​U3A Demystifying Psychology – Course – August Report
Starting a course mid-year has ups and downs. It is unusual and can be a missed opportunity for some U3A members, alternatively you might be in the frame of mind to explore a new course. It’s not too late to join this group.
Demystifying Psychology Course is a light-hearted 5-session program held monthly 10:00 to 12 noon on the third Thursday in August, October, November and December. (It’s not a typo … there is no September group this year). Contact the Convenor on 0437 621 575 for details.
Over the course of 5 sessions, we will consider:

1. Personality and coping styles
2. What is Psychology?
3. History of Psychology
4. Ethics
5. Psychological theories
6. Measuring behaviour
7. DSM and mental health

 
July’s group began with “What is Psychology”, pre and post testing, and the light hearted and very insightful self-assessment tool “Preferred Cooping Styles “(Ref: Source - Des Hunt Coping Inventory – “What Makes People Tick? – How to understand yourself and others” Publisher: McGraw-Hill 1991).
The “Pre and Post tests” (see attached) are used in many forms across many disciplines. The very basic test used in this course enables participants to self-assess their levels of knowledge at the start of a course, and again at the end of the course.  The convenor also gains an understanding of how well the course content met the goal of participants gaining an increased understanding of some basic psychological information.
Des Hunt’s “Preferred Coping Styles” uses familiar birds and their characteristics as an assessing and learning tool. It is an example of a more complex self-assessment tool (compared to the “Pre and Post” tool) and an opportunity to interpret the results. As simple as it seems, the inventory has provided many lovely “aha” moments in this course over the years.
Enjoy a look at the attached documents for more details and a bit of fun.
The August the topics are:

• Self-assessed Inventory – Preferred Coping Styles – Des Hunt.
• Review - “What is Psychology?”
• History of Psychology

​The Demystifying Psychology Course group has concluded for 2024.

In this session, "A Day in the Life of a Resi Rehab", we :

1. Looked at Victoria's Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) support systems for people affected by substance dependence (see slide # 6),
2. Discovered  the benefits of "Communiques" as a treatment tool in AOD.
3. Reviewed 5 sessions by measuring participant progress in each session.

"Communiques" are a highly structured and supported conversation between two people, one with a complaint about the other. AOD residential treatment services, such as Odyssey House, have had significant success using "Communiques". The key purpose of a "Communique" is for an aggrieved person (often an AOD resident) to be supported to moderate and manage uncomfortable feelings .

A "Communique" generally has 3 parts:

1. Description of the event, eg, "when we were washing the dishes, you said .."
2. Description of the aggrieved person's feelings about that event, eg. "when you said (xyz) I felt ...."
3. An outcome, for example "I want you to ......" (apologise, not to speak to me that way again ... etc)

Other people usually involved in the discussion:

• Support person for the aggrieved person.
• Support person for the wrong-doer 
• Discussion facilitator.
• AOD therapist

The aim of a "Communique" is met if the process has helped the aggrieved person regulate their feelings, the concerning behaviour (if any) ceases, and the matter is resolved satisfactorily.

Congratulations and many thanks  to the 2024 Demystifying Psychology Course group. You have now "qualified" to join the Demystifying Psychology Discussion Group! ​

Last month we looked at the intriguing public profile  of one of America's modern day presidential candidates ... Donald Trump. We discussed how on earth this character had become a viable national and global leader. A short look at some of his family history provided some insight. Amongst many theories, operant & inoperant conditioning could be said to have played a key role in role in the stunning "how did we get to this point in global leadership"? 

This month we looked at the nature of addiction - to both food and substances. Addiction is an inability to stop using a substance (could be food) or engaging in a behavior (could be exercise) even though it is causing psychological and physical harm. The term addiction does not only refer to dependence on substances such as heroin or cocaine.

Beginning with a not uncommon experience - addiction to carbs.. we discussed the psychological, social and biochemical response underway when we just can't stop at one bun. Moving on to the more common association with "addiction", that is to "drugs", including alcohol and nicotine, we considered these same responses and the implications for families, community and individuals. ​

Finally we listened to Robin Williams, the very talented, intelligent and insightful comedian who shared his own struggles with addiction - see the PowerPoint. ​

​NEXT .. AND FINAL MEETING:
 
Date/time: 18 June 10:00 - 12:00 noon - we must begin to wrap up at 11:45 fand have left the room by 12 noon for the next group ... please remind me:)

Location: U3A room, Fawckner Drive, Seniors/Elders building

Following this session, participants will be eligible to participate in the Demystifying Psychology Discussion Group. The group is held third Thursday of the month 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the RSL rooms Nunn Street. This is a discussion group. The purpose of the group is to apply (if possible) a psychological interpretation to an everyday matter, be it local, national and/or international. Looking forward to welcoming you next semester.

​Jane Rushworth

The focus on the psychology of Donald Trump in Session Three held people’s interest, not only by its topicality but also a shared understanding of Donald Trump as a complex, confusing and at times charismatic, at times obnoxious individual.

Two salient factors that contributed to the election of Trump as US President were his wealth and the skewed nature of the US electoral system.  However, it was agreed that the nature of Trump as both an individual and a politician merited exploration.  In other words, what made Trump who he is and what is his appeal for many American voters?

It became clear that his upbringing and the nature and personalities of his parents profoundly influenced Trump.  He was a product of his environment, being someone who not only inherited wealth but also independently was successful in achieving “The Great American Dream”.

