Resource Loss among Children and Families

Children and families are often subjected to traumatic events. Conservation of resource (COR) theory emphasizes the objective nature of traumatic events and particularly their influence of loss of material and psychosocial resources that are fundamental for resiliency and well-being. COR theory is a well-supported model that conceptualizes stress, including traumatic stress, as the outcome of the loss, or threat of loss, of valued resources, whether they are material (e.g., finances, housing) or psychological (e.g., intimacy, self-efficacy, social support). A wealth of research investigating COR theory suggests that the loss of resources is an important factor linking traumatic exposure and psychological distress. Further, the loss of resources such as social and family relationships, self-esteem, or jobs following traumatic events often beget further losses that initiate a ...