Resiliency is a powerful developmental tool, and at a Red Deer Polytechnic workshop on Sept. 27, the work behind the word was on full display.
The workshop focused on Adverse Childhood Experiences and Resilience Scale Masterclass in collaboration with the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre (CACAC), Sheldon Kennedy Centre of Excellence and the Alberta Family Wellness Initiative (AFWI).
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur throughout a child’s life, which can have significant and lasting effects on their overall well-being and development.
The attendees of the workshop, titled Resilience Reboot: Empowering Minds, Strengthening Spirits, gained valuable insights and tools from experts, including Red Deer Polytechnic instructors. Attendees learned about resilience through research and evidence-based materials that will help people explore the lifelong impact of resilience on individuals and communities.
“This workshop offered attendees, regardless of their familiarity with Resilience and diverse Childhood Experiences, a meaningful chance to enhance their knowledge and integrate resilience into both personal and professional settings,” said Emile Johnson, Director, Resiliency and Child Advocacy Research. “Workshops like this create a shared language to inform policymakers, practitioners and the public about the critical link between brain development and lifelong well-being.”
Dr. Anomi Bearden and Dr. Jamie Prowse-Turner, two RDP Psychology instructors, contributed to the workshop by displaying their research in their field of study. Bearden presented how the use of psychology can lead to positive youth development and promote resilience following childhood trauma while Prowse- Turner spoke on post-secondary students’ procrastination and self-efficacy in relation to Adverse Childhood Experiences.
RDP students, Seyi A. Alabi and Jocelyn Wynnychuk, also showcased their applied research at the workshop. Alabi, a Social Work Diploma student, presented on turning challenges into opportunities while Wynnychuk, a Bachelor of Arts student majoring in Psychology, talked about her literature review of Move Your Mood, a program about supporting adolescents' well-being.
