Ordinary Magic: Resilience in Development

by Ann S. Masten

Fully updated with key advances in theory, methods, and research, the second edition of this landmark work features an expanded conceptual framework and a more global perspective on threats to human development, including climate change, war, poverty, racial injustice, and pandemics. Pioneering resilience expert Ann S. Masten illuminates the ordinary but powerful processes that allow many children exposed to trauma and adversity to survive, adapt, and even thrive. The book traces fundamental adaptive systems that have evolved and function synergistically at the neurobiological, psychological, social, community, and cultural levels. Using a range of case examples to illustrate complex concepts, Masten provides a cogent resilience framework for promoting positive development in children at risk.

New to This Edition Advances in neurobiology, more international (including non-Western) findings and examples, new discussions of cultural identity development, up-to-date intervention research, and more. Heightened focus on the interactions of multiple systems--including families, schools, culture, and communities--in supporting children's resilience. Increased attention to the impact of structural inequality, poverty, and intergenerational trauma. Coverage of rapidly emerging threats--the risks posed to children by multisystem, cascading disasters, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Winner (First Place)--American Journal of Nursing Book of the Year Award, Child Health Category

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

448 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