Aim: The aim of this integrative review was to investigate how resilience has been researched and explore experiences of resilience, in children of parents with mental illness or alcohol or substance misuse. Design: An integrative review. Method: The search included three major electronic databases, PubMed, Scopus and PsycINFO with the aim of identifying peer-reviewed studies where the concept of resilience was explored as resilience, coping, adaptation or protective factors. Results: Out of 4016 studies, 14 were included after meeting predetermined criteria and methodological quality evaluation. The findings are presented in five categories: characteristics of the studies, operationalization and interpretation of resilience, individual resources, family resources and resources outside the family. Patient or public contribution: Resilience in children of parents with mental illness or substance misuse refers to coping strategies, protective factors and absence of symptoms or risk behaviour despite being exposed to risk. We suggest a three-level approach for mapping of resilience resources in the target group: the individual level, family level and outside of the family that includes both non-professionals and professionals. The use of disengagement or avoidance strategies implies poor resilience but may be necessary in absence of support, as acts of self-preservation during chaotic periods or harmful situations. © 2024 The Author(s). Nursing Open published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.