Resilience in Students with Learning Disabilities: A Systematic Review of Positive Outcomes and Contextual Protective Factors
Keywords:
resilience; learning disabilities; positive outcomes; protective factors; systematic literature reviewAbstract
Resilience helps explain how students with learning disabilities (LD) overcome academic, emotional, and social challenges, although research on its development and functioning across domains remains limited. This review sought to synthesize recent empirical studies examining the benefits of resilience and to identify contextual protective factors that contribute to enhancing resilience in students with LD. A total of 17 studies were selected from 1,692 publications indexed between 2016 and 2025 across Scopus, ScienceDirect, ERIC, PubMed, ProQuest, and Google Scholar for further analysis using the PRISMA 2020 flow diagram. The database search utilized a combination of keywords such as “resilience”, “psychological resilience”, “impact”, and “protective factors”. A thematic synthesis approach was employed to identify and map the pattern of meaning derived from the collected research findings. Resilience was found to enhance academic engagement and competence, socio-emotional wellbeing, the quality of social relationships, and a sense of belonging at school. Two primary categories of factors supporting resilience were also identified: internal protective factors (such as self-efficacy, coping, and emotional regulation) and external supportive factors (like family, teacher, peers, and inclusive school support). The integration of personal capacity and ecological support systems was crucial to facilitating sustainable adaptive development in students with LD. This review emphasized the integration of psychological, educational, and socio-ecological perspective within the framework of inclusive education to foster sustainable adaptive growth, including resilience. Future research needs to develop integrated interventions to strengthen both internal and external protective factors to foster resilience and inclusive learning outcomes among students with LD.
https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.25.5.21
References
Aro, T., Rossi, M. L., Paakkari, L., & Torppa, M. (2025). Experienced Protective Factors While Growing up With Reading Disability. Learning Disability Quarterly, 48(3), 173–187. https://doi.org/10.1177/07319487241302309
Azwar, B., Wanto, D., & Hidayat, R. (2021). Improving Self-Resilience in Students with Special Needs through the Counseling Teachers’ Roles: A Case Study on Grounded Theory. Education Research International, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/7872889
Berchiatti, M., Ferrer, A., Galiana, L., Badenes-Ribera, L., & Longobardi, C. (2022). Bullying in Students with Special Education Needs and Learning Difficulties: The Role of the Student–Teacher Relationship Quality and Students’ Social Status in the Peer Group. Child and Youth Care Forum, 51(3), 515–537. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10566-021-09640-2
Buchanan, M., Walker, G., Boden, J. M., Mansoor, Z., & Newton-Howes, G. (2023). Protective factors for psychosocial outcomes following cumulative childhood adversity: systematic review. BJPsych Open, 9(6). https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2023.561
Casali, N., Meneghetti, C., Tinti, C., MariaRe, A., Sini, B., Passolunghi, M. C., Valenti, A., Montesano, L., Pellegrino, G., & Carretti, B. (2024). Academic Achievement and Satisfaction Among University Students with Specific Learning Disabilities: The Roles of Soft Skills and Study-Related Factors. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 57(1), 16–29. https://doi.org/10.1177/00222194221150786
Dasika, A., & Suma, S. N. (2025). Protective Factors in Students with Specific Learning Disorders: Exploring the Role of Parental Involvement, Sense of Belonging, Academic Self-Regulation and Academic Resilience. The International Journal of Indian Psychology, 13(1), 1771. https://doi.org/10.25215/1301.168
Davey, M., Eaker, D. G., & Walters, L. H. (2003). Resilience processes in adolescents: Profiles, self-worth, and coping. Journal of Adolescent Research (Vol. 18, Issue 4, pp. 347–362). https://doi.org/10.1177/0743558403018004002
Dominguez, O., & Carugno, P. (2023). Learning Disability. StatPearls Publishing, Treasure Island (FL). http://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/32119258
Downie, J. M., Hay, D. A., Horner, B. J., Wichmann, H., & Hislop, A. L. (2010). Children living with their grandparents: Resilience and wellbeing. International Journal of Social Welfare, 19(1), 8–22. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2397.2009.00654.x
Feraco, T., Pellegrino, G., Casali, N., Carretti, B., & Meneghetti, C. (2025). Social, emotional, and behavioral skills in students with or without specific learning disabilities. Learning and Individual Differences, 117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2024.102581
Giovagnoli, S., Mandolesi, L., Magri, S., Gualtieri, L., Fabbri, D., Tossani, E., & Benassi, M. (2020). Internalizing Symptoms in Developmental Dyslexia: A Comparison Between Primary and Secondary School. Frontiers in Psychology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00461
Goad, E. J., & Parker, K. (2021). Compassion-focused therapy groups for people with intellectual disabilities: An extended pilot study. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 25(4), 661–679. https://doi.org/10.1177/1744629520925953
Goodley, D., Liddiard, K., & Runswick-Cole, K. (2018). Feeling disability: theories of affect and critical disability studies. Disability and Society, 33(2), 197–217. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687599.2017.1402752
Grigorenko, E. L., Compton, D. L., Fuchs, L. S., Wagner, R. K., Willcutt, E. G., & Fletcher, J. M. (2020). Understanding, educating, and supporting children with specific learning disabilities: 50 years of science and practice. American Psychologist, 75(1), 37–51. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0000452
Iaia, M., Vizzi, F., Carlino, M. D., Turi, M., Marinelli, C. V., & Angelelli, P. (2024). Specific learning disabilities and associated emotional-motivational profiles: a study in Italian university students. Frontiers in Psychology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1365980
Iznardo, M., Ryan, J., Rogers, M., Mckibbin, S., Piers, L., & Hogan, T. (2023). Examining Resiliency in Children with Learning Disabilities and Co-occurring ADHD Symptoms: The Protective Role of a Close Teacher-Student Relationship. Learning Disabilities: A Contemporary Journal 21(1).
