Good Mental Health and Motorcycling

A couple of days ago I was told about a group called 'Young Minds'.

In their own words:

YoungMinds is the UK's only national charity committed to improving the mental health and emotional well-being of all children and young people.

Part of the presentation they gave contained "7 'learnable' skills of resiliance".

In other words, seven aspects of how you 'are', and how you interact with other people, that you can influence in a positive ay to improve your mental health.

In one of those serendipitous moments, this co-incided with a discussion on The Rev Counter forum about peer pressure, particularly in group riding situations.

Some of this discussion centred around how people may not always 'represent' their own needs and wishes to other people - and how that can lead to probelms and the potential for increased risk, whther from perhaps continuing on while tired, or from riding more quickly than they feel comfortable to keep up with the lead rider.

It struck me that the "7 'learnable' skills of resiliance" would be a good reminder for all motorcyclists, whether 'ordinary' riders on their own, or in groups, but also for trainers to consider as an aspect to incorporate in their courses and help develop their riders.

This also has implications for trainers' implementation of the GDE (or 'Gadget' Matrix, which places 'skills for life' far higher in importance than develooping machine control skills.


7 'learnable' skills of resiliance

1. Emotional awareness or regulation
2. Impulse Control
3. Optimism
4. Causal Analysis
5. Empathy
6. Self-efficacy
7. Reaching Out

In more detail:

1. Emotional awareness or regulation

Ability to identify what you are feeling and manage these appropriately

2. Impulse Control

Ability to tolerate ambiguity and not rush decision making

3. Optimism

Explanatory style - wed to reality

4. Causal Analysis

Ability to view difficulties from a number of perspectives and consider many factors

5. Empathy

Ability to read and understand the emotions of others. Help build relationships with others and give social support

6. Self-efficacy

Confidence in your ability to solve problems - includes knowing your strengths and weaknesses

7. Reaching Out

Being prepared to take appropriate risk - a willingness to try things and view failure as part of life






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