Ordinary Magic: Resilience in Development

by Ann S. Masten

From a pioneering researcher, this book synthesizes the best current knowledge on resilience in children and adolescents. Ann S. Masten explores what allows certain individuals to thrive and adapt despite adverse circumstances, such as poverty, chronic family problems, or exposure to trauma. Coverage encompasses the neurobiology of resilience as well as the role of major contexts of families, schools, and culture. Identifying key protective factors in early childhood and beyond, Masten provides a cogent framework for designing programs to promote resilience. Complex concepts are carefully defined and illustrated with real-world examples.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Education, Health, Mental Health, Social Work

370 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Carlene Alexander]

I had very mixed feelings about this book, perhaps reflecting a publication date 7 years ago. I liked the reference to longitudinal studies and situations such as Cambodian children of the Pol Pot era and child soldiers (and recommended books) and there was a helpful references list.
The downside was simply there was quite a lot of repetition. It would have benefited from a summary at the start and then an unfolding of the literature underpinning the summary and being 100 pages shorter.
I also was disappointed at the lack of practical strategies eg for teachers.

[Richelle]

While this text is thorough and offers much evidence-based information regarding resilience and the human experience, it lacks tangibility in processes and adaptations that could be offered through development. Further, it is Eurocentric in nature without being aware of it’s Eurocentricity. A fundamental text, but not a text that can be read in isolation to fully understand resilience and the human experience of resilience.

[Cornelius]

While the topic is fascinating and important, the prose is dry and the style is academic. For those familiar with the subject, there isn’t anything new or unexpected. However, it’s worth receiving insights from a pioneering and highly regarded researcher. Resilience appears to be the norm rather than the exception — don’t let ignorant pessimists tell you otherwise. Unfortunately, some groups have impaired coping systems to facilitate optimal outcomes. How to intervene effectively is explored. This book is essential reading for policymakers, educators, and parents. If you aim to provide a child with the best chance of coping well with adversity, start early and approach it holistically. Cultures and values also play a crucial role. Admittedly, the principles are simple, but the details are quite nuanced and interwoven. The book is particularly strong in presenting clear conceptual models and impressive studies. Nevertheless, I feel the book is excessively lengthy, frequently vague, often too abstract, and some editing could condense and refine it to reduce repetition. Three stars.

[tessa]

the content was SUPER interesting and i think that more research should be devoted to studying resilience in children! as for my interest in reading this book during the busy semester, that was not as high (compared to my legal psych book), so this we have a 3 star rating.

[Kelly McCoy]

My favorite book in resilience studies. Masten is an early pioneer in the field, the best of the best.

[Kelly]

My favorite book in resilience studies. Masten is an early pioneer in the field, the best of the best.

[Amelia Grossman]

this may have taken me a year to finish but I’m glad I did it!!!

[Liv]

Very interesting, but the amount of repeated information made this a slower read.

[Mills College Library]

155.41824 M4231 2014