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Aussie Optimism

Curtin University

Aussie Optimism provides children and young people with practical skills and strategies that promote social and emotional wellbeing.

Overview

Alignment with Be You Domains

  • Mentally Healthy Communities

Alignment with Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)

  • Children are confident and involved learners
  • Children have a strong sense of identity
  • Children have a strong sense of wellbeing

Alignment with Australian Curriculum

  • Health and PE

Target audience

  • Primary school
  • Secondary school

Target groups

  • Individual
  • Small group
  • Whole class
  • Whole school

Aims

Aussie Optimism aims to prevent depression and anxiety in children and young people. It provides them with practical skills and strategies that promote social and emotional wellbeing.

Program theory

Aussie Optimism is grounded in the principles of cognitive behavioural therapy. The theoretical base of the program includes Martin Seligman’s theory of explanatory styles and Albert Ellis’ work on the thought-feeling connection.

Topics

Topics include identifying and managing emotions, coping skills, conflict management, developing social networks, facing fears, coping with transitions, and challenging negative thinking styles. The topics are developmentally appropriate for the age group that each program is designed for.

Cost

Educators and school staff: Primary School Workshop (K-6) with full accreditation in one primary school program $150 (includes a full set of resources for the selected program and provisional accreditation for all other programs); full accreditation in additional programs $100 per program. Optimistic Thinking Skills Workshop $150. I Spy Feelings Workshop $70. Private practitioners: $600 per program. Student Booklets: I Spy Feelings $5. All other programs are $11.95.

Program structure

Each program has 10 sessions, one hour each week for 10 weeks. I Spy Feelings (K-PP), Feelings and Friends (Years 1 and 2), Feelings and Friends (Year 3), Positive Thinking Skills (Year 4), Social Life Skills (Years 5-6), Optimistic Thinking Skills (Year 7-8).

Instructor

  • Psychologist
  • Educator
  • Wellbeing leader

Instructor training

Training in each program is delivered through a one-day workshop run by accredited Aussie Optimism trainers. Each workshop runs for approximately 6.5 hours. Optional coaching is available at any time during the program’s implementation. Self-directed, online training is available for instructors in regional Western Australia, and instructors based outside of Western Australia.

Supporting resources or materials available with program

  • Manual
  • Workbook

Ongoing support

Ongoing phone contact. Program instructors have the option of receiving coaching from Aussie Optimism staff. This is usually via a phone meeting. Aussie Optimism staff can also visit schools if required.

Parent involvement

  • Attend information sessions
  • Follow-up information provided after program

Origin of program

Australia

Curtin University

Program authors

Associate Professor Clare Roberts, Associate Professor Rosanna Rooney, Dr Robert Kane

Address
Aussie Optimism, School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987,Perth WA 6845 Australia
Phone
08 9266 2465
Email
aussie.optimism@curtin.edu.au
website
Visit website

Ratings

4/4 Evidence
3/4 Implementation

Summary of evidence factors

This is a summary of the evaluation or research study characteristics that contribute to the program’s evidence rating.

Positive impact on at least one outcome for children and/or young people? Yes
Link between program description and theory of change Comprehensive
Study design Randomised control trial
Independence Semi

Summary of implementation factors

This is a summary of the program’s characteristics that contribute to its implementation rating.

Feedback sought from participants No
Feedback sought from instructors No
Groups program is not suitable for Not assessed
Training provided during study Face to face, all instructors, in person
Ongoing instructor support provided during study Yes

Context

This is a summary of the context in which the evidence for the program was established.

Study Participants

Early learning

Primary school
Country of Study/s

Australia
Location of Study/s in Australia

WA
Evaluation of program in culturally and linguistically diverse populations No
Evaluation of program in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people No
Evaluation of program in low socioeconomic groups Yes
Developmental based adaptations to program design and delivery No
Evaluation of program in children and young people with disability and/or learning difference Yes

Last updated: 31 July 2023