ABSTRACT
In the last decade, thanks to the contribution of positive psychology, a paradigm shift has emerged and studies have emphasized a series of strengths acting as buffers against mental illness in childhood, such as courage, optimism, hope, and flourishing. Among these personal resources, courage is one of the most widely valued attributes in recorded human history and has been found to be linked to several positive developmental outcomes. Although few studies have been conducted on courage in children, it has been showed that children comprehend this concept and perform one or more courageous actions, especially in coping with physical and psychological risks.
The chapter aims at examining the construct of courage in childhood, emphasizing the role that it may have in children’s development especially in relation to the threats and challenges of the current social context. After an analysis of the definitions and typologies of courage, an international review on this topic on childhood is presented. Moreover, assessment instruments and specific suggestions for practitioners interested to promote courageous actions in children are provided.
