Realistically Optimistic Students Learn Better, Have Less Depression

10. August 2009 by John Schinnerer.

A beautiful article from Science Daily on the importance of teaching realistic optimism and resilience to students…

ScienceDaily (Aug. 9, 2009) — Teaching children how to be more resilient along with regular classroom instruction can improve children’s outlook on life, curb depression and boost grades, according to a researcher who spoke at the American Psychological Association’s convention August 8.

“In the last 50 years, the U.S. population has seen an increase in their standard of living, such as having more money, owning more homes and cars and living longer. But our sense of meaning, purpose and satisfaction with life have not gone up, they have gone down,” said psychologist Martin Seligman, PhD, of the University of Pennsylvania. “This has been especially detrimental to children. Nearly 20 percent of young people experience depression.”

The effects can carry over to adulthood and cause early death, more health problems, less satisfaction with jobs and relationships and higher rates of depression, he added.

Speaking at the APA’s 117th annual convention, Seligman showed how teaching resilience, positive emotion, and a sense of purpose in school can protect children against depression, increase their life satisfaction and improve their learning power.

The researchers looked at two evidence-based programs, the Penn Resiliency Program (PRP) and the Positive Psychology Program (PPP). The PRP sought to increase students’ ability to handle day-to-day stressors and problems that are common for adolescents. This program was designed to prevent depression.

The PRP promotes optimism by teaching students to think more realistically and flexibly about the problems they encounter. PRP also teaches assertiveness, creative brainstorming, decision-making, relaxation and other coping and problem-solving skills.

Read the full article here  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090807135054.htm

Have a Marvelous Monday!

John Schinnerer, Ph.D.

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