18 Nov Positive psychology and positive thinking…used by the army!
FACED with rising rates of depression, post traumatic stress disorder, drug abuse and suicide among its war-weary soldiers, the Pentagon has turned to the founder of positive psychology, Martin Seligman, to train its troops in how to lead happier lives.
The aim of the four-year program is to make the US Army ”just as psychologically fit as physically fit”, Professor Seligman told the Herald, as a vanguard of more than 150 sergeants learnt about emotional resilience at his University of Pennsylvania research centre.
Despite their ”grizzled” tough guy images, sergeants are in the best position to pass on psychological coping skills to soldiers in their command in a bid to prevent mental problems developing.
”They are the teachers in the army,” said Professor Seligman…
This is not so much about happiness per se, but it is very much about positive psychology and resilience; to read more – click here