Research-Backed, Evidence-Led
At The Human Flourishing Practice™, we believe that for a person to truly grow, we must look beyond symptoms and diagnoses. Everything we do is grounded in the Schultz Human Flourishing Model™, a framework developed through rigorous doctoral research and refined by 30 years of frontline experience.
Identifying the Causes of Marginalisation
Dr Carol Schultz developed this model as the centrepiece of her doctoral thesis for the award of Doctor of Professional Studies at the University of Southern Queensland (2018). Her research investigated a critical question: In a world of increasing complexity and pressure, why do some young people thrive while others become marginalised?
Key Findings
The Socialisation Gap
Traditional support systems (families, schools, and communities) are under unprecedented pressure. When these “Agents of Socialisation” are strained, young people miss out on the moral, social, and practical skills needed to flourish.
Beyond “Crisis Management”
Most government and social services focus on treating the effects of marginalisation (such as unemployment or youth justice involvement) rather than the causes.
The Power of Systems
Flourishing is not just an individual trait; it is a result of the interaction between a person's internal strengths and their external socialisation systems.
The Eight Core Elements of Socialisation
Values
The beliefs — like trust and belonging — that guide our choices.
Community
The interpersonal relationships and environments where we feel we belong.
Moral Thinking
The ability to navigate ethical challenges with consistency.
Adaptation to Change
The capacity to adjust to new life stages and challenges.
Modern Pressures
Understanding how economic and social forces impact our daily lives.
Life-Long Learning
The ongoing process of acquiring knowledge and capability.
The Individual Self
A healthy, socially-constructed identity.
Culture
The shared attitudes and customs we inherit and shape.
Illustrations on this page are simplified adaptations of concepts from Dr Carol Schultz’s doctoral research.
Informed by Decades of Frontline Practice
The principles of the Schultz Human Flourishing Model⢠were informed and refined through Dr Carol Schultz’s leadership of MADYACA (Making A Difference Youth Alliance Community of Australia Inc.).
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.
Street Outreach & Adventure-Based Learning
Proving that engagement outside traditional classrooms can rebuild a young person's sense of self and capability.
Alternative Education
Demonstrating that a “strengths-first” approach can re-engage young people who have experienced profound neglect or academic failure.
Academic Contribution & Mentorship
AARE Contribution
Dr Carol Schultz’s doctoral research was presented at the Australian Association for Research in Education (AARE) conference â one of Australia’s most respected academic forums.
Academic Mentorship
As a casual academic at the University of Southern Queensland, Dr Carol has supervised Master of Education (Guidance and Counselling) students and authored the professional practicum manual used to guide their training.
Illustrations on this page are simplified adaptations of concepts developed through Dr Carol Schultz’s doctoral research to improve accessibility and understanding.
Want to Learn More?
Get in touch to talk about how the Schultz Human Flourishing Model™ can support your family, your organisation, or your professional practice.