Professor Nick Titov AM presents to teachers and career advisers on the benefits of 'The Big 5'.
Presenting at Macquarie University’s flagship School Symposium, Professor Titov introduced educators to The Big 5 — a set of behaviours backed by research involving more than 20,000 Australians.
"Just like our physical health, we all need to work on our mental health every day,” Professor Titov said. "But our recent research is showing that it isn't just what you do that matters, it's how often you do it that makes the difference.”
The Big 5 comprises meaningful activities, healthy thinking, goals and plans, healthy routines, and social connections. Findings of a recent clinical trial conducted by Professor Titov and colleagues highlighted a confronting scenario — neglecting these activities can result in a rapid decline in mental health.
“We recruited 70 healthy volunteers and asked half of them to restrict how often they did The Big 5 actions. Within two weeks more than 70 per cent of those people showed significant signs of a deterioration in their mental health,” Professor Titov said.
Across all of these studies, involving more than 20,000 Australians, results consistently indicate that the tipping point for good health indicated to practice the Big 5 be at least four to five times a week.
“The good news is that most people are already doing The Big 5, and just by slightly increasing how often they do The Big 5, people can improve their mental health,” Professor Titov said.
Speaking on the event, Professor Eric Knight, Macquarie University's Deputy Vice-Chancellor People and Operations said he hopes that ongoing research and accessibility of The Big 5 will empower students – as well as their teachers, parents, friends and broader networks – to learn a simple and achievable blueprint for uplifting mental health.
Professor Eric Knight, Deputy Vice-Chancellor People and Operations at Macquarie University.
"High school is naturally a source of stress to many students who face an unknown future, while navigating complex stressors like exams, social expectations, physiological changes, and the weight of other people’s expectations,” Professor Knight said.
"By sharing research insights with our network of schools and collaborators we hope to inspire vital educators to prioritise their wellbeing, as well as disseminate this information across their communities, in particular their students."
“The Big Five gives them an anchor," Professor Titov added. "Something within students’ control, with proven effects, in an environment where ambiguity reigns. It equips them with the ability to enhance their wellbeing for life, no matter what the future holds."