Strengths-Based Resilience (SBR) is broadly based on principles of positive psychology, focusing on conditions and processes that foster individual and collective well-being and resilience. The program was administered in three settings: five high schools, two adolescent outpatient hospital units, and in ten groups at a university counselling centre. Participants were culturally diverse (> 80% non-Caucasian). Program evaluation, which included comparison groups, has shown, significant decreases in stress and perceived stigma, and significant increases in well-being and resilience. These therapeutic gains have been maintained at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Students were also invited to share their experience of the program six months after completion through video interviews and the vignettes illustrate how they utilized their strengths to bounce back from an assortment of challenges.
The workshop will describe the program topic-by-topic, which include concepts like stories of resilience, open-mindedness, signature strengths, problem solving, grudge and gratitude, empathy, slowness and savoring, positive relationships, altruism, and meaning and purpose. Three of these topics will be demonstrated experientially with the help of relevant research insights, real-life narratives, multi-media illustrations, and in-session practices. The workshop will end with outlining challenges encountered and recommendations regarding its adaptation in various educational, cultural, and therapeutic settings.