1/28/10 Mental Health Workshop: Developing Resilience in Students

Resilience is defined as the ability to bounce back from life’s difficult experiences. It is a process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, and significant sources of stress. The research has shown that resilience, with specific supports in place, occurs commonly. In addition, this body of research from a variety of fields including psychology, psychiatry, and sociology indicates that most people–including young people–can bounce back from difficult situations and experience life success. Resilience is not a skill that people either have or do not have. It involves behaviors, thoughts, and actions that can be taught and supported in anyone. This interactive seminar will provide a framework for educators to informally evaluate students’ functioning across a variety of settings and determine their potential to bounce back. Case studies will be examined and a variety of strategies presented that have worked effectively in our practice.