Behaviour change Archives

Surfing promotes grit, a concept being championed by psychologists

Want to develop ‘grit’? Take up surfing

People with grit persist, and are more likely to succeed in challenging circumstances

Girl hands typing on laptop on wooden table at night

‘Don’t feed the trolls’ really is good advice – here’s the evidence

Anti-social behaviour online - trolling, cyberbullying - is a growing concerning phenomenon but research shows ignoring these mostly faceless angry attention-seekers could be the best response.

Bullet holes from a Kalashnikov rifle in front windshield

Why terrorists use violence in their quest for significance

Violent lone wolf extremists are looking for acknowledgment and attention as they feel overlooked, aggrieved and insignificant.

Are we doing our best on bullying?

Incidences of bullying are occurring in preschools. With bullying linked to a range of poor outcomes in adulthood, psychologists are urging schools to adopt best practice to protect students.

Positive behaviour support

A behaviour management approach which focuses on understanding what individuals are trying to achieve by their behaviour. Problem behaviour persists because it serves a purpose and is an attempt to meet a person’s needs, however imperfectly. Psychologists work to understand the individual’s motivations and reinforce more constructive methods. This approach has proven useful in addressing…

Motivational interviewing

A psychological approach that assists in behaviour change by focusing on a person’s motivations for problem behaviour, examining the consequences of it and addressing their ambivalence about making positive change. The approach arose from work in the area of substance abuse and is now thought to be effective in addressing bullying and the management of…