The Schultz Human Flourishing Model
A research-backed framework identifying eight interconnected elements essential for human flourishing — developed through doctoral research at the University of Southern Queensland.
A Preventative, Not Reactive Approach
Traditional approaches to counselling and behaviour support often focus on deficits — diagnosing what’s “wrong” and attempting to fix it. The Schultz Human Flourishing Model takes a fundamentally different approach.
Developed through Dr Schultz’s doctoral research examining marginalised youth in regional Australia, this model identifies eight elements that, when functioning together, create the conditions for individuals to flourish. Rather than treating symptoms, it addresses root causes and builds on existing strengths.
The model recognises that human flourishing is not achieved in isolation. It requires supportive relationships, meaningful community connection, ongoing learning, and the development of moral thinking — all within a cultural context that values each person’s unique potential.
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 behaviour 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/Self
Developing a cohesive sense of identity through supportive relationships and guided self-exploration.
Culture
Understanding how cultural attitudes, customs and beliefs shape identity and create opportunities for connection.
Moral Thinking
Cultivating the capacity to make wise moral decisions that acknowledge personal interdependency and guide ethical living.
Grounded in Research
The Human Flourishing Model emerged from Dr Schultz’s doctoral thesis: “Responding to the rapid increase in marginalised youth in Regional Australia: a study evaluating the mediating role of socialisation.”
Drawing on extensive literature review, qualitative research, surveys, interviews and case studies, the model provides an evidence-based framework for understanding and supporting human development across the lifespan. It has since been adapted for application in private practice, offering individuals, families and professionals a practical pathway to flourishing.
A Different Lens
Traditional Deficit Approach
- • Focuses on what’s “wrong”
- • Diagnoses problems and disorders
- • Treats symptoms reactively
- • Individual seen through lens of deficiency
- • Success = absence of problems
The Flourishing Approach
- Discovers what’s possible
- Identifies strengths and potential
- Prevents and builds proactively
- Individual seen as whole person
- Success = a flourishing life