The Schultz Human Flourishing Model
An evidence-informed framework identifying eight interconnected elements that can support participation, belonging and human flourishing. The model emerged from Dr Carol Schultz’s doctoral thesis, completed for the award of Doctor of Professional Studies at the University of Southern Queensland.
A Preventative, Not Reactive Approach
Traditional approaches often focus on deficits — diagnosing what’s “wrong” and attempting to fix it. The Schultz Human Flourishing Model takes a fundamentally different approach.
The Schultz Human Flourishing Model™ emerged from Dr Carol Schultz’s doctoral thesis, which examined the rapid increase in marginalised youth in regional Australia and evaluated the mediating role of socialisation.
The model identifies eight interconnected elements which, when supported together, create stronger conditions for participation, belonging and human flourishing. It helps individuals, families and organisations look beyond immediate difficulties and build on existing strengths, relationships and opportunities for participation.
The model recognises that human flourishing is not achieved in isolation. It is shaped through supportive relationships, meaningful community connection, ongoing learning and the development of moral thinking.
The Eight Elements of Flourishing
Each element is vital. No single element is more important than another — together they create the conditions for a flourishing life.
Modern Pressures
Understanding the global forces that shape our communities and challenge traditional support structures in the modern world.
Adaptation to Change
Building capacity to navigate and respond to rapid social, economic and cultural change with resilience.
Values
Identifying and strengthening the shared ideals and beliefs that guide positive choices and community connection.
Community
Fostering meaningful connections with family, neighbours, peers and organisations that nurture belonging.
Life-Long Learning
Embracing education across the lifespan — not just for employment, but for learning how to live well.
The Individual
Developing a cohesive sense of identity through supportive relationships, lived experience and guided self-exploration.
Culture
Understanding how cultural attitudes, customs and beliefs shape identity and create opportunities for connection.
Moral Thinking
Developing the capacity to make considered moral decisions, understand responsibilities to others and guide ethical participation in community life.
Research Foundations
The Schultz Human Flourishing Model™ emerged from Dr Carol Schultz’s doctoral thesis:
“Responding to the rapid increase in marginalised youth in Regional Australia: a study evaluating the mediating role of socialisation.”
The thesis was completed for the award of Doctor of Professional Studies, University of Southern Queensland, in 2018.
The research drew on an extensive literature review, qualitative research, surveys, interviews and case studies. It examined the ways socialisation influences young people’s capacity to participate in family, school, work and community life.
The model is also informed by more than 30 years of Dr Carol’s professional experience in education, guidance counselling, leadership, alternative education and community-based work with young people and families.
It has since been adapted for use in private practice, providing individuals, families and professionals with a practical, strengths-based way to understand current circumstances, identify opportunities for growth and develop a pathway towards flourishing.
Frontline Practice and Socialisation
The model was further informed by Dr Carol Schultz’s leadership of MADYACA (Making A Difference Youth Alliance Community of Australia Inc.), including street outreach, adventure-based learning, life-skills groups and alternative education.
This work involved supporting young people who had become disconnected from mainstream education and community supports.
Engagement with young people disconnected from mainstream supports
Supporting young people experiencing disengagement from school, family adversity, isolation or limited access to services. The work reinforced that all young people need reliable opportunities for socialisation, belonging, practical learning, positive relationships and participation in community life.
The experience reinforced a central principle of the Schultz Human Flourishing Model™: lasting progress requires more than responding to behaviour or immediate problems. It requires attention to the relationships, learning opportunities, values, practical capabilities and community connections that help a person participate and flourish.
A Different Lens
Traditional Deficit Approach
- • Focuses on what’s “wrong”
- • Centres problems, labels and immediate difficulties
- • Treats symptoms reactively
- • Individual viewed primarily through difficulties or unmet needs
- • Success = absence of problems
The Flourishing Approach
- Explores strengths, opportunities and what is possible
- Identifies strengths and potential
- Builds capability and responds proactively
- Individual seen as whole person
- Success = a flourishing life
Experience the Model in Practice
The Schultz Human Flourishing Model™ comes to life through the Human Flourishing Profile™: a structured, strengths-based process that helps identify what can support participation, belonging and growth.
Request the Professional Brief for a concise summary of the framework for organisational leaders.