Khatout, R. (2024). Understanding Learning Difficulties: A Comprehensive Overview. Journal of Legal and Social Studies, 9(3), 252–266. https://asjp.cerist.dz/en/article/252629
Konaszewski, K., Niesiob?dzka, M., & Surzykiewicz, J. (2021). Resilience and mental health among juveniles: role of strategies for coping with stress. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12955-021-01701-3
Lawrence, B., Lawrence, B. C., Harrison, G. L., & Milford, T. M. (2019). Effects of Positive Parenting on Mental Health in Adolescents with Learning Disabilities. Learning Disabilities: A Contemporary Journal 17(2), 223-244.
Marks, R. A., Norton, R. T., Mesite, L., Fox, A. B., & Christodoulou, J. A. (2023). Risk and resilience correlates of reading among adolescents with language-based learning disabilities during COVID-19. Reading and Writing, 36(2), 401–428. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11145-022-10361-8
Mawila, D. (2023). The Mediation role of Caregivers and Context on Individual Factors in Enabling Resilience Among Learners with Specific Learning Disability. Interchange, 54(1), 81–94. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10780-022-09484-2
McLaughlin, K. A., & Sheridan, M. A. (2016). Beyond Cumulative Risk: A Dimensional Approach to Childhood Adversity. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 25(4), 239–245. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721416655883
McLaughlin, M. J., Speirs, K. E., & Shenassa, E. D. (2014). Reading Disability and Adult Attained Education and Income: Evidence From a 30-Year Longitudinal Study of a Population-Based Sample. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 47(4), 374–386. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022219412458323
Mu, G. M. (2024). A systematic literature review of building resilience for pre-service teachers. International Journal of Educational Research, 128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2024.102476
Mulia, & Khaira, W. (2025). Building Students’ Resilience: Strategies To Overcome Students’ Learning Challenges. PIONIR: Jurnal Pendidikan, 14(2), 191–198. https://jurnal.ar-raniry.ac.id/index.php/Pionir/index
Nurhayati, N., Habsy, B. A., Budiyanto, & Sartinah, E. P. (2023). Resilience Profile of Children with Special Needs and the Importance of Guidance and Counseling Services. International Journal of Social Science and Religion (IJSSR), 511–530. https://doi.org/10.53639/ijssr.v4i3.201
Ofiesh, N., & Mather, N. (2013). Resilience and the child with learning disabilities. In Handbook of Resilience in Children: Second Edition (pp. 329–348). Springer US. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3661-4_19
Orbuch, R., Rosenow, W. T., Yousuf, S., & Sheehan, K. (2022). Childhood Protective Factors and Future Adult Health Outcomes in an Urban Environment. Journal of Child and Adolescent Trauma, 15(4), 1063–1068. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-022-00457-2
Panicker, A. S., & Chelliah, A. (2016). Resilience and Stress in Children and Adolescents with Specific Learning Disability. Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 25(1), 17–23.
Pearson, E., Sharp, L., & Hampton, L. (2025). Resilience in context: a synthesis of theories and practices for educational psychologists. Educational Psychology in Practice. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.1080/02667363.2025.2518990
Piers, L., & Duquette, C. (2016). Facilitating Academic and Mental Health Resilience in Students with a Learning Disability. Exceptionality Education International, 26(2), 21–41. https://doi.org/10.5206/eei.v26i2.7739
Putri, W. Y., & Tarsidi, I. (2025). Implementasi Program Pembelajaran untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Resiliensi Anak Tunagrahita Ringan di SLB Bina Sejahtera. Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Pendidikan, 8(7), 7334–7340. https://doi.org/10.54371/jiip.v8i7.8491
Reid, M., & Hamby, S. (2025). Strengths supporting resilience in individuals with learning disabilities: A scoping review. Children and Youth Services Review, 177. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108434
Reivich, K., & Shatté, A. (2002). The resilience factor: 7 essential skills for overcoming life’s inevitable obstacles. The resilience factor: 7 essential skills for overcoming life’s inevitable obstacles. Broadway Books.
