IC Thinking for Sweden

Important results from the project

The project aims to strengthen IC (Integrative Complexity), which promotes resilience to black-and-white thinking in society. The development of the Swedish version of Cambridge university´s manual-based method “IC Thinking” included a preliminary test of the course´s viability with a small group of youths. During the development process the foundation was laid for a continued innovative and evidence-based cooperation between Fryshuset, Umeå and Cambridge university.

Expected long term effects

The preliminary test of the course and analysis of the pre- and post-test measures of participants´IC, resilience, empathy and sense of coherence showed the course´s viability and a statistically significant increase of IC, empathy and resilience, despite the small group size. Together this indicates an increased resistance to black-and-white thinking and improved mental health. These outcomes will be tested by Umeå university in a scientific pilot study of “IC Sverige” in different school and NGO contexts.

Approach and implementation

Ways of working and conditions differ between the university world and an organization like Fryshuset. It became clear during the course of the project how important every party´s experience and competences were in order to create a program that is relevant for the target group, can work practically and maintains a high standard of evidence, ethical processes and documentation. Regular debriefs, mutual respect and open communication enabled us to achieve the project´s aims.