Positive Affirmation Component
Young people are in trouble, in conflict, alienated,
under-achieving and uncaring about themselves as evidenced by their substance
abuse, violence and criminal deviancy. They invariably manifest developmental
deficits. They are either stuck at a reference group orientation or a protracted
period of transition from one stage to another. A significant contributing
factor to one or the other of these conditions is the young person's under
developed sense of self-worth. Lacking confidence in themselves, they avoid
experiences through which they could grow to more adaptive ways of perceiving
their world and, thereby, more adaptive ways in which to respond adequately
to a challenge, they do not believe that they are capable of being socially
appropriate, they do not believe that they will receive a favourable response,
in short they do not believe in themselves or their capabilities. To defend
themselves, they must
therefore, hide from life and the experiences
which promote growth and development.
AfterShok is a unique program that
systemically, persistently and tenaciously
addresses the issue of self–esteem with the
athlete. By building self–esteem, the individual is
provided with the key that opens the door to the
varied and enriching experiences of life through
which growth and development can progress.
Through debriefing, reframing, affirming
and a myriad of other tactics, athletes are
virtually inoculated against the daily conditions
that attack their self worth (self doubt, under
achievement).