Darren Coppin

Martin EP Seligman PhD, APA 2011 Annual Convention

WELFARE:
UNEMPLOYMENT

EDUCATION
"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

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

“Flourish” Etymology:
From Latin florere "to bloom, blossom, flower."
“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 Science
Do 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.”

Can we achieve 51%?
Pragmatism
Behavioural Science & ‘Nudge’
Improving Lives & Delivering Fiscal Returns info@esherhouse.org