We are absolutely delighted to share that our Hummingbird Project Manager, Ian Platt, has been awarded his PhD following nine years of work researching, designing, developing and delivering the programme.
Ian’s thesis, Design, Delivery, and Evaluation of a Positive Psychology Intervention in Secondary Schools: The Hummingbird Project, explores whether brief positive psychology interventions delivered through schools and families could improve wellbeing and reduce mental distress among young people and their families.
Ian’s doctoral research involved more than 3,400 participants and has confirmed that the Hummingbird Project is associated with significant improvements in young people’s wellbeing, resilience, hope and symptoms of mental distress.
A comparative case study found greater improvements among pupils in more deprived areas, highlighting the potential importance of making early mental health support accessible to the communities that may benefit most.
Ian said: “I originally started the PhD because the Hummingbird Project was a brand-new program with great potential. We were already producing lots of data that could be useful to a wide audience. I thought we might be able to help show what works for young people’s mental health and help make sure that they get the best support possible.
“It has sometimes been a very challenging experience, but it has also been extremely rewarding. I’m delighted to have completed my studies and am looking forward to helping the Hummingbird Project go from strength to strength.”
Ian’s PhD adds further academic weight to his extensive practical experience and to the growing evidence base behind Hummingbird.
Congratulations, Ian, on this remarkable and thoroughly deserved achievement!
We will be sharing a longer article on our blog soon, exploring the research findings and their implications in greater depth.
Photo of Ian by Aismath Shahama, University of Greater Manchester.
