Neurobiological Core Content in the Research-Supported Transforming Impossible into Possible (TIP) Program Model

ABSTRACT

This article explores neurobiological components in the Transforming Impossible into Possible (TIP) program; a research-supported social work group model developed from the theory of psychological self-sufficiency (PSS). The PSS theory emerges from a participatory action research in workforce development, defining PSS as the force within someone that activates a process of transforming perceived barriers into hope driven actions. TIP program is a bottom-up, participant-centered, multi-systematic approach which empowers individuals to begin the PSS process by developing self-awareness, confidence, hope, goal-orientation, leadership, accountability, conscientiousness, and grit. Applying the core concepts of neurobiological content derived from both cognitive neuroscience and interpersonal neurobiology, the authors explore six critical neurobiological categories in the core version of the TIP program manual. Incorporation of these core neurobiological concepts provides a strong foundation for TIP to be considered a neuroscientific preventive group model, with an emphasis on strengthening brain’s neuroplasticity, executive functioning, and emotional regulation in the neural integration process.

KEYWORDS:

• Psychological self-sufficiency
• Transforming Impossible into Possible (TIP)
• workforce development
• empowerment
• low-income

Conflict of Interest

Authors declare that they have no potential conflict of interest that could have direct influence or impart bias on the work and that they maintain the integrity and transparency in data analysis and research process.

Ethical Approval

This article does not contain any studies with human participants performed by any of the authors.

Notes

1. In 2013, the Obama administration has established the NIH BRAIN initiative funds for researchers to support the development and application of innovative neurotechnologies that can advance our knowledge of the human brain.

Additional information

Funding

Administration for Children and Families (ACF), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) [90HG1003, 90PH0018]; Korea Foundation [2019-RF-020; 2016-RF-021] and Lloyd A. Fry Foundation.