Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | "Where is hope?": Building a research-informed children's book as an innovative tool for hope development in primary schools |
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| Contribution code | D3.125 |
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| Form of presentation | Poster |
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| Abstract |
Aim: "Where is Hope?", is a research-based children’s book designed to teach hope as a skill for preventing challenging behaviours and emotional distress by introducing hope as a protective factor and an innovative tool during ages 6-12. It aims to provide primary schools with a structured, accessible tool for fostering hope and resilience in children aged 6–12, equipping them with strategies to manage challenges and develop emotional well-being early in life. Methods: The book is grounded in Snyder’s Hope Theory, which defines hope as the ability to set meaningful goals, identify pathways to achieve them, and maintain agency to persevere. Research into child cognitive development and the role of the prefrontal cortex in goal-directed thinking informed the book’s design. The narrative follows Stylianos, an 8-year-old boy, as he journeys through metaphorical countries of Anxiety, Sadness, and Despair before reaching the "Country of Hope." Practical exercises include activities like "My Hope Ladder," where children break down goals into manageable steps, and "Pathway Maps," where they visualize multiple paths to their goals. Reflection prompts, such as "My Brave Moments," help children connect past challenges with their ability to persist and succeed. Results and Conclusions: The book provides schools and families with a versatile, evidence-based tool to teach hope as a skill, promoting emotional resilience and mitigating risk for challenging behaviors. Teachers and counselors can implement activities like hope-building workshops, while parents can use the reflective exercises at home. By teaching hope early, this tool bridges research and practice, enabling children to build strong emotional foundations that will support them throughout adolescence and beyond. This innovative resource offers a scalable approach to mental health promotion in primary schools but also acts as a prevention tool for future challenges such as self harm. |