Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences
HOPE Framework
Toxic stress resulting from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) has detrimental effects on a child’s overall health and development, spanning physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects. However, the HOPE framework, based on the research of Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), has shown promise in mitigating the impact of toxic stress on children and families.1 By prioritizing the promotion of positive experiences during childhood, the HOPE framework offers a potential strategy to counter the negative consequences of ACEs and foster healthier outcomes for children as they mature into adulthood. The HOPE framework has four building blocks which include2:
♦ Relationships within the family and with other children and adults through interpersonal activities.
♦ Safe, equitable, stable environments for living, playing, and learning at home and in school.
♦ Social and civic engagement to develop a sense of belonging and connectedness.
♦ Emotional growth through playing and interacting with peers for self-awareness and self-regulation.
The goal of this framework is to be deeply integrated into the fabric of communities, service providers, and households, which will lead to transformative outcomes for children, families, and entire communities.
HOPE Inspired University
Even though this framework was developed based on PCEs, HOPE is not limited to children and their families. A healthy HOPE Inspired community must support the well-being of all individuals, from all backgrounds, cultures, and stages of life. Research has shown that there is a growing need to expand mental health support as rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns have increased across college campuses.3 A HOPE Inspired University is a university that will center student wellness and provide support for the future workforce.
Goals
During our conversations with SDSU leaders, we are looking forward to exploring:
1. How the foundations of H.O.P.E. can inspire intentional student and older adult experiences within the four building blocks
2. Increase student wellness in personal, academic, and family life
3. Prepare the workforce and parents of tomorrow to become catalysts of HOPE
For additional information, please check out the HOPE National Resource Center’s website.
Go HERE to review the Social Policy Institute’s Knowledge to Action Brief: HOPE In Times of Adversity.
1 Burstein, D., Yang, C., Johnson, K., Linkenbach, J., & Sege, R. (2021). TRANSFORMING PRACTICE WITH HOPE (HEALTHY OUTCOMES FROM POSITIVE EXPERIENCES). MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH JOURNAL.
2 Sege, R. and Browne, C. Responding to ACEs with HOPE: Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences. Academic Pediatrics 2017; 17:S79-S85.
3 Colarossi, J. (2022). MENTAL HEALTH OF COLLEGE STUDENTS IS GETTING WORSE. BOSTON UNIVERSITY.
