Disclaimer: The speakers and topics are correct at the time of ...

Promoting Resilience: Stacking the Odds in Kids’ Favour
Presenter: Dr Sam Goldstein, Ph.D. Assistant Clinical Professor, University of Utah School of Medicine, UT,
Research Professor, George Mason University, VA, Neurology, Learning and Behaviour Centre, Salt Lake City, UT
Presentation title: Is Resilience an Evidence Based Concept Thoughts from the Latest Bandwagon
Abstract:
In this multi-media presentation, Dr Sam Goldstein will trace the historical, scientific and popular concepts of
resilience as a driving force in the new positive psychology. He will question (and answer) whether the theoretic
tenants of the resilience model are worthy of the rapid growth of this model in applied psychological practice,
education and the broader culture. The study of resilience has expanded significantly over the past twenty years.
There has been an accelerated interest in not only understanding risk and protective factors and their operation but
also in determining whether this information can be distilled into clinically relevant interventions that not only
increase positive outcome for youth facing risk but can be applied preventatively in educational and community
models to the population of children in general. Indeed meta-analytic studies of preventive intervention
effectiveness have generated increasing evidence of the ability to reduce the numbers of youth with certain
emotional and psychiatric problems through an understanding and modification of the forces that shape life
outcome. Dr. Goldstein will address whether research is sufficient to justify the increasingly popular concept that
resilience may not only serve as a powerful antidote for the myriad of challenges and adversities children face
today but also guide the practices of education, mental health and parenting long into the future.
OBJECTIVES
1 Participants will understand the historical roots tracing the development of resilience as a clinical concept.
2 Participants will develop an appreciation of a risk/benefit model of conceptualizing children’s development
and disorders.
3 Participants will learn about specific protective factors and how to apply them with vulnerable youth.
4 Participants will learn about the current research in the application of a positive, resilience based clinical
psychology.
Presenter: Associate Professor Marilyn Campbell, Associate Professor Faculty of Education, Learning and
Professional Studies, University of Queensland
Presentation title: Resilience for students who have been bullied Only one part of the solution.
Abstract:
We know that there are detrimental consequences for students who are victims of bullying. These include
increased levels of depression, anxiety and psychosomatic symptoms as well as lower self-esteem and social
difficulties. Could interventions to increase these students’ resilience lessen these negative impacts If the bullying
is slight, of short duration and the student is of normal fortitude then perhaps this might be so. However, if the
bullying is severe, of prolonged duration and the student is vulnerable then coping with this torment is only part of
the solution. We know that anxious and depressed students, those with Aspergers’ syndrome and other disabilities
are at greater risk of being bullied by their peers. Perhaps interventions to assist these students’ difficulties before
bullying occurs would be more helpful. Additionally, more effort in prevention work with those students who bully
and the school community is warranted. This presentation will address strategies to prevent and intervene with
bullying (physical, verbal, relational and cyber) which have some evidence base and those strategies which appear
to be counter-productive.
Presenter: Dr Sam Goldstein, Ph.D. Assistant Clinical Professor, University of Utah School of Medicine, UT,
Research Professor, George Mason University, VA, Neurology, Learning and Behaviour Centre, Salt Lake City, UT
Presentation title: Practical strategies (TBA)
Seminar: Thursday 6 th September, 4:30 – 6:30pm
Dr Sam Goldstein – Executive functioning and autism
(Walter Howe, Psychological Assessments Australia Pty Ltd)
Disclaimer: The speakers and topics are correct at the time of uploading to the website. In the event of
unforeseen circumstances, CHERI reserves the right to delete or alter items in the conference program

Promoting Resilience: Stacking the Odds in Kids’ Favour
Presenter: Associate Professor Erica Frydenberg, Principal Fellow, Melbourne Graduate School of Education, The
University of Melbourne
Presentation title: Coping skills – concepts and constructs to facilitate young people’s social emotional
development
Abstract:
Coping in young people relates to both current and future wellbeing and is therefore integral to the educational,
clinical and counselling arenas. Given the diversity and multitude of situations that they encounter it is important to
help young people enhance and augment their coping skills for dealing with present and future events. This
presentation will provide an overview of contemporary understandings of the theory and practice of coping; what
we have learned and what are the implications for young people’s health and wellbeing. What is meant by good
coping and bad coping will be considered when providing practical tools for wellbeing. There will be a focus on how
adolescents cope and how they can be taught to cope more effectively to promote positive mental health through
the effective use of coping strategies. The good news is that coping skills can be both developed and evaluated
throughout the lifespan in order to optimize social and emotional development.
Presenter: Dr Caroline Mansfield, School of Education, Murdoch University, Western Australia
Presentation title: Promoting resilience for teachers and their students: A four dimensional view
Abstract:
Over the last 15 years resilience in educational contexts has attracted significant attention, particularly in countries
like Australia where student populations are becoming increasingly diverse and the teaching profession is subject
to high rates of attrition and teacher burnout. Despite ongoing challenges, there are individual characteristics and
contextual features that can promote resilience in schools enabling staff and students to thrive, not simply survive.
This presentation will focus on resilience in educational contexts, bringing latest findings from Western Australia
and around the world. Using a four dimensional framework to explore resilience in classrooms, the complexity of
resilience and the dynamic interplay of emotional, social, motivational and professional dimensions of teacher
resilience are discussed. Strategies teachers can use to enhance their own resilience and promote resilience in
their classrooms are presented. Viewing classroom life from the perspective of resilience offers opportunities for
teachers maintain their own wellbeing in times of adversity and to create classroom contexts that promote
resilience for their students.
Presenter: Clinical Professor David Bennett AO, Head, NSW Centre for the Advancement of Adolescent Health
Presentation title: Fostering psychological wellbeing in young people
Abstract:
Adolescence is a unique and fascinating time of life when profound changes have the potential for huge impact on
both current and future wellbeing. Notwithstanding their reputation as ‘the healthiest group in the population’, young
people have to cope with ‘the perils of puberty’ and the challenges of emerging relationships and identity-seeking.
Experimentation and risk-taking pose dangers to health and life while the vicissitudes of chronic and disabling
conditions are problematic for many. And overall, the prevalence of social and psychological problems has
increased! Fortunately, adolescence is ‘a time of second chances’. New findings from neuroscience plus research
into parenting and school-based programs provide a ‘blueprint’ for helping young people develop resilient traits and
coping strategies. This presentation will review the state of play in young people’s health, some of the challenges
related to development and behaviour, and practical approaches to supporting young people’s psychological and
emotional needs.
Disclaimer: The speakers and topics are correct at the time of uploading to the website. In the event of
unforeseen circumstances, CHERI reserves the right to delete or alter items in the conference program.