Psychologist harnesses the power of superheroes to support the mental health of children and young people
Chartered BPS member Dr Sarita Robinson has written a wellbeing guide to help older children and young people to successfully manage their mental health.
08 February 2022
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The free online resource uses superheroes to illustrate the workings of science and psychological health in a way that young people can relate to. It addresses issues such as the causes of stress and anxiety and ways to manage it, how to sleep better to improve mental health and ways to cope during difficult times.
The availability of the guide coincides with Children's Mental Health Week (7-13 February), which this year focuses on growing emotionally and helping each other to grow.
Dr Robinson, an expert in the psychobiology of behaviour, said:
"We have good guidance on looking after our physical health but less is known about practical ways to look after our mental wellbeing.
Talking about mental wellbeing is important for everyone.
However, when talking to young people we have to find a way to make mental wellbeing education interesting and relatable – using superheroes is the perfect way to do this.
Talking about how friends can help us through difficult times with examples of superhero teams helps to bring the topic alive."
In the guide, readers learn how the Hulk copes with feeling anxious and how Batman deals with the stress of being a superhero. It also highlights how a lack of sleep affects Mr Incredible and how Captain American benefits mentally from exercise.
"The key aim of this online guide is to encourage young people to open up and talk about their mental health and signpost them to other services if they are facing more significant mental health challenges," Dr Robinson added.
The guide has been funded by the Cameron Grant Memorial Trust, a young people's mental health charity. It follows on from the book Unmasked – the Science of Superheroes, which draws on psychology, computing, engineering, maths, physics and biology to explain the science behind the powers of popular superheroes. Dr Robinson co-authored the book, along with six other practising scientists at the University of Central Lancashire.
The wellbeing guide is available on the UCLan website
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Image credit: University of Central Lancashire