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Resilience in Children Exposed to Trauma, Disaster and War

Global Perspectives

Ann S. Masten, Ph.D., LP

How do children overcome hazardous experiences to succeed in life? What can be done to protect young people at risk from trauma, war, disasters, and other adversities? Learn about the importance of fostering resilience in children at risk.

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How do children overcome hazardous experiences to succeed in life? What can be done to protect young people at risk from trauma, war, disasters, and other adversities? Learn about the importance of fostering resilience in children at risk.

During this course, participants will: learn how trauma can affect children and the systems they depend on, gain insight into core concepts, research methods and lessons learned in last 50 years of resilience research, learn how research is being applied in the real world through interventions that promote resilience, and engage in discussions with others who are working with children at risk around the world

Participants are welcome to take the MOOC at no cost or to register for a Course Certificate ($49). Those who register and earn a Course Certificate from Coursera also are eligible to sign up for continuing education clock hours through the University of Minnesota.

Participants can earn 10 clock hours of continuing education credit (added cost $99) from the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota. Go here http://z.umn.edu/1a5q to register for continuing education clock hours for completing this course.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1: Origins and Landmark Studies in the Science of Resilience in Children
The first module of this course provides an introduction to the course and to the science of resilience. Video lectures discuss the meaning of resilience and the origins of resilience science. Participants will begin to think about case examples of resilience from their own experience and plan for a resilience interview. In the forum discussions, participants will introduce themselves, discuss the meaning of resilience and its importance in their work. Participants also will nominate favorite films and books about true stories of resilience:
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Designed for professionals who want to promote resilience in young people
Provides research-based insights into resilience in children at risk, making it suitable for students or professionals in psychology, social work, education, or related fields
Taught by a renowned expert in resilience research, Ann S. Masten, Ph.D., LP, from the University of Minnesota, whose work has significantly contributed to the field
Covers a comprehensive range of topics, from the origins of resilience to practical interventions, providing a well-rounded understanding of the subject
Includes discussions, case studies, and interviews with experts, offering a diverse and engaging learning experience
Provides opportunities for continuing education credits, making it valuable for professionals seeking professional development