Riepenhausen, A., Wackerhagen, C., Reppmann, Z. C., Deter, H. C., Kalisch, R., Veer, I. M., & Walter, H. (2022). Positive Cognitive Reappraisal in Stress Resilience, Mental Health, and Well-Being: A Comprehensive Systematic Review. Emotion Review, 14(4), 310–331. https://doi.org/10.1177/17540739221114642
Romadhon, M., & Supena, A. (2021). Penanganan Siswa Learning Disabilities di Sekolah Dasar Inklusi. Jurnal Basicedu, 5(3), 1471–1478. https://jbasic.org/index.php/basicedu/article/view/941
Rutter M. (1987). Psychosocial resilience and protective mechanisms. The American journal of orthopsychiatry, 57(3), 316–331. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-0025.1987.tb03541.x
Rutter, M. (2006). Implications of resilience concepts for scientific understanding. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1094, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1196/annals.1376.002
Sayed, T., Malan, H., & Fourie, E. (2024). Exploring the associations between resilience and psychological well-being among South Africans during COVID-19. Frontiers in Psychology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1323466
Sclanavo, M. (2023). Examining Resilience and its Role in Positive Psychological Outcomes. Interdisciplinary Journal Papier Human Review, 4(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.47667/ijphr.v4i1.233
Stein, B., Hoeft, F., & Richter, C. G. (2024). Stress, resilience, and emotional well-being in children and adolescents with specific learning disabilities. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences (Vol. 58). Elsevier Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cobeha.2024.101410
Straus, E., Dev, S. I., & Moore, R. C. (2020). The measurement of resilience and grit: Room for improvement. Psychiatry Research (Vol. 285). Elsevier Ireland Ltd. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2020.112791
Svetaz, M. V., Ireland, M., & Blum, R. (2000). Adolescents With Learning Disabilities: Risk and Protective Factors Associated with Emotional Well-Being: Findings From the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Journal of Adolescent Health, 27(5). https://doi.org/10.1016/S1054-139X(00)00170-1
Ugwuanyi, C. S., Okeke, C. I. O., Eseadi, C., Adimora, E. D., Agah, J. J., Obikwelu, C. L., Onyishi, C. N., Ossai, O. V., Ngwoke, A. N., Okenyi, E. C., Ezema, V. S., Adene, F. M., Anyaegbunam, E. N., Ejiofor, J. N., Amaeze, F. E., & Eskay, M. (2021). The Effects of Mother-Child Mediated Learning Strategies on Cognitive Modifiability and Psychological Resilience of Children with Learning Disabilities: A Replication of Tzuriel and Shomron’s Study (2018) With Nigerian Children. SAGE Open, 11(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440211008897
Ungar, M. (2011). The social ecology of resilience: Addressing contextual and cultural ambiguity of a nascent construct. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 81(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-0025.2010.01067.x
Walter, O., & Hazan-Liran, B. (2024). Psychological Capital, Social Support, and Academic Adjustment of Students with Learning Disabilities: The Value of Institutional Support Centers. American Journal of Health Behavior, 48(2), 462–470. https://doi.org/10.5993/AJHB.48.2.16
Wiliyanto, D. A., Gunarhadi, G., Sunardi, S., & Yusuf, M. (2025). A Systematic Literature Review of Effect Self-Compassion on Students with Learning Disabilities. Ianna Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, 7(1), 406–414. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14273511
Wright, M. O. D., Masten, A. S., & Narayan, A. J. (2013). Resilience processes in development: Four waves of research on positive adaptation in the context of adversity. Handbook of Resilience in Children: Second Edition (pp. 15–37). Springer US. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3661-4_2
Xu, Y., Azhar, A., Rehman, N., & Yaseen, F. (2025). The role of psychological assessment and family support in enhancing emotional well-being and academic performance of children with learning disabilities. Acta Psychologica, 260. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.105582
Zuppardo, L., Serrano, F., Pirrone, C., & Rodriguez-Fuentes, A. (2023). More Than Words: Anxiety, Self-Esteem, and Behavioral Problems in Children and Adolescents with Dyslexia. Learning Disability Quarterly, 46(2), 77–91. https://doi.org/10.1177/07319487211041103
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Redydian Adhitya Nugraha, Sunardi Sunardi , Tri Murwaningsih, Asrowi Asrowi, Mahardika Supratiwi, Munawir Yusuf
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
All articles published by IJLTER are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No-Derivatives 4.0 International License (CCBY-NC-ND4.0).
