Insights on Resiliency: Utilizing Youth and Family- Based Evidence to Inform Policy and Practice...

Insights on Resiliency: Utilizing Youth and Family-Based Evidence to Inform

Policy and Practice2007

Jan

Rick Shepler, Ph.D. Center for Innovative Practices, Institute for the Study and Prevention of Violence, Kent State University

Resiliency Leadership Ohio

With the Support of the Ohio Department of Mental HealthCopyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

All Rights Reserved

Supporting Mental Health in Ohio’s Youth

Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio, All Rights Reserved

Resiliency is an Ordinary Process(Dr. Ann Masten)

Resiliency is an ordinary developmental process that is available to all youth.

Resiliency is not the result of special children with special qualities but instead arises from ordinary processes and conditions

Resiliency is Dynamic

Resiliency develops over time and takes into account the interaction of:Risk and protective factorsContextual conditions Individual’s traits and abilities

Sources: Luthar, Cicchetti, & Becker, 2000; and Masten, 2001.

Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Resiliency is Contextual

“Both the person and the context matter” (Benson et al., 2006)

“Person and context are mutually interactive” (Benson et al., 2006)

Source: Positive Youth Development So Far (Benson et al.) SEARCH INSTITUTE INSIGHTS & EVIDENCE • NOVEMBER 2006 • VOL. 3, NO. 1

Resiliency in ContextSchool

Family

Peers Community

Informal Supports

+

+

+

+

-

- -

-

Work

+

-

+

-Youth

+ = Protective Factors

- = Risk Factors Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio

Resiliency an Expectation

Resiliency is an EXPECTATION and not an exception for youth with significant emotional and/or behavioral challenges


“There is never anything wrong with us that something right with us can’t fix.”

Mark Katz

Resiliency and Mental Health

Resiliency is an inner capacity that when nurtured, facilitated, and supported by others– empowers children, youth, and families to successfully meet life’s challenges with a sense of self-determination, mastery, hope, and well-being.


Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership OhioAll Rights Reserverd

Resiliency: Concepts from Research Adapted from R. Friedman

Connections to caring individuals, families, and institutions Supportive relationships and environments

Competencies (SAT) Skills Abilities Talents

Contribution: Giving to others Positive view of self and future: Hope and optimism High expectations and standards: community, family &

individual

Asset Building Literature

40 Developmental Assets: The Search Institute’s Framework of Developmental Assets

External Assets: Positive, structured growth environments

Internal Assets: the values, skills, and self-perceptions needed for self-regulation

http://www.search-institute.org/


Power of Developmental Assets (Marc Mannes, Search Institute)

The more assets the greater the reduction of risk behaviors

The more assets the better protection

Holds true across race and culture

The Power of Assets to Prevent(Marc Mannes, Search Institute)

49%

27%

11%

3%

31%

14%

4%1%

39%

18%

6%

1%

35%

19%

9%

3%

Alcohol Use TobaccoUse

Illicit DrugUse

Driving andAlcohol

0–10 Assets

11–20 Assets

21–30 Assets

31–40 Assets

Marc Mannes- Author; Copyright © Search Institute®, Minneapolis, MN; www.search-institute.org. All Rights Reserved.


Power of Assets to Protect Across Race and Culture(Marc Mannes, Search Institute)

5

10

15

20

25

30

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Number of High-Risk Behaviors

Nu

mb

er

of

As

se

tsAmerican Indian

Asian American

African American

Latino/Latina

White

Multiracial



The Power of Assets to Promote(Marc Mannes, Search Institute)

8%

17%

30%

47%

36%

57%

74%

88%

26%

47%

69%

89%

50%

65%

77%

85%

Succeeds inSchool

ValuesDiversity

MaintainsGood Health

ExhibitsLeadership

0–10 Assets

11–20 Assets

21–30 Assets

31–40 Assets



5

10

15

20

25

30

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Number of Thriving Behaviors

Nu

mb

er

of

As

se

tsAmerican IndianAsian AmericanAfrican AmericanLatino/Latina

WhiteMultiracial

Power of Assets to Promote Across Race and Culture(Marc Mannes, Search Institute)



