Positive Psychology: A Source of Resilience for Children Facing Trauma
In times of war, pandemics, and natural disasters, the uncertainty of the future and the fear of loss of life can have a devastating psychological impact on children. However, as demonstrated in Elie Wiesel’s Night and Dorinda Makanaonalani Nicholson’s World War II: Kids Who Survived Tell Their Stories, there is evidence that children can find resilience through positive psychology.
Positive psychology emphasizes the importance of “meaning” and “relationships” to survive trauma, as represented by psychologist Martin Seligman’s PERMA model. The ability of children to find meaning and support in relationships, such as those with caregivers and parents, can help them stay resilient in times of great stress and trauma. Historical examples of those who survived the Holocaust demonstrate how support from caregivers, parents, and educators helped bolster a sense of purpose in life and reinforced positive psychology.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant rise in mental health issues, particularly in children who have experienced anxiety and depression due to containment measures and lifestyle disruptions. The pandemic has resulted in more “mass trauma” than World War II, according to Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization.
Positive psychology has gained attention as a means of preventing ill mental health and enhancing well-being through meaningful relationships and fostering hope. Dr. Seligman’s research suggests that the PERMA model can help people live richer life in fulfilment, happiness, and meaning. It is a simple and practical tool for this purpose.
Previous research has identified factors that foster the ability of children to overcome the trauma of war, including a sense of agency, social intelligence, empathy, affect regulation, shared experience, caregiving features, community connection, an understanding of the future, hope and growth, a connection to spirituality, and morality. Personal attitudes and general behaviour patterns can also affect how a child reacts to challenging circumstances.
In extreme circumstances, children can choose a wide range of healthy coping mechanisms related to sensory, physical, intellectual, and creative activities. By fostering positive psychology and resilience in children, we can help them to find hope and meaning in difficult times, leading to a happier and more fulfilling life.
In conclusion, positive psychology is a source of resilience for children facing trauma. By emphasizing the importance of “meaning” and “relationships,” as represented by Seligman’s PERMA model, and by identifying factors that foster the ability of children to overcome trauma, we can help children to find hope and meaning in difficult times. We can help children lead happier and more fulfilling lives by fostering resilience.
