Marlo Martin discusses the important role positive psychology can play in building resilience and bringing about transformation.

1. THE ROLE OF POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY:
BUILDING RESILIENCE AND
PROMOTING CHANGE
MARLO MARTIN
EDUCATOR | REGISTERED COUNSELLOR | FACILITATOR

2. WHAT POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY IS NOT
•Not positive or wishful thinking.
•Does not ignore the setbacks or adversity people
experience.
•Does not discard traditional psychology viewpoints.
(Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000)
(Peterson, 2008)

3. POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY DEFINED
“Psychology is not just the study of weakness, disease
and damage. It is also the study of strength and virtue.
Treatment is not just fixing what is broken; it’s also
nurturing what is best within ourselves.”
(Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000)

4. FUNDAMENTAL ASSUMPTIONS OF
POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
Involves a shift in paradigm and mindset:
Growth-mindset, rather than fixed mindset
Solution-focused, rather than problem-focused
Strength-based, rather than weakness-based
Adopting a growth mindset is being resilient.
(Green, 2011)

7. RESILIENCE DEFINED
• “Adaptations that an individual has to make in order to emerge
stronger from a stressful situation and the growth that is part of
resilience.” (Personnel Today, 2012)
• “Maintaining a sense of well-being while facing up to realities and
adversity in a constructive way.”
• “The flexibility in response to changing situational demands, and
the ability to bounce back from negative emotional experiences”
(Tugade et al, 2004)

8. STRATEGIES TO BUILD RESILIENCE
1. Individual level
Reframing
Basic psycho-education / Supportive counselling
Practising gratitude
Moving towards your goals
• “Begin with the end in mind” – Stephen Covey
• Value-based goal setting
Nurture skill development through continuous education
Take care of yourself – Health & Nutrition

9. STRATEGIES TO BUILD RESILIENCE
2. Community Level
 Resilience Education & Training Programmes
 Psycho-educational Workshops / Group supportive counselling
 Intervention Plans
• Diversity Training / Career Education
• Study Skills & Academic Development
• Crisis Intervention
• Life Skills Workshops
 Mental Health Awareness Campaigns

10. MY STORY OF RESILIENCE: OVERCOMING
KERATOCONUS

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•E-mail : martinmarlo@yahoo.com