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Adaptiv Learning Systems was founded in 1997 to develop and market learning programs based on the breakthrough research of University of Pennsylvania Professor of Psychology Martin E. P. Seligman. His work in the area of training to increase what he termed ‘optimism' uncovered wide-ranging benefits, from greater resilience in the face of adversity to inoculation against depression. The various Adaptiv Training programs teach concrete skills that lead participants to achieve greater productivity and performance at work and in sports, and that also lead to improved ability to handle life issues, to better health/healing outcomes and to depression prevention. Dr. Seligman conceived his original theories while still doing his graduate work at the University of Pennsylvania. This initial work set in motion 30 years of research by Seligman and other top psychologists worldwide to explore the nature of the mental processes that lead to success. The result of this widespread investigation based on Seligman's work is one of the most validated bodies of psychological study of this century. Adaptiv Training is the first market application of Positive Psychology, a new movement championed by Seligman. Positive Psychology departs from the ‘therapy model' as the primary focus of psychological research and application. It focuses, instead, on how to maximize the best of human qualities rather than minimizing the worst. It is also a preventive, rather than curative, approach. Adaptiv Learning Systems was organized through the efforts of the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Technology Transfer (CTT). The Penn CTT exposed Seligman's research and a prototype resilience training program to the investment capital community. The CTT readily attracted a group of investors, headed by founder and chairman Frank Slattery , who secured the exclusive license for Seligman's work and created Adaptiv Learning to take Adaptiv Training from the academic setting to the public. Dean M. Becker is President and CEO. Dr. Andrew Shatte', Assistant Adjunct Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, is the architect of the Adaptiv Training Programs. He serves as Adaptiv VP of Research and Development. Based upon the benefits, efficacies and research results of Seligman's original training programs, Adaptiv Learning Systems has identified five initial markets: corporate training; health care/managed care; education; military; amateur and professional sports. For further information about the Adaptiv markets and products go to Adaptiv Products. For information about the Adaptiv management team go to Our Executive Team. For greater detail about this section download the Adaptiv History & Backgrounder on the Press Page.