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Reviews summary

Global study of child resilience

According to learners, this course addresses a critical and globally relevant topic: how children develop resilience when exposed to trauma, disaster, and war. Students found the content to be comprehensive, covering the history of resilience science, research methods, and real-world applications through interventions. The focus on global perspectives and inclusion of case studies and special topics were particularly valued. While the subject matter can be emotionally challenging, students generally felt the course provided valuable insights and a strong framework for understanding and promoting resilience in vulnerable children.
Taught by a leading expert in resilience science.
"Learning from Professor Masten, a pioneer in the field, was an incredible privilege."
"Her insights and research formed a strong basis for the course material."
"The lectures were informative and conveyed complex ideas clearly."
Covers origins, methods, specific traumas, interventions.
"The syllabus covered a lot of ground, from the history of resilience science to modern interventions."
"I appreciated learning about both the theoretical underpinnings and practical applications discussed."
"The modules built logically on each other, providing a solid foundation and building towards action."
Highlights worldwide challenges and varied contexts.
"Learning about different global situations and case studies was eye-opening and added real-world depth."
"The inclusion of special topics on war and conflict resilience made the material very impactful."
"It wasn't just theoretical; the course showed how resilience research translates into practice."
Addresses vital issues impacting children globally.
"This course tackles such an incredibly important subject that everyone working with children should understand."
"Understanding resilience in these contexts is crucial for anyone in humanitarian work or child welfare."
"I gained a much deeper appreciation for the challenges faced by children in crisis zones."
Course material can be difficult due to topic.
"Some of the case studies and special topics were very hard to listen to, be prepared for heavy material."
"While incredibly important, the course content can be emotionally draining at times."
"This course requires not just intellectual engagement but also emotional resilience from the learner."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Resilience in Children Exposed to Trauma, Disaster and War: Global Perspectives with these activities:
Strengthen Your Communication Skills
Enhance your communication abilities, ensuring your messages about resilience are effectively conveyed and impactful.
Browse courses on Communication Skills
Show steps
  • Enroll in a communication skills workshop or course.
  • Read books or articles on effective communication techniques.
  • Practice active listening and empathy in your daily interactions.
Review Trauma-Informed Practices
Enrich your knowledge of trauma-informed practices, fostering a deeper understanding of the impact of trauma on resilience.
Browse courses on Trauma-Informed Care
Show steps
  • Read articles, books, or research papers on trauma-informed practices.
  • Attend a workshop or webinar on the topic.
  • Reflect on how you can apply these practices in your work.
Read: Fostering Resiliency in Children
Gain valuable insights and perspectives on supporting children's resilience by reviewing this must-read text.
View Ordinary Magic on Amazon
Show steps
  • Acquire a copy of the book.
  • Start by identifying how your work aligns with the book's topics.
  • Read the book thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting key points.
Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete Resilience in Children Exposed to Trauma, Disaster and War: Global Perspectives will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Research Scientist
A Research Scientist working for companies such as Pfizer, Merck, or Johnson & Johnson could use their knowledge of resilience in children to develop new and more effective treatments for mental and physical health problems. A Research Scientist working for a research NGO like Save the Children may conduct research on resilience in children who have been affected by war or natural disasters. Gaining insight into core concepts, research methods, and lessons learned in resilience research can help a Research Scientist further this work. This course can be helpful in developing interventions that promote resilience in children.
See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist
Social Worker
Social Workers who assist children and their families may work with children who have experienced trauma, disaster, or war. They can use their knowledge of resilience to help these children cope with their experiences and build resilience. This course may be useful in understanding how trauma can affect children and the systems they depend on.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker
Psychologist
Psychologists can use their knowledge of resilience to help children who have experienced trauma, disaster, or war. They can help these children to understand and cope with their experiences, and to build resilience. This course can be useful in gaining insight into core concepts, research methods, and lessons learned in resilience research. Participants can also learn how research is being applied in the real world through interventions that promote resilience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Psychologist
Child Life Specialist
Child Life Specialists help children to cope with the stress and trauma of hospitalization, illness, and other difficult experiences. They can use their knowledge of resilience to help children to build resilience and to cope with these experiences. This course can be helpful in gaining insight into core concepts, research methods, and lessons learned in resilience research. Participants can also learn how research is being applied in the real world through interventions that promote resilience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Child Life Specialist
School Counselor
School Counselors may work with children who have experienced trauma, disaster, or war. They can use their knowledge of resilience to help these children cope with their experiences and build resilience. This course can be useful in learning how trauma can affect children and the systems they depend on, and gaining insight into core concepts, research methods, and lessons learned in resilience research.
See salaries and explore the career path for School Counselor
Teacher
Teachers play a vital role in the lives of children, and they can use their knowledge of resilience to help children to cope with the challenges they face. This course can be useful in learning how trauma can affect children and the systems they depend on, and gaining insight into core concepts, research methods, and lessons learned in resilience research.
See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts who work in the field of child welfare or education may use their knowledge of resilience to develop policies and programs that support children who have experienced trauma, disaster, or war. This course can be useful in learning how trauma can affect children and the systems they depend on, and gaining insight into core concepts, research methods, and lessons learned in resilience research.
See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst
Disaster Relief Worker
Disaster Relief Workers may work with children who have been affected by natural disasters. They can use their knowledge of resilience to help these children cope with their experiences and build resilience. This course may be useful in understanding how trauma can affect children and the systems they depend on.
See salaries and explore the career path for Disaster Relief Worker
Advocacy Officer
Advocacy Officers who work for organizations that support children who have experienced trauma, disaster, or war may use their knowledge of resilience to advocate for policies and programs that support these children. This course can be useful in understanding how trauma can affect children and the systems they depend on.
See salaries and explore the career path for Advocacy Officer
Program Manager
Program Managers who work for organizations that support children who have experienced trauma, disaster, or war may use their knowledge of resilience to develop and implement programs that support these children. This course can be useful in understanding how trauma can affect children and the systems they depend on.
See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager
Grant Writer
Grant Writers who work for organizations that support children who have experienced trauma, disaster, or war may use their knowledge of resilience to write grant proposals that support these children. This course can be useful in understanding how trauma can affect children and the systems they depend on.
See salaries and explore the career path for Grant Writer
Case Manager
Case Managers who work with children who have experienced trauma, disaster, or war may use their knowledge of resilience to help these children cope with their experiences and build resilience. This course may be useful in understanding how trauma can affect children and the systems they depend on.
See salaries and explore the career path for Case Manager
Community Organizer
Community Organizers who work with children and families may use their knowledge of resilience to build resilience in children and families. This course can be useful in learning how trauma can affect children and the systems they depend on, and gaining insight into core concepts, research methods, and lessons learned in resilience research.
See salaries and explore the career path for Community Organizer
Youth Development Specialist
Youth Development Specialists who work with children and youth may use their knowledge of resilience to build resilience in children and youth. This course can be useful in learning how trauma can affect children and the systems they depend on, and gaining insight into core concepts, research methods, and lessons learned in resilience research.
See salaries and explore the career path for Youth Development Specialist
Peacebuilder
Peacebuilders may use their knowledge of resilience to build resilience in children and youth who have been affected by war or political violence. This course can be useful in gaining insight into core concepts, research methods, and lessons learned in resilience research. Participants may also learn how research is being applied in the real world through interventions that promote resilience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Peacebuilder

