Pathways to Resilience III: Beyond Nature vs. Nurture

Abstract #286
Project Resilience: Preparing Youth to Make Healthy Responses to Traumatic Events
Presenter: Anthony Hill  
Abstract:
Depression and anxiety disorders are pervasive public health concerns. According to the Mental Health Association, more than 100,000 from the state of Delaware (USA), including youth, are affected by these illnesses annually. Youth who experience bullying, gang violence, domestic and intimate partner violence or any life alternating experience are vulnerable to depression, anxiety, feelings of loneliness and isolation. Project Resilience is a community based initiative and its goal is to provide youth in Southern Delaware (USA) with opportunities to learn how to develop coping skills and inner strength, and to utilize family and community resources in times of crises. Youth who participate in the program will understand how to make healthy responses to traumatic events and how to use inner strength and utilize family and community resources to address crises. To measure resilience, youth who participate in the Project Resilience workshops completed the Child and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM) before and after the training. This presentation describes the components of Project Resilience, discusses key findings, and considers implications for practice and policy.