| Positive psychology is based on the idea that if young people are taught to be resilient and optimistic, they will be less likely to suffer from depression and will lead happier, more productive lives. In other words, by building on human strengths, we are also building psychological muscles before the problems occur; therefore, preventing mental illness.; The program was designed to serve a population of children, ages 5 to 11 years old, which are enrolled in the elementary public school system, and to be implemented within the elementary public school system. Children will be introduced to new cognitive and coping strategies, as well as social skills. Parents will be involved and encouraged to participate in the learning of optimism, providing ample positive feedback, reassurance, support, and sensitivity toward culturally diverse children. At the end of the program cycle, the children will be assessed utilizing measurements such as the Child Behavior Checklist for ages 4–18 (CBCL/4–18) and the Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale (BERS). These tools will help determine if there is a prevention of mental illness, and to ascertain whether a change was made toward an optimistic explanatory style. The participants will be tested over a two year period to determine if mental illness was prevented over a long period of time.; Though, some concerns need to be addressed prior to an effective implementation. Such as, the programs group size, the cost, it is time consuming, its location, and its after school time schedule. This program appears to be a realistic and viable solution for the prevention of mental illness among elementary school-aged children. Short-term benefits to this program may be the reintegration of children into the community, creating cohesiveness among children and their families, and the teaching of adaptive thoughts and behaviors. The long-term benefits could be the prevention of violence, substance abuse, gang involvement, and ultimately psychological deficits. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
