A Qualitative Analysis of High Point Experiences Among Young People Living in Rural Appalachia

Resilience research primarily focuses on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and how individuals respond to them. Less attention is directed towards understanding positive experiences during childhood and their significance, including among marginalized and understudied populations. The current phenomenological qualitative study examined self-reported high point experiences (HPEs) and perceived meaning of the events among young people living in rural Appalachia. Narrative stories were collected from 71 individuals, aged 12–24, who participated in a study on resilience and psychosocial strengths. Participants described a HPE in their life, reasons why the story was positive, and what it revealed about them as a person. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded using ATLAS.ti software. Coded data were analyzed to identify patterns and themes across participants. Self-reported HPEs included spending time with family, spending time in meaningful locations, participating in extracurricular activities, earning personal achievements, achieving life milestones or transitions, and receiving gifts. Participants viewed HPEs positively because they involved family being together, were linked to adversity, promoted the development of strengths, or resulted in personal achievements. Most participants reflected that their HPEs revealed their personal values. Findings highlighted a need to expand the conceptualization and measurement of positive childhood experiences (PCEs) to include more experiential and achievement-oriented experiences that are viewed positively among young people. An increased emphasis on HPEs and PCEs, rather than on ACEs, may help reduce stigma and empower families and communities to actively promote the health and well-being of young people in rural areas.