The Power of Assets to Protect (Marc Mannes, Search Institute)

32%

21%

11%

3%

42%

25%

14%

5%

48%

22%

7%

2%

61%

38%

19%

7%

Sexual Intercourse Depression/Suicide Anti-Social Behavior Violence

0–10 Assets 11–20 Assets 21–30 Assets 31–40 Assets



Youth and Family Insights

Youth and Family Insights on Resiliency and Mental Health

Developed by Resiliency Leadership Ohio workgroup beginning in 2005

Supported by the Ohio Department of Mental Health


Building Blocks of Resiliency

WELL-BEING“Quality of Life”

Hope and Optimism (Future’s Orientation);Sense of Meaning and Joy

CONNECTIONS“How I Am Connected”

Supportive Connections; Expectations that Maximize Functioning and Potential;

Contribution and Participation

MASTERY“What I Know and What I Can Do”

Competencies; Self Wisdom and Acceptance; Courage, Confidence, and Self-Determination

BASIC NEEDS & SUPPORTS“What I Need”

Validation; Basic Needs and Supports; Sanctuary; Justice

Copyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency Leadership Ohio, All Rights Reserved

Nurtured Resiliency

Internal qualities, talents, and skills, that can be developed and fostered through relationships of those around us (core people)


Nurtured Resiliency

Youth

Youth

Informal Supports

Family


Facilitated Resiliency

Facilitated resilience means shaping the natural environment to enhance youth and family success.

Everyday strategies, structures, and people are used to assist all children and families.


Facilitated Resiliency

School Family

Peers Services

Activities

Work

Youth


Supported Resiliency

Efforts by members of the community to build and sustain a foundation of acceptance, support, and opportunities for developing resiliency within youth and families of all ages, abilities, and needs

Resiliency is a shared community responsibility


Community Supported Resiliency

Understanding

Family

Resources

Protection

Opportunities

Youth



MASTERY

CONNECTIONS

WELL-BEING



Validation and Valuing

A resiliency-oriented mental health system honors and respects each youth’s and family’s life experiences, wisdom, and culture.

“My child is the best resource about what does and doesn’t work for him.” - Family Member


Validation and Valuing The youth and family are validated for their

efforts and persistence, knowing that progress is sometimes very difficult, and that “hanging in there” is sometimes all that is possible.

Youth with mental health challenges and their families are doing the best they can, not only maintaining, but “surviving well.”


Basic Needs, Safety, & Supports

The services, supports, and resources necessary to safely maintain youth in their homes, schools, and communities are available and accessible.

Having children with special needs costs more all around…money, time, and energy…forcing our own resources to be fewer. Family member


Sanctuary Youth and families need safe people and

protected space for refuge and rejuvenation

Designated and predictable breaks (Respite and support)

“Prayer and meditation for me are a tremendous source of strength and renewal.” Family Member


Justice

Youth and family rights are advocated for and protected.

“Justice is a right, not an expectation.” - Family Member


Justice

Safe and non-traumatizing care (Do No Harm)

Culturally mindful and respectful services

Proactive advocacy and facilitation of meaningful accommodations

Youth and families have a legitimate voice at all levels of policy, services, and supports.



BASIC NEEDS & SUPPORTS

CONNECTIONS

WELL-BEING

Competencies: Skills, Abilities, Talents

Self Wisdom, Self Acceptance, Self-Determination

Courage and Confidence




Building Blocks of Resiliency: Mastery

Competencies: Skills, Abilities, Talents Self-Wisdom, Self Acceptance, Self-

Determination Courage & Confidence


Ross Greene

“Kids do well if they can…

…. If they can’t, we adults need to figure out what’s getting in the way, so we can help”

Fostering a Sense of Mastery (Mark Katz)

Increasing Behavioral Successes

"Do Better, and You'll Try Harder" (Rick Lavoie)

Required Helpfulness: To feel you’re making a contribution

Success experiences are to mastery as failure (over and over) is to learned helplessness

Find contexts where youth can be successful and where youth can be in control (accommodations)

Competencies

Each youth’s skills, abilities, and talents are fostered and promoted.

