4 Troubled Teens Blog

A new study finds that there could be advantages in teaching children resilience, positive emotions, and a sense of purpose -- advantages that include reducing the risk of teen depression. according to Dr. Martin Seligman of the University of Pennsylvania, children who have these positive qualities are less likely to be depressed and more likely to have higher grades:

An Aug. 7 press release provided the following details from Dr. Seligman's research:

• Dr. Seligman and his colleagues reviewed 19 studies begun in 1980 of more than 2000 children ages eight to 15 years old.
• Some of the children were enrolled in the Penn Resiliency Program and the Positive Psychology Program, programs that taught assertiveness, creative brainstorming, decision-making, relaxation, and other coping skills to help them handle everyday stress and problems common to adolescents.
• Dr. Seligman found that the programs reduced the children's sense of hopelessness, anxiety, and depression, and increased their enjoyment and engagement in school.

"It is important to start in the formative school years, so positive thinking and resilience are instilled and available to handle future challenges," Dr. Seligman said Aug. 8 during a presentation at the 117th annual convention of the American Psychological Association.

Labels: depression, research, optimism

Posted By: Aspen/CRC