People who read this blog or follow me on Twitter would be aware of my interest in the science of positivity and its benefits, how to create enduring meaningful happiness and ways in which we can strengthen ourselves when the going gets tough. My emphasis here is on 'evidence-based' interventions - things that the research suggests will actually have a good chance of working.

A lot of my time is spent looking at other blogs, reading what the research literature suggests and 'keeping an ear to the ground' by reading the popular literature and the press. So I find it a little alarming that a 'fitness guru' or 'lifestyle expert' are published as being experts in the field of psychological wellbeing and development, when they may not be trained to make such assertions.

its a bit like asking your hairdresser what they thing of climate change; you may get an answer but not necessarily a helpful one.  Not to put down the well-meaning types who practice such arts, I do however implore people to look for the credentials of the person they are reading or listening to.

The evidence-based approach is exactly as it suggests: good scientific principles which have been used to give a degree of certainty that the outcome you are seeking is likely to turn up. Surely this is the most solid ground on which to base any attempts at change?