“Look for my child’s strengths, abilities and interests and nurture those things.” - Family Member


Competencies

Unique strengths, skills, abilities, and talents

Active facilitation, support, and encouragement

Positive learning environments that enhance abilities and teach skills

Opportunities for expression of each youth’s unique talents.


Youth Insight: Self Wisdom

Resiliency is knowing when you are falling, and knowing how to catch yourself

Youth member – Resiliency Leadership Ohio


Self-Wisdom and Self-Acceptance

Youth and families are experts in their own experiences and develop practical knowledge about coping with, and managing, behavioral and emotional challenges.

Youth cultivate self acceptance, recognizing they are doing the best they can given their current abilities, life experiences, and circumstances, and appreciate who they are becoming.


Courage, Confidence, and Self-Determination

Youth and families grow in courage and confidence through each life experience, developing self-assurance and belief in their abilities not only to cope, but to thrive.

“Resiliency means that you can conquer anything that comes your way.” - Youth


Courage, Confidence, and Self-Determination

The daily act of coping with mental health challenges requires great personal courage

Youth and families have the courage to stand their ground and say “I can” regardless of what others tell them is possible.

Youth and families actively contribute to the direction of their lives and are supported in their journey toward self-determination.




WELL-BEING


MASTERY




Building Blocks of Resiliency: Quality Connections

Positive and Supportive Relationships and Connections

Expectations that Maximize Functioning and Potential



Supportive Connections Youth need positive connections to people in

their lives that facilitate their success at home, school, and in the community.

“I feel support when I know I am understood by someone, like a teacher, or neighbor.” Youth


Supportive Connections

Family members need support systems that are responsive and offer tangible, emotional, educational, and advocacy supports.

“Support from other families is the best thing because you can talk about your journey and everybody understands. “ Family Member


Expectations that Maximize Potential

Supportive and flexible environments with realistic and achievable goals are created.

“Set goals so that I can reach them, and once I reach them, then you can raise them.” Youth


Contribution & Participation Youth thrive when given opportunities for

contribution, participation, and positive involvement.

Meaningful leadership roles are created

“ When any one’s gifts and contributions are rejected or not accepted, we are all poorer.” - Family Member




CONNECTIONS

Competencies: Skills, Abilities, Talents

Self Wisdom, Self Acceptance, Self-Determination

Courage and Confidence


MASTERY



Building Blocks of Resiliency: Well-Being & Quality of Life

Hope and Optimism; Futures Orientation

Sense of Meaning and Joy


Hope and Optimism Communities foster opportunities and promote

the expectation for a positive future for all youth.

Little victories are significant, sustaining our hope, and giving us the courage to persevere

“Don’t say “if” I graduate or “if” I get a job, say “when” I graduate and “when” I get a job.” - Youth


Sense of Meaning and Joy Communities promote wellness by supporting

the well-being and quality of life of youth and families with mental health challenges

Fostering a sense of purpose provides the foundation from which each youth can create their own road map

“We all need something to look forward to– to help us make it through each day.” Youth


Translating Insights into Practice


Three Pronged Approach to Resiliency-Oriented Mental Health Practice

Risk reduction and symptom stabilization

Asset and skill enhancement

Facilitation of protective mechanisms and mental health promotion


Resource FrameworkConservation of Resources Theory

(Stevan Hobfoll)

First, act to prevent or limit resource loss

Begin initiation of resource building interventions once there is reasonable stability

Target resources not (just) illness: “target … the resources and conditions that facilitate healthy functioning.”

