This major new reference presents The Foresight Mental Capital and
Wellbeing Project (a UK Government project in the Government Office for
Science). It offers a comprehensive exploration of how mental capital
and wellbeing operate over the lifespan; how experiences in the family,
in school, at work and following retirement augment or reduce mental
capital and wellbeing, and the impact that this has for the individual
and for the welfare and economic progress of the nation.
Mental Capital and Wellbeingcomprises a series of scientific reviews
written by leading international scientists and social scientists in the
field. The reviews undertake systematic analyses of the evidence base
surrounding five key themes, on which they propose future policies will
have to be based. An internationally renowned team of Editors introduce
each theme and draw together conclusions in terms of both policy and
practice.
Section 1 (Mental Capital and Wellbeing Through Life) - Mental capital
refers to the totality of an individual's cognitive and emotional
resources, including their cognitive capability, flexibility and
efficiency of learning, emotional intelligence and resilience in the
face of stress. The extent of an individual's resources reflects his or
her basic endowment (e.g. genes and early biological programming),
motivation and experiences (e.g. education) which take place throughout
the life course. This section presents the very latest on the science of
mental capital throughout life.
Section 2 (Learning Through Life) provides a coherent overview of a
fast-moving and complex field of policy and practice. Educational
attainment has a considerable impact on physical and mental wellbeing,
both directly and indirectly, by enabling people better to achieve their
goals. The ability to continue learning throughout the lifespan is
critical to a successful and rewarding life in contemporary societies.
Section 3 (Mental Health and Ill-Health) draws together the most recent
evidence about positive mental health as well as a range of mental
disorders to consider their importance to the population and economy in
terms of prevalence and disability and the wider burden on society.
Section 4 (Wellbeing and Work) - It is estimated that 13 million
working days are lost through stress each year, costing the economy over
£3.7 billion per annum. This theme explores those drivers that influence
the nature and structure of work and the impact this has on employee
wellbeing.
Section 5 (Learning Difficulties) - This theme provides a cutting-edge
picture of how recent insights from genetics, cognitive and neuroscience
improve our understanding of learning difficulties such as dyslexia,
dyscalculia and attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder. Reviews focus
on how current research can contribute to early diagnosis and improved
intervention.