MODULE - 3 -

EMOTION FOCUSED
APPROACHES

History of Resilience and Emotion-Focused

Approaches
Origins and Early Research

• The concept of resilience emerged in the 1970s when

developmental psychologists began studying children who thrived despite
facing adversity (Masten, 1999).

Early research focus:

• Understanding risk factors that led to psychological issues in

children.

• Identifying protective factors that helped some children develop

successfully despite hardships.

Key Contributions to Resilience Research

• Ann Masten (2001): Defined resilience as “good outcomes in

spite of serious threats to adaptation or development.”
 • Ryff & Singer (2003): Emphasized resilience as a factor in
maintaining and improving mental and physical health after challenges.

• Werner & Smith (1982, 1992): Conducted the Kauai

Longitudinal Study, tracking children from infancy to adulthood to analyze
resilience factors.

• Buckner, Mezzacappa, & Beardslee (2003): Studied resilience

in disadvantaged youth, identifying intelligence, self-regulation, and
parental monitoring as key resilience factors.

Shift in Perspective Over Time

• Early Studies: Focused on pathology (why people fail in

adversity).

• Modern Studies: Explore positive psychology (how people

succeed despite adversity).

• Applications:

• Used in child development, mental health, education, and aging

studies.

• Resilience research informs therapeutic practices, leadership

development, and personal growth programs.

Resilience
• Resilience is the ability to cope with, adapt to, and recover from
adversity.

• It allows individuals to bounce back from difficulties and even

grow stronger through challenges.

• Major life challenges that test resilience:

• Death of a loved one

 • Divorce

• Financial problems

• Job loss

• Illness

• Natural disasters

Characteristics of Resilient People

1. Survivor Mentality: Believe they can overcome obstacles.

2. Emotional Regulation: Manage emotions effectively.

3. Sense of Control: Strong internal locus of control.

4. Problem-Solving Skills: Approach challenges logically.

5. Self-Compassion: Treat themselves with kindness.

6. Social Support: Maintain strong relationships.

Types of Resilience

1. Physical Resilience: The body’s ability to recover from stress,

illness, or injuries.

• Strengthened through exercise, diet, and sleep.

2. Mental Resilience: Ability to stay calm and adapt during

uncertainty.

• Key for crisis management and decision-making.

3. Emotional Resilience: Awareness and regulation of emotions.

• Helps maintain optimism during tough times.

 4. Social Resilience: Community-based resilience in times of
crisis.

• Involves support networks, teamwork, and social connections.

Resilience Factors (Dr. Ginsburg’s 7 Cs)

1. Competence: Ability to handle challenges effectively.

2. Confidence: Trust in one’s own abilities.

3. Connection: Strong relationships provide security.

4. Character: Sense of self-worth and values.

5. Contribution: Helping others builds a sense of purpose.

6. Coping: Effective stress management skills.

7. Control: Realizing one’s ability to make choices.

Building Resilience

• Self-belief: Develop confidence in abilities.

• Social networks: Rely on support systems.

• Optimism: Maintain a positive outlook.

• Problem-solving: Develop strategic thinking.

• Adaptability: Accept and embrace change.

• Self-care: Focus on physical and mental well-being.

Models of Resilience

● Variable-focused: links between individual characteristics,

environments, and experiences.
● Person-focused: identifies resilient people and their differences from
those not doing well.
Variable-Focused Models

● Additive: independent contributions of risk factors and

assets/resources.
● Risk/asset gradients: negative impact of risk factors and advantages
of assets.
● Interactive: moderators (vulnerability and protective factors) altering
risk impact.
● Indirect: mediated effects of predictors on outcomes; total prevention
by strong protective factors.

Person-Focused Models

● Case study: individual cases as examples.

● Resilient subgroup: identifies high-risk individuals who thrive.
● Full diagnostic: classifies children by competence and adversity
exposure, highlighting protective factors.

Sources of Resilience in Children

● Within the child: problem-solving, adaptability, positive self-image,

optimism, emotional regulation, talents, humor.
● Within the family: close relationships, supportive parenting, positive
environment, structure, involvement, resources.
● Within the community: good schools, social involvement, caring
neighborhood, safety, support services.

