Abstract
The aim of the current research was to identify the experience and expression of resilience among
adolescents. The phenomenon of resilience was explored and elicited from 36 adolescents (18 girls
and 18 boys) through a semi structured interview that resulted in 94 items. After excluding the
repetitions a list of 85 items was converted into a self report measure (Resilience Scale for
Adolescents, RSA) and piloted on 48 adolescents for assessing its user friendliness. A sample of 690
with the age range of 12-18 (M 13.96, SD 1.25) adolescents selected through multistage sampling
(54% boys, 46% girls) were given RSA, a demographic performed, and adapted version of Connor
Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) for concurrent validity. The Principal Component Factor Analysis
through Varimax rotation yielded six factors solution, namely Self Regulation, Self Confidence,
Robustness, Seeking Support, Sociability and Vulnerability. The RSA was found to have sound
psychometric properties and results were also discussed in terms of culture and intervention
implications for school counselling services.
