| The literature gives little attention to foreclosed-on families, despite the prevalence of foreclosure in today's economic landscape. Therefore, little is understood about these families and current knowledge is speculative, based on research with similar populations, such as homeless families. In addition, the limited existing research focuses primarily on adults, so little is understood of the adolescent foreclosure experience.;No prior study has examined resilience in relation to how foreclosed families cope. In order to begin to fill these gaps in the literature, this researcher conducted qualitative family interviews with adolescents and their primary caregivers. Participants included four families, consisting of four mothers and six adolescents, ages 13 through 20.;Results revealed a range of stressors and emotional experiences associated with foreclosure, as well as various sources of resilience. In addition, adolescents and mothers identified various emotional and interpersonal experiences, including: secrecy, embarrassment, isolation, worry, uncertainty, lack of control, and anger. Mothers also identified self-blame and sadness.;Sources of resilience identified by adolescents and their mothers included: beliefs, values and strategies that aided in coping, such as: increased determination and work ethic, family support and togetherness, giving back, maintaining hope and optimism, and accessing non-familial supports and resources.;Non-familial connections included friends and religious community; mothers also acknowledged a range of other community connections. Mothers but not teens also mentioned social and economic commentary and religious values and spirituality as helping them cope. They also acknowledged trying to limit their children's involvement in and awareness of the foreclosure, though they recognized this was not always possible.;The study findings were consistent with the limited extant relevant research. The method was critiqued and directions for future research presented. Finally, recommendations for service providers working with foreclosed-on families were offered in order to provide guidance in understanding and working with these families. |
