Research & Evidence
The Schultz Human Flourishing Model™ is an original evidence-informed framework developed by Dr Carol Schultz through doctoral research at the University of Southern Queensland. Integrating more than thirty years of professional experience with doctoral-level inquiry, the model provides a practical framework for understanding and supporting human flourishing. This page explains the research behind the model in clear, accessible language for families, professionals and referring practitioners.
Research at a Glance
Why Research Matters
When you seek support for yourself, your child or your practice, you deserve an approach informed by careful assessment, professional judgement and evidence-informed research. An evidence-informed framework ensures that every strengths-based assessment, recommendation and flourishing plan is grounded in research into what genuinely helps people thrive — not passing trends or one-size-fits-all formulas.
Trustworthy
Grounded in doctoral research and contemporary literature on human flourishing, strengths-based practice and evidence-informed decision making.
Whole-Person
Considers strengths, relationships, values, learning and environment — not just symptoms or presenting concerns.
Practical
Translates research findings into clear, achievable recommendations and personalised flourishing plans you can act on.
About the Research Behind the Model
Dr Carol Schultz completed a Doctor of Professional Studies at the University of Southern Queensland. Drawing on more than thirty years of experience as a special education teacher and Queensland guidance officer, her doctoral research explored the conditions that help young people — and people of all ages — to flourish.
Rather than focusing only on treating problems after they appear, the research took a preventative, strengths-based view: understanding the relationships, values, learning and environments that allow people to thrive. From this original research, the Schultz Human Flourishing Model™ was developed — an evidence-informed framework for understanding human flourishing.
The model identifies eight interconnected elements that, together, create the conditions for people to flourish across the lifespan.
Professional Journey
Key milestones — from the classroom to doctoral research and professional practice.
Illustrations on this page are simplified adaptations of concepts developed through Dr Carol Schultz’s doctoral research to improve accessibility and understanding.
The Schultz Human Flourishing Model™
In simple terms, the model says that flourishing is not about fixing a single problem — it grows from eight connected parts of a person’s life working well together.
When we understand how these elements are supporting someone — and where a little more support would help — we can build a clear, practical pathway to lasting flourishing.
The Eight Elements of Flourishing
Each element plays an important role. None is more important than another — together they create the conditions for people to flourish.
Modern Pressures
Understanding the global and social forces that shape our lives and challenge traditional sources of support.
Adaptation to Change
Building the capacity to navigate and respond to rapid social, economic and personal change with resilience.
Values
Identifying and strengthening the ideals and beliefs that guide positive behaviour and meaningful connection.
Community
Fostering supportive connections with family, peers, schools and organisations that nurture belonging.
Life-Long Learning
Embracing learning across the lifespan — not only for work, but for learning how to live well.
The Individual / Self
Developing a cohesive, confident sense of identity through supportive relationships and self-understanding.
Culture
Recognising how cultural attitudes, customs and beliefs shape identity and create opportunities for connection.
Moral Thinking
Cultivating the capacity to make wise, considerate decisions that take the needs of others into account.
How Research Informs Practice
The same evidence-informed human flourishing model underpins every service at The Human Flourishing Practice™ — from strengths-based assessment and behaviour support to professional consultation and clinical supervision.
Human Flourishing Profile™
The flagship strengths-based assessment mapping strengths and needs across all eight elements of the model.
Counselling
Evidence-informed counselling for children, adolescents, adults and families — available via telehealth counselling Australia-wide.
Behaviour Consultancy
Positive behaviour support for neurodivergence, emotional regulation and school refusal.
Professional Consultation
Collaborative consultation for schools, allied health professionals and support coordinators.
Clinical Supervision
Reflective clinical supervision supporting guidance counselling professionals, counsellors and allied health practitioners.
Report Writing
Detailed, evidence-informed reports that support planning, referrals and coordinated care.
Research Into Practice
How the model translates into a clear, practical process for every participant.
Assessment
Information is gathered across the eight elements of flourishing through structured professional consultations.
Analysis
Strengths and needs are analysed through the lens of the Schultz Human Flourishing Model™.
Written Report
Findings are captured in a clear, individualised written report you can share and act on.
Recommendations
Practical, evidence-informed recommendations are tailored to the person’s goals and circumstances.
Six-Month Flourishing Plan™
A personalised plan sets out clear, achievable steps toward flourishing over the following six months.
Review Consultation
A dedicated review consultation checks progress and adjusts the plan as needed.
From Research to Real Life
Research only matters when it helps people in daily life. The Schultz Human Flourishing Model™ is designed to convert research findings into clear recommendations and practical strategies — from individual behaviour support to family planning, school interventions, professional consultation and detailed written reports. Each Human Flourishing Profile™ results in concrete steps you can act on over the next six months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers about the research and evidence behind The Human Flourishing Practice™.
Our Evidence Base
The Schultz Human Flourishing Model™ draws on original doctoral research together with contemporary literature on flourishing, strengths-based practice, resilience, education and human development. The model is intended to guide practical assessment and intervention — translating evidence into clear, achievable recommendations for individuals, families, schools and allied health professionals.
A Complementary Approach
The Schultz Human Flourishing Model™ is designed to complement — not replace — established counselling, educational and allied health approaches.
It provides an additional strengths-based framework for understanding people, planning interventions and supporting long-term flourishing. Professionals across disciplines — including guidance counsellors, psychologists, GPs, support coordinators and behaviour practitioners — can integrate the model alongside their existing expertise to strengthen outcomes for the people they support.
Illustrations on this page are simplified adaptations of concepts developed through Dr Carol Schultz’s doctoral research to improve accessibility and understanding.
Put Evidence-Informed Support to Work
Begin with the flagship Human Flourishing Profile™ assessment, or book a free discovery call to talk through the right starting point for you.