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Resilience in Children Exposed to Trauma, Disaster and War: Global Perspectives.
Cover image
The Resilience Factor
Save
Offers a practical guide to building resilience in children and adults. It provides seven key principles for overcoming adversity and thriving in the face of challenges.
The Resilience Factor: 7 Keys to Finding Your Inner...
Paperback
$
Cover image
Tenacity in Children
Save
Explores the concept of resilience and its importance in achieving success in life. It provides practical tips for building resilience in children and adults.
Tenacity in Children: Nurturing the Seven Instincts...
Paperback
$$
Tenacity in Children: Nurturing the Seven Instincts...
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Treating Trauma and Traumatic Grief in Children and...
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to helping children cope with trauma. It offers practical tips for parents and professionals on how to support children who have experienced traumatic events.
Treating Trauma and Traumatic Grief in Children and...
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
Trauma and Recovery
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the psychological effects of trauma, including the effects of domestic abuse and political terror. It also offers a framework for understanding and treating trauma.
Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence-...
Kindle Edition
$$
The Trauma Recovery Group: A Guide for Practitioners
Paperback
$$
Group Trauma Treatment in Early Recovery: Promoting...
Paperback
$$
Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence by...
Hardcover
$$$
Trauma and Recovery: From Domestic Abuse to...
Unknown Binding
$$
Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence-...
Paperback
$$
SUMMARY of the BODY KEEPS the SCORE by BESSEL VAN...
Save
Explores the physical and psychological effects of trauma and offers a comprehensive framework for healing from trauma.
SUMMARY of the BODY KEEPS the SCORE by BESSEL VAN...
Paperback
Check
SUMMARY of the BODY KEEPS the SCORE by BESSEL VAN...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Emotional Muscle
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of child development, from infancy to adolescence. It valuable resource for understanding the impact of trauma on child development.
Emotional Muscle: Strong Parents, Strong Children
Paperback
$$
Emotional Muscle: Strong Parents, Strong Children
Kindle Edition
$
Cover image
Resilience
Save
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the science of resilience. It valuable resource for researchers and practitioners who are interested in learning more about resilience.
Resilience
Paperback
$$
Resilience: The Science of Mastering Life's...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Preventing Psychological Disorders in Service...
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of invisible wounds of war (e.g. post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, depression). It valuable resource for researchers and practitioners who are interested in learning more about invisible wounds of war.
Preventing Psychological Disorders in Service...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Resilience
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the science of resilience. It valuable resource for researchers and practitioners who are interested in learning more about resilience.
Resilience
Paperback
$$
Resilience: The Science of Mastering Life's...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Institution
University of Minnesota
Instructor
Ann S. Masten, Ph.D., LP
Language
English
Transcripts
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Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Designed for professionals who want to promote resilience in young people
Provides research-based insights into resilience in children at risk, making it suitable for students or professionals in psychology, social work, education, or related fields
Taught by a renowned expert in resilience research, Ann S. Masten, Ph.D., LP, from the University of Minnesota, whose work has significantly contributed to the field
Covers a comprehensive range of topics, from the origins of resilience to practical interventions, providing a well-rounded understanding of the subject
Includes discussions, case studies, and interviews with experts, offering a diverse and engaging learning experience
Provides opportunities for continuing education credits, making it valuable for professionals seeking professional development
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