Strategies to Help Girls Cope with the Complex World of Female Relationships
Recognizing one's competence, confidence, and strengths are key components of increasing resiliency (Ginsburg, 2011). Yet, for many adolescent girls this presents a new challenge of how to balance the social pressure of fitting in (sameness) with the recognition of strengths (uniqueness). When relationships are the main source of stress for girls, it can be difficult for them to cope by choosing to be different.

Learn strategies to help girls increase resiliency, identify strengths, and cope with the complex world of female relationships. Activities will be shared that can be used with individuals and groups. Solution-focused tips will be discussed to help parents and other adults provide appropriate feedback to promote confidence and competence.

DSM®, DSM-IV-TR®, and DSM-5® are registered trademarks of the American Psychiatric Association. The American Psychiatric Association is not affiliated with nor endorses this seminar.

Course Content

SOCIAL STRESSORS THAT ADOLESCENT GIRLS EXPERIENCE
• Importance of relationships and body image
• Social pressure to be accepted by being the same
7 COMPONENTS OF RESILIENCY
• The Components
  1. Competence
  2. Confidence
  3. Connection
  4. Character
  5. Contribution
  6. Coping
  7. Control
• Potential effects of adversity, DSM-5® diagnosis
• Definition and role of strengths
REASONS FOR DEFICIENT APPLICATION OF STRENGTHS
• Compare the following within the context of female culture
  – Confidence/ego
  – Competence/superiority
  – Strengths/uniqueness
• Consequences and coping skills for choosing to highlight strengths
EFFECTIVE VS. INEFFECTIVE FEEDBACK
• Praising effort vs. outcome
• Recognize signs of increased resiliency