Resilience Among Disadvantaged Youth

● Poverty increases risks (emotional disorders, substance abuse,

school failure).
● Protective factors (stable families) promote resilience.
● Key predictors: lower negative events, higher
competence/self-esteem, self-regulation.
● Parental monitoring aids self-regulation.

Resilience in Adulthood and Later Life

 ● Influenced by childhood factors.
● Ryff’s model: self-acceptance, growth, purpose, mastery, autonomy,
positive relations.
● Older adults: shift to emotion goals, high-quality interactions, close
relationships.
● Posttraumatic Growth (PTG): positive changes after trauma.

Self-Esteem
Definition of Self-Esteem

• Self-esteem is a person’s sense of self-worth and confidence in

their abilities.

• It affects emotions, behaviors, and relationships.

• Synonyms: Self-worth, self-respect, self-value.

Theories of Self-Esteem

● Maslow's hierarchy of needs: esteem is a basic human motivation.

● Both appreciation from others and self-respect are needed for
self-actualization.

Development of Self-Esteem

Early Childhood:

• Influenced by parental encouragement, love, and support.

• Positive Experiences: Respect, recognition, and unconditional

love build healthy self-esteem.

• Negative Experiences: Criticism, neglect, and rejection lead to

low self-esteem.

Adolescence:
 • Social comparison becomes a major factor (peer pressure,
body image, academic performance).

• Social media can either boost or damage self-esteem.

Adulthood:

• Influenced by career success, relationships, and personal

achievements.

• Failures and setbacks can affect self-esteem, but resilience can

help rebuild it.

Factors Influencing Self Esteem

● Self esteem or self image of adolescents is based on six domains:

scholastic competence, social acceptance, athletic competence,
physical appearance, job competence, romantic appeal.

Signs of Healthy Self-Esteem

• Trust in own abilities and judgment.

• Accepting personal strengths and weaknesses.

• Less fear of failure and rejection.

• Willingness to try new things and take risks.

Effects of Low Self-Esteem

• Increased likelihood of anxiety, depression, and stress.

• Fear of failure and rejection, leading to avoidance behavior.

• Social withdrawal and difficulty forming relationships.

• Higher risk of substance abuse and self-destructive behavior.

How to Improve Self-Esteem

 • Challenge negative thoughts and replace them with positive
affirmations.

• Practice self-care (physical, mental, and emotional well-being).

• Surround yourself with supportive people who uplift you.

• Set realistic goals and celebrate small achievements.

• Engage in activities that bring joy and a sense of

accomplishment.

The Six Pillars of Self-Esteem (Nathaniel Branden)

1. Living Consciously – Being fully aware of thoughts, emotions,

and actions, making informed and mindful choices.

2. Self-Acceptance – Embracing oneself, including strengths and

weaknesses, without self-rejection or denial.

3. Self-Responsibility – Taking ownership of one’s actions,

decisions, and personal growth.

4. Self-Assertiveness – Expressing thoughts, needs, and values

openly and confidently.

5. Living Purposefully – Setting meaningful goals and taking

deliberate actions to achieve them.

6. Personal Integrity – Aligning actions with personal values and

principles, fostering self-respect.

Humor and Its Role in Well-Being

Definition of Humor

• Humor is the ability to recognize, enjoy, and create laughter in

response to life’s challenges.
 • Psychological benefits: Reduces stress, anxiety, and negative
emotions.

• Social benefits: Strengthens relationships and promotes social

bonding.

Theories of Humor

1. Relief Theory (Freud): Humor relieves tension and helps cope

with stress.

2. Superiority Theory: People laugh when they feel triumph over

others’ misfortunes.

3. Incongruity Theory: Humor arises when something unexpected

or illogical happens.

Using Humor to Cope with Stress and Illness

• Medical Benefits:

• Improves immune function and pain tolerance.

• Increases positive emotions in patients with chronic illness

(Gelkopf, 2011).

• Mental Health Benefits:

• Reduces depression, anxiety, and stress (Gelkopf et al., 2006).

• Helps psychiatric patients with emotional regulation and social

interaction.

Humor in Professional Settings

• Used by healthcare workers to manage stress and emotional

fatigue.

• Enhances team collaboration and workplace morale.

Building a Sense of Humor

• Find humor in everyday life and practice laughing at minor

setbacks.

• Engage with comedy (movies, books, stand-up shows).

• Surround yourself with positive people who enjoy humor.