Understanding Resilience in the Face of Adversity in Kenya: A Scoping Review

Resilience in the global south, especially in Kenya, is understudied. Despite limited research, it's acknowledged that strengths stem from diverse cultural backgrounds. Global studies of resilience may help the field identify new areas of strength that can be a part of prevention and intervention with trauma survivors. This scoping review aimed to identify the range of strengths that exist among communities in Kenya. Additionally, this study will look at how components of the resilience portfolio model (regulatory, meaning-making, interpersonal, and resources) help predict indicators of well-being in Kenyan communities. This scoping review included empirical research on resilience in Kenya. The search in the electronic databases PubMed and PsycINFO produced a final selection of 40 articles for a full-text review. The results illustrate a range of strengths inherent within Kenyan communities that map onto the domains of the resilience portfolio model. The results underscore the significance of recognizing cultural strengths amid trauma and adversity. These include using art as a cultural anchor, utilizing food, meaningful caregiving, and adhering to specific tribal values such as respect. Research lenses used to study strengths in Kenyan communities are limited, and qualitative data suggests key areas for further inquiry.