A Mindset for Wellbeing: Insights from Dr Anne Johnstone

This week, Cranbrook Senior School staff gathered to hear Dr Anne Johnstone share insights from her doctoral research and her long-standing work in positive education. Her presentation, A Mindset for Wellbeing, explored how schools can actively address loneliness in young people and foster a culture of meaningful connection.

Drawing on global research, Dr Johnstone highlighted the concerning prevalence of loneliness among young people, and the paradox that high social media use often correlates with greater perceived social isolation. She emphasised that schools are uniquely placed to make a difference, equipping students with the skills, behaviours, and mindsets to strengthen their sense of belonging.

Central to her talk was the concept of High Quality Connections (HQC), which are positive, resonant interactions that not only enhance wellbeing in the moment but also create a ripple effect through communities. Her Other Person Mindset (OPM) framework encourages students to focus outward, deliberately acting to build others’ wellbeing. By shifting from “me” to “we” to “us,” Dr Johnstone’s research shows that young people can enhance their own flourishing while cultivating collective wellbeing.

She also shared the outcomes of her interventions, where students who initiated High Quality Connections experienced measurable increases in their wellbeing, alongside powerful qualitative reflections about reduced self-focus and greater prosocial impact.

Dr Johnstone’s work reframes Positive Psychology Interventions (PPIs) into Prosocial Positive Psychology Interventions (PPPIs), moving beyond individual wellbeing to build connectedness and community. It’s a compelling call for schools to integrate both academic and social-emotional learning through a deliberate, evidence-based approach.

As Dr Johnstone reminded us, by fostering an Other Person Mindset, we can help our students and each other flourish.

Hannah Thomas
Director of Professional Learning