Coping resources

Coping resources, also referred to as protective resources, are resources individuals utilise when they need to mediate with adversity (Thoits, 2013). The resources a person has at their disposal plays a role in how they cope.

Coping resources can be classified as individual resources (such as positive personality traits and positive personal experiences), social resources (relationships), cultural resources (religious practices, heritage, cultural practices), institutional resources (for example schools, clinics, NGO’s, services) and society based resources (including policies, social grants and nutrition programmes).

Within the learning context an example of intrapersonal coping resources might be a learner with exceptional organisational skills. An example of social coping resources might be having a sibling or tutor who is able to assist with homework. Cultural resources are less obvious and relates to how individuals view themselves, what they find meaningful, how they relate to others and how they manage their environment (Kim, Yang & Hwang, 2006). An example of a cultural resource is having a collectivist orientation where drawing on social resources is considered a strength. In such a case a learner from a collectivistic culture will know how to ask for help and engage with other people to overcome adversities. Institutional resources can be tutor services at a school or learning support equipment. Society based resources could include a homework centre, policies of inclusion or having a feeding scheme for learners from a low socio-economic background.