Abstract:

The main objective of the study performed for a period of 18 years was to determine protective factors in participants from a troubled environment of primary families. The study was implemented at Czech and Slovak universities between 2002 and 2019 (Czech Republic – 21 participants, Slovakia – 11 participants). The participants came from primary families at risk where the following reportedly occurred: low solidarity among family members, weak attachment between the parents and participants, low tendency to communicate together, authoritative father control, and the lack of emotional support from the parents in stressful situations. The study is designed as qualitative and longitudinal. The participants were selected based on intentional selection. Four interviews per year were conducted with each participant. In total, there were 2,304 interviews. Case studies were prepared on the basis of the interviews, providing closer details of important protective factors promoting a resilient personality. The data obtained were analysed using the ATLAS.ti 7 program. The phenomenon of flow showed to be the most important protective factor – it is a satisfying, coordinated state of mind when the individual is completely immersed in the activity and experiences joy and interest during the performance. Also, it was confirmed that the presence of a natural authority, both in young and middle adulthood, had a positive effect on the participant’s behaviour and decision-making in spite of the long-term effects of the primary family environment on the individual. This authority communicated with the participant in a dignified manner, modelled correct behaviour, helped the participant learn to set objectives and supported the participant in their fulfilment. The studies that have been implemented in the Czech Republic to date have not examined the population in such detail, in a longitudinal manner, with the use of a qualitative study design.

Keywords:

Personality resilience, primary family, risk factors, protective factors, flow.