PATH: a program to build resilience and thriving in undergraduates

Abstract

We developed and tested a brief three‐session program to build resilience (protection from depressive symptoms) and thriving (positive growth) in undergraduates by teaching adaptive explanatory styles. In Study 1, a pretest–posttest waiting list control experiment with 28 undergraduates found that our Program for Accelerated Thriving and Health (PATH) significantly increased optimistic and personal control explanatory styles (Attributional Style Questionnaire), resilience (Beck Depression Inventory‐II), and thriving (Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale 10). In Study 2, a placebo control experiment with 63 undergraduates found a modified version of the program to significantly increase resilience. All effects were at least moderate in size. As predicted, a personal control explanatory style significantly predicted thriving in both studies. Predictors of resilience and thriving were discussed in terms of differentiating the constructs.

Spirituality, Social Support, Pride, and Contentment as Differential Predictors of Resilience and Life Satisfaction in Emerging Adulthood

“…As hypothesized, pride strongly predicted resilience. This finding is consistent with previous research linking pride to resilience in older adults (Janssen et al, 2011), to perseverance (Williams & DeSteno, 2008), and to achievement motivation (Tracy & Robins, 2007b), as well as with findings for a resilient explanatory style (Gerson & Fernandez, 2013). Contentment also predicted resilience, although not as strongly as pride.…”

“…A personal control explanatory style, in which adverse events are attributed to specific, temporary, and changeable (controllable) aspects of oneself, has been found to help undergraduates resist distress (Gerson & Fernandez, 2013). Rather than engaging either in characterological self-blame or blaming outside factors, a personal control explanatory style considers aspects of the self that may have been responsible for an adverse event or that could be modified to prevent adversity in the future.…”

Between Avoidance and Problem Solving: Resilience, Self‐Efficacy, and Social Support Seeking

“…Counselors may implement resilience programs such as the PATH program (Gerson & Fernandez, 2013) and the READY program (Burton, Pakenham, & Brown, 2010) to enhance clients' resilience. The PATH program helps clients build an adaptive explanatory style by using lectures, PowerPoint presentations, handouts, and small-group discussions.…”

A Cross‐Cultural Study on a Resilience–Stress Path Model for College Students

“…Most of these programs were developed for children and adolescents, with relatively few developed for adults. However, two recent programs, the program for accelerated thriving and health (PATH; Gerson & Fernandez, 2013) and the READY (resilience and activity for every day) program (Burton, Pakenham, & Brown, 2010), may provide information for counselors to enhance resilience in adults. The PATH program aimed at building an adaptive explanatory style in college students.…”