Resilience Profiles of Vulnerable and Unstoppable Youth in Generations Z and Alpha
Authors
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Judit Módné Takács
AffiliationObuda UniversityJudit Módné Takács is a PhD candidate who has passed the required courses at the Doctoral School of Security Sciences, Obuda University. Her main research areas include engineering education, cybersecurity awareness, the role and development of soft skills in engineering education, the methodology of adult education, as well as the study of methods that encourage and motivate students to learn and practically apply STEM subjects.
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Monika Pogátsnik
AffiliationÓbuda University
Dr. habil Monika Pogátsnik is a habilitated associate professor at Óbuda University, serving as Vice Dean for Education at the Alba Regia Faculty and Director of the Institute of Engineering. She also leads the Dual Training Office at Óbuda University and actively contributes to the pedagogical renewal of engineering education as the head of the Engineering Pedagogy Research Group.
Her main research area is engineering pedagogy, with a particular focus on work-based learning, the development of non-cognitive skills, and the study of career orientation attitudes. Throughout her academic career, she has published more than 130 scientific papers, which have received over 310 citations.
She is a member of the extended board of HERA – the Hungarian Educational Researchers Association, where she actively participates in professional discourse on educational research at the national level. In addition to her teaching and research activities, she plays a key role in the development of dual education and in strengthening the practical competencies of engineering students.
Abstract
Introduction: The mental health of younger generations is a topic of increasing focus, with particular attention on the resilience of Generations Z and Alpha. This study aimed to provide a pattern-based understanding of resilience in these cohorts. Objective: The primary objective was to identify distinct resilience profiles among students in Fejér County and to explore generational and gender differences. Method: A cross-sectional survey involved 3,275 students from Fejér County. Resilience was measured using the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10). Data were analyzed using two-step cluster analysis, non-parametric tests, chi-square tests, and Spearman's correlation. Results: The analysis revealed three resilience profiles: low ("Vulnerable"), average, and high ("Unstoppable"). Generation Z exhibited significantly higher resilience scores than Generation Alpha. Males proved to be more resilient than females. Higher parental education was associated with stronger resilience, while greater internet use was associated with lower resilience. Conclusions: The study successfully identified heterogeneous resilience patterns in young people, which can inform the development of targeted, school-based resilience-building programs.
Keywords:
resilience, Z generation, Alpha generationCitation data from Crossref and Scopus