Resiliency-Oriented Mental Health Practice

“Avoid either only focusing on building young people’s skills or only changing the environment or contextual variables; the best results occur with simultaneous efforts to do both” Benson et al., 2006

“Increasing the number of developmental nutrients across settings is what matters most, not increasing specific strengths or combinations of strengths in any single setting” Benson et al., 2006

“Build compensatory strengths (strengths in one area may compensate for challenges in another)” Benson et al., 2006

Source: Positive Youth Development So Far (Benson et al.) SEARCH INSTITUTE INSIGHTS & EVIDENCE • NOVEMBER 2006 • VOL. 3, NO. 1


Value, respect, and validate Build affirming relationships with youth & family Services build on the strengths of the

child/family’s race, culture, and ethnicity A family strength can be something endured and

survived. It can be found in coping and adaptation skills.

Be a talent scout (Mark Katz) and a treasure hunter



Foster hope

Build functional competencies and skills

Develop realistic expectations and goals adjusted to abilities

Facilitate positive connections in schools and in the community



Linkage to pro-social activities, peers, and mentors

Facilitate opportunities for positive contributions and giving back

Build youth and family resources and supports (formal and informal)

Promote the understanding that youth (and families) have different resiliency needs and trajectories


Service Adaptations Service adaptations may be necessary to

achieve resilience for youth with unique challenges: Assertive outreach Increased intensity and availability of services Increased accessibility and flexibility in service

delivery Supported connections (mentors) Advocacy that builds positive system relationships Creating supportive functional environments


Resiliency Promotion Framework


Resiliency Hierarchy (Shepler)

Ongoing Resiliency

Create Success Environments

Build Assets and Supports

Protect and Stabilize Resources


Protect and Stabilize Resources First step in building resiliency is protecting the

resources the youth and family already have and establishing safety;

Preventing a Chain Reaction of Negative Life Events; Creating Safety Nets (Mark Katz)

Intervention focus: crisis stabilization; youth and family safety; basic needs; decrease risk generating environments and people (e.g. negative peers)


Build Assets: Individual Identify and promote youth’s strengths,

abilities, and talents Assess skill deficit areas Teach skills in needed areas Assist youth in implementing these skills

across life domains


Build Supports: Youth and Family

Increase nurturing and supportive relationships

Create youth and family safety net of resources and supports (formal and informal)

Identify and link youth to positive adult mentors


Create Success Environments: Schools

Accommodations Improve family and youth connections and

relationships with schools Advocacy for inclusion Changing people’s perspective on mental

illness (stigma busting; education) Establish realistic expectations


Create Success Environments:Community

Link/Build multiple positive environments;

Opportunities for leadership, service, and contribution;

Increase participation in positive activities of youth’s choosing

Increase involvement with pro-social peersCopyright 2006, 2009 Resiliency

Leadership Ohio

Ongoing Resiliency

Promote futures orientation Resiliency and wellness promotion plan Recognition of the journey (life has ups

and downs) Remembering that “Resiliency is never-

ending” (Youth, Resiliency Leadership Ohio)


“The great danger I see in the idea of resilience is in expecting children to overcome deprivation and danger on their own…There is no magic here; resilient children have been protected by the actions of adults, by good nurturing, by their assets, and by opportunities to succeed. We cannot stand by as the infrastructure for child development collapses in this nation, expecting miracles.”

Quote from Dr. Ann MastenQuote from Dr. Ann Masten

The Ordinary Magic of Resilience

“What began as a quest to understand the

extraordinary has revealed the power of the ordinary. Resilience does not come from rare and special qualities, but from the everyday magic of ordinary, normative human resources in the minds, brains, and bodies of children, in their families and relationships, and in their communities (Masten, 1999).”


Special thanks to all the youth and families whose pioneering work highlights the power and impact of resiliency. Their shared life stories and personal journeys demonstrate the fundamental role of resiliency in supporting mental wellness.


Acknowledgements

Search Institute Dennis Embry, Ph.D. Bob Friedman, Ph.D. Mark Katz, Ph.D. Marc Mannes, Ph.D.


Contact Information Resiliency Ohio Website: www.ResilIencyOhio.org

Rick Shepler Center for Innovative Practices Institute for the Study and Prevention of Violence Kent State University [email protected] 330-672-7917 Terre Garner Ohio Federation for Children’s Mental Health [email protected] 513-218-8819

Kay Rietz Ohio Department of Mental Health [email protected]


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