Telegraph
June 2008

author: Rob Davies

Children should be taught how to be mentally tough as well as happy, a leading academic has said.
Children should be taught how to be mentally tough as well as happy, a leading academic has said.
Mentally robust children are more likely to resist bullying and are not put off when they make mistakes, according to research.
Promoting a tough attitude among pupils can improve their performance in exams, as well as improving behaviour, said Peter Clough, head of psychology at the University of Hull.
He is conducting a long-term study of children in conjunction with pyschometric testing company AQR, to evaluate their mental toughness.
He said: "We know that students with higher levels of mental toughness perform better in exams.
"They are also less likely to perceive themselves as being bullied and are more likely to behave positively."
Dr Clough uses techniques including visualisation, anxiety control and relaxation to improve pupils' attention span and help them set targets.
He has been working with 181 pupils aged 11 and 12 from All Saints Catholic High School in Knowsley, Merseyside.
Parents and teachers are also being trained in the techniques.
The research will pose a threat to 'happiness lessons', which are used in many schools to teach children how to empathise with one another and think positively.
Dr Clough said: "All the positive thinking in the world isn't going to make a third look like a 2:1."