This study examined the relationship between dependent and independent variables and the effects relationships have on K-12 students as they struggle through life stressors. Thus, the research study was based upon this over arching question: How does having positive student-adult relationships impact a student's ability to cope with life stressors? Importantly, the study sought to determine the impact of adult relationships as students coped with their circumstances. Key issues included an understanding of resiliency, the importance of developing resiliency, and how adults can make a deliberate effort to build resiliency in youth. Through a twenty-two question survey, participants identified the family, friend, and personal stressor they have experienced during their K-12 school years. Life stressors were reported in the study and for each of the stressors participants identified the adult(s) who helped them cope with the experience(s) and the degree to which the adult(s) assisted them. Furthermore, the strength of the connections to the sources was measured and to what extent the sources of connectedness influenced the participant's degree of current resiliency was determined. Results revealed a very strong correlation between relationship strength and the ability to cope. In all cases, the relationship was highly significant. No matter what kind of stressful situation one experienced, the positive relationship observed for each correlation demonstrated that as relationships improved, help with coping also improved. The results offer educators new information of the important role adults can play in helping students cope with life stressors. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]