Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a School-based Intervention to Improve the Wellbeing of Children Aged 8-11 Years.

A Lust For Life (ALFL) is a universal teacher-led programme which aims to build resilience, increase wellbeing, and enhance emotional literacy of 8-13 year old school children. The programme spans ten 40-minute classes. The ALFL curriculum draws on multiple sources including contemporary positive psychology; traditional, second, and third wave cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT); and developmental, educational, and health psychology. In ALFL children learn the following specific self-regulation skills: naming and rating the intensity of emotions; linking thoughts, feelings and actions; mindfulness; breathing exercises; visualization exercises; progressive muscle relaxation; positive self-talk (gratitude, optimism, and cognitive restructuring); obtaining social support from adults and peers; assertiveness; managing bullying; and using the internet safely. Skills are learned through didactic instruction, video modelling, in-class experiential exercises, and homework practice.

Control group placed on a 12-week waiting list for the A Lust for Life School programme.