Depression is experienced in epidemic proportions in many Western societies. There is concern over the number of young people who are suffering, sometimes to the extent of committing suicide. This book will help prevent stress and depression by taking a positive approach to the promotion of health and wellbeing in young people, giving them the skills to cope with the problems of everyday life.
Erica Frydenberg introduces the theory behind a cognitive behavioural approach to coping skills and offers a program of modules that can be used with young people to train them in coping skills. The principle that underscores this program is that we can all do what we do better. If we do not like how we cope in certain contexts we can learn new strategies. It is possible to enhance one's coping if we have a framework within which to do so. The program is universally applicable and can be taught in any group setting, although instructors will be able to bring their own experience to adapt the sessions.

Erica Frydenberg is a clinical, organisational, counselling and educational psychologist. She practiced extensively in educational settings in Australia before joining the staff of the University of Melbourne, where she is an Associate Professor in Psychology in the Melbourne Graduate School of Education. She is a Fellow of the Australian Psychological Society and an elected member of its Board 2007-2009.

Thomas Oakland is a professor at the University of Florida, and President of the International Foundation for Children's Education.