Is Positive Psychology on aNegative Trajectory?

Darren Coppin

51% of the World Flourishing by 2051

Martin EP Seligman PhD, APA 2011 Annual Convention

EDUCATION

HEALTHCARE

ARMED FORCESJUSTICE

WELFARE

WELFARE:UNEMPLOYMENT

RESILIENCE

"In 21 replications, when the teachers learn [positive psychology intervention skills] and how to teach them to kids, it significantly: • lowers depression, • anxiety and • bad conduct. The kids who had the positive psychology literature courses were rated by their teacher as having:• higher social skills• their zest for learning is higher and • their grades are better."  Martin EP Seligman PhD, APA 2011 Annual Convention

EDUCATION

Senior Minister roles:Short term.Results-based.Financial measures.Intense Media Scrutiny.

“Michael Gove doesn’t really like this positive education stuff:‘Why would we waste money building character, happiness and meaning when what we want is numeracy & literacy.’” MEP Seligman, Adelaide 13 Feb 2014

From Latin florere "to bloom, blossom, flower."

“Flourish” Etymology:

“Thrive” Etymology:From Old Norse thrīfask to grasp for oneself, same root as thrift.

  Layard

“We need to be pragmatic.”

“Early data show that soldiers who get the training :

• experience less catastrophic thinking. • exhibit better coping skills.”• ultimately less PTSD.• better re-integration into society.

$50m/year

130,000 Recruits a year$88,000 recruitment cost =

$11,400,000,000

Within 2 days can identify most likely to drop-out.

Even a 5% reduction in attrition rate saves

$572m/year

Behavioural ScienceDo humans act for net gain? Does homo

economicus exist?

Easiest

Impress

Self-control

X 15 R.o.I.within 9 months.

“Profound.”

“Unprecedented.”“Game-changing.”

Improving Lives & Delivering Fiscal Returns

Can we achieve 51%?Pragmatism

Behavioural Science & ‘Nudge’

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