Students attending alternative schools often present with internalizing symptoms, likely related to high rates of trauma. Little is known about factors that buffer the relationship between trauma exposure and internalizing symptoms in this population. The present study examined the role of internal (i.e., self-efficacy, self-awareness, persistence) and external resources (i.e., peer support, family coherence, school support) as buffers in the association between trauma exposure and symptoms of depression and anxiety in 113 students (55% female, 91% Black, 8% Hispanic or Latinx, M age = 18.0, SD = 1.5) attending an alternative school in a large, southeastern city. Results showed that trauma exposure was positively associated with depression and anxiety symptoms, while self-awareness and family coherence were negatively associated with depression and anxiety symptoms. Additionally, significant interactions revealed that trauma exposure was associated with depression symptoms at low but not high levels of self-awareness, and at low but not high levels of family coherence. Understanding strengths to support alternative high school students exposed to trauma is a valuable component of mental health intervention. Future research should investigate ways to cultivate self-awareness and enhance family coherence to address the complex needs of alternative school students.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine meaning in life as an important resource during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach This paper summarized key research establishing links between meaning in life and mental health and well-being variables, reviewed the literature on meaning as a protective factor and meaning-making as a coping mechanism amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as provided focal points in cultivating meaning in life. Findings Studies strongly support the notion that meaning in life is essential for health and well-being. Research also suggests that meaning protects against worsening mental health, and that engaging in meaning-making is a coping process that ultimately leads to improved adjustment despite the stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eight themes are also identified in cultivating skills to build meaning during adverse times. Practical implications Integrating what research has found about meaning, resilience and coping can help individuals develop practical strategies to cultivate meaning in their lives to support themselves and their communities during stressful times. Originality/value Understanding the ways in which meaning can support individuals’ health and well-being is critical during a global upheaval such as that of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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