Best of the Best: Greater Than the Sum—Multiple Adversities in Children’s Lives, with Dr. Sherry Hamby

Greater Than the Sum—Multiple Adversities in Children’s Lives (originally “Mending the Tears of Violence”) is the third in a three-part series of best-of-the-best episodes. Adversity and violence are common in kid’s lives. The cumulative burden creates a lifelong vulnerability to physical and psychological issues. So how do we help kids thrive? What strengths are most important? Sherry Hamby, research professor of psychology at the University of the South, discussed trauma’s cumulative impact and how teachers, parents, and advocates can help kids.

Topics:

• Adversity and violence (2:02)
• Polyvictimization, dose response (7:20)
• Resilience, polystrengths (12:30)
• Symptom relief is not well-being (20:39)
• Important strengths (23:08)
• Recovering positive affect (30:14)
• Helping kids (35:30)

Links:

Sherry Hamby, Ph.D.,  Life Paths Research Center director and ResilienceCon founder

ACE study

David Finkelhor, Heather A. Turner

National Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence

“Polyvictimization: Children’s Exposure to Multiple Types of Violence, Crime, and Abuse”

Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire

Ann S. Masten, Ordinary Magic: Resilience in Development

“Sense of Purpose—The Most Important Strength?”

“From Poly-Victimization to Poly-Strengths: Understanding the Web of Violence Can Transform Research on Youth Violence and Illuminate the Path to Prevention and Resilience”

“Poly-victimization, Trauma, and Resilience: Exploring Strengths That Promote Thriving After Adversity”

“Health-related quality of life among adolescents as a function of victimization, other adversities, and strengths”

MMPI

“Developmental Stage of Onset, Poly-Victimization, and Persistence of Childhood Victimization: Impact on Adult Well-Being in a Rural Community–Based Study”

Two-by-Ten

James Pennebaker