.3%). External resources were the preferred coping strategies utilized to deal with adversity. Older PIs who believed the challenge provided strength for the next adverse event had significantly higher resilience scores, F(6, 25) = 3.11; p = .021. Resilience was primarily defined using individual dispositional attributes: determination, faith, inner strength, and optimism. HR and LR individuals did not significantly differ on internal assets and external resources employed, or the terms used to define resilience. This study suggests that resilience plays a key role in dealing with adversity among older PIs. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)