Emotional Intelligence
When Ä¢¹½´«Ã½n parenting expert and author, Dr Justin Coulson, visited Wenona this week, he brought with him decades of research and practical wisdom on how to support girls through modern adolescence.
Over the course of a day, he delivered tailored presentations to Years 4 and 5 students, Years 9 and 10 students, staff professional development, and an evening parent seminar. This comprehensive and layered approach reflected the School’s commitment to deeply ‘know’ each student, and Dr Coulson’s own belief in addressing emotional wellbeing across all levels of a child's support network.
Dr Coulson's research methodology sets him apart from many in his field. He has surveyed and interviewed hundreds of teenage girls and their mothers to gain deeper insights into their lived experiences, rather than relying solely on quantitative data. This approach has allowed him to identify the everyday concerns that significantly impact wellbeing but often don't make headlines.
His session for Wenona parents was entitled 'Enough – Overcoming Anxiety, Perfectionism, and Self-loathing in Teenage Girls'. As the father of six daughters, Dr Coulson’s insights combine academic rigour with personal experience, making his guidance particularly accessible to parents navigating similar challenges.
The staff session on 'The Emotionally Intelligent Teacher', explored how emotions impact everything from motivation to decision-making in the classroom. Among other insights, it also offered practical techniques for lifting the students’ emotional intelligence and improving behaviour management approaches.
In his broader work, Dr Coulson emphasises that while media headlines often centre on issues such as screen addiction or eating disorders, his research reveals different priorities. "Both parents and teenagers are primarily focused on common challenges such as motivation at school, body image, and identity crises," he says.
One key concept he examines is what experts call ‘beauty sickness’ – the phenomenon where young women measure their worth primarily through appearance. Drawing on research by Professor, Renee Engeln, he has written about how societal pressures can lead girls to internalise unrealistic beauty standards, particularly in the age of social media. Dr Coulson advocates for "teaching children to value their bodies for their capabilities rather than their looks, promoting body appreciation focused on functionality rather than appearance."
He encourages parents to "validate their daughters' feelings and help them articulate their worries," creating an environment where anxiety can be addressed constructively.
Dr Coulson's visit exemplified Wenona’s commitment to supporting our students' emotional development alongside academic excellence. By bringing in leading experts, we continue to equip teachers, students, and their families with research-informed strategies for adolescents to thrive in an increasingly complex world.