In recent years, mental health challenges have increasingly affected young people worldwide, creating a pressing need for strategies that support and develop emotional resilience and a sense of self-worth. At Kingsley School, we are embracing a strengths-based approach as a means to nurture wellbeing. This approach encourages young people to identify, recognise and use their innate strengths, fostering a positive, affirming mindset that promotes growth and resilience.
The modern world presents young people with a range of pressures and challenges. Academic expectations, social dynamics, and the ever-present influence of technology can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. Traditional approaches to improvement often lead young people to focus disproportionately on perceived weaknesses rather than building on what makes them unique and capable.
A strengths-based approach turns this perspective around, focusing on what is right with each individual rather than what might be wrong. Grounded in positive psychology, the VIA Character Strengths model identifies 24 character strengths that have been rigorously researched and validated as universal qualities across cultures. These strengths include qualities like curiosity, kindness, perseverance, and leadership—attributes that reside within all of us to varying degrees.
But what exactly is a “strength”? A character strength is a capacity for thinking, feeling, and behaving in ways that benefit oneself and others. Strengths are not merely skills or talents; they are core, enduring qualities that shape who we are and how we interact with the world. For example, a student who regularly displays kindness is showing a character strength that can enhance their relationships and bring a sense of purpose and positivity to their interactions. Recognising and building on strengths like these can be especially powerful for young people, providing them with tools to navigate challenges and boost their confidence.
Research shows that a strengths-based approach has numerous benefits for mental health and overall well-being. When young people are encouraged to identify and use their character strengths, they are more likely to experience positive emotions, engage meaningfully with others, and achieve a sense of accomplishment. These benefits, in turn, can act as protective factors against mental health challenges.
For example, using strengths can help students feel more connected and engaged in their schoolwork, as well as in their social lives. They may feel more equipped to handle stress and to approach problems with creativity and resilience. Moreover, the focus on strengths encourages a mindset that values effort and perseverance—key qualities that support mental resilience.
At Kingsley School, we are actively integrating the VIA Character Strengths into our curriculum and school culture. By helping students recognise and develop their unique strengths, we aim to build a supportive, strengths-focused environment that fosters both academic success and personal growth.
By shifting the focus from what students need to “fix” to what they can build upon, we empower young people to see themselves in a positive light and equip them to face the complexities of life with a grounded sense of self.
In a world that often emphasises competition and comparison, a strengths-based approach offers a refreshing, affirming way for young people to see themselves and others. At Kingsley School, we believe that by championing the strengths of each student, we are not only enhancing their academic and personal success but also nurturing a generation that values well-being, resilience, and positive contribution.