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Thanks Bruce, another great read!

I'm curious if you could link to the research studies you mentioned that show resilience courses aren't working?

I've found the meta-analysis you reference which looked specifically at PRP amongst youth, but are there other research studies looking at the wider world of resilience programs outside PRP?

Thanks!

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Pretty much the whole book Fortitude goes through these. It’s worth saying that the only courses that have submitted themselves to the rigours of peer review are the PRP and Seligman’s army program. Both fell short. Growth Mindset (Carol Dweck) and Grit (Angela Duckworth) form the foundation for some of the other interventions and I looked at them in detail too. There are legitimate questions about both.

Most resilience programs created for companies are either based on these programs or are just plucked from the air by free styling trainers. Based on the failure of carefully curated and researched studies the notion that something conjured up at whim proving successful is highly unlikely.

It’s worth setting these programmes in comparison with other interventions that take a more collective approach which achieve strong and replicated results.

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Thanks Bruce, buying your book now to give it a proper read.

I do think it's quite challenging for most training organizations to submit their program to a peer review process, which is one reason you probably only see the likes of Seligman being able to do something like that.

Speaking as someone who works in this space, I think it's incredibly important that the tools and techniques that are taught are evidence-based.

For example, there is a comprehensive scientific literature on the benefits of mindfulness meditation on factors like attentional control and emotional regulation, both of which are important baseline factors in workplace well-being.

Further, there is good evidence to support practices like 4-7-8 breathing, to reduce anxiety and stress, and improve our relaxation response. This, again, is a very important tool for people to apply in day-to-day life.

But I would definitely agree that even though the tools are science-backed, the way in which in which they are taught and used in a company context needs further evaluation.

Plus, they are focused on individuals, and without collective culture change in organizations, their effects may be limited.

Excited to read your book!

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