Trump’s Scottish-born mother was not a strong maternal force and exhibited narcissistic characteristics, while his father has been described as “a high-functioning sociopath.” Donald idolised his father, who was controlling and emotionally unavailable and who groomed Donald in his own image. Consequently, Donald Trump experienced emotional disruption as a child, which is reflected in how he sees himself and engages with the world.

A number of reasons were outlined to explain why many voters supported Trump, covering bribery, aspects of past policies, the economy, military spending, border control, and, significantly, Trump’s canny use of perception, successfully targeting people’s fears.
​
The stimulating discussion highlighted the role of ego and narcissism in leadership styles.

​
Barbara Rogers/Jane Rushworth

​This month we tackled Part 2 of the introductory session. The purpose of this session is to introduce participants to some of the key concepts used in Psychology. Once completed, participants are eligible to join the Psychology Discussion Group. We revisited evaluation tools used in psychology and in other disciplines - for example, a Pre and Post Evaluation tool. This simple and effective tool has many functions, one is to assess the soundness of a tutor's (U3A Convenor's) session content design and group discussions. If a course group initially reports low confidence in a topic and completes the term with the same low level of confidence, then the course content and delivery warrants review.

We also considered:

• DSM - The Diagnostic Statistical Manual. Clinical Psychological and Psychiatric assessments are made by qualified and registered practitioners. The DSM  manual , first published in 1952, lists criteria for various potentially disordered mental health presentations and the criteria for assessing each. The DSM is also something of a social and mental health history. For example, mid 20th century "disorders", eg. homosexuality, are no longer listed. 
• Ethics in Psychology have evolved for the better, are now strictly enforced with clear research approval guidelines, and conducted under strong supervision. However, ... prior to these changes some pretty diabolical research was undertaken. An interesting video is at  https://youtu.be/zZ3l1jgmYrY -

• A history of Psychology and its genesis in philosophy dating back to Plato.
• Self-assessment using the D. Hunt "Preferred Personalities and Coping Styles" inventory/survey - a fun exercise that offers insight into how individuals might cope at their best and worst moments, and how the different personalities can work collaboratively to achieve goals. The casual application of the "Preferred Personalities and Coping Styles" in this U3A group hardly compared to completing, for example, the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ), the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), and other well administered tools in more serious settings.

April's topic will be "The Making of a Donald Trump" - an interesting look at aspects of his childhood and his current travels toward, possibly, the next USA presidency. Spoiler - there is no definitive recipe.

NEXT Meeting - Tuesday 16 April 10:00am - 12:00 pm U3A Meeting Room 2.

Jane 

A warm welcome to new enrolments, and welcome back to 2023 participants. This
structured five session program is a pre-requisite for the Demystifying Psychology
Discussion Group. The first session was, as promised, information dense and not likely to be covered in one session.

The course invites a light-hearted look at some of the many psychological theories and
terms that try to offer an understanding of how and why all sorts of relationships play out in every-day life.

So far, we have looked at concepts of:

• Pre and post testing – a method often used by educators and therapists.
• Psychology and its aims.
• Studying Psychology.
• Work options for Psychologists.
• Theories … what are they ..what are they good for?
• Schools of psychology.
• “Abnormal” behaviour … is it really abnormal??.

At the next meeting we will look at:

• DSM – Diagnostic Statistical Manual.
• Ethics and psychology, with a look at some historical shockers!
• History of Psychology.
• Personalities and preferred coping styles.

This session the group will be invited to decide the topics for the remaining three sessions … surprises can be such fun !!!

Looking forward to the next catch up …Tuesday 19 March 10:00am - 12 noon at U3A large room at Benalla Seniors building.

Jane
0437 621 575

​Greetings Everyone and all the best for an interesting and enjoyable 2024.

Sessions will be held monthly on the 3rd Tuesday beginning Tuesday 20th February from 10:00am to 12:00pm in U3A Room 1 in the Benalla Seniors Building in Fawckner Street, Benalla.  Following sessions will be held on March 19th, April16th, May 21st, and June 18th.

Expect session #1 to be a bit information dense. You will be introduced to some frequently used concepts and engage in two “hands-on” activities – (1) pre and post testing, and (2) completing a personality type inventory (see below). The good news is these activities are homework assignments to complete and bring to session #1. (I can hear groaning … “Homework!!). 

Emails containing details for your homework have been sent to each group member. Contact me if you have not received the email (reminder: check your spam folder).

​Finally, it’s not too late to join Demystifying Psychology – Course. Contact me, or just come along to session #1, complete an enrolment form, and join in the fun.

Jane
0437 621 575, [email protected]

​​2023’s five monthly sessions have taken us from psychological concepts to applying the concepts in everyday life.  We are closing 2023 with a look at “Intelligence and Memory”. The famously brilliant and influential Einstein describes “Intelligence” as “the ability to think, to learn from experience, to solve problems, and to adapt to new situations.” ^

Memory, on the other hand, is “the process of forming a memory involves encoding, storing, retaining and subsequently recalling information and past experiences.” *

The two constructs generally work well together .. until they don’t. The dates provided in the previous report were “wonky” and created confusion. To those group members who enjoy a good relationship with their memory/intelligences .. thank you for your patience!
​
The session PowerPoint, which is available below, includes:

• Puzzles
• Videos
• Theories of intelligence
• How to do quantitative reasoning
• Problems with IQ tests ..

……. and much more to ponder over as you enjoy a cuppa.

UPDATES (please ignore previous)

1. Tuesday 19th December 10:00 -12:00 – Memory and Intelligence Part 2. U3A room at Benalla Senior’s Building
2. Thursday 21 December 12:00 – 2:00 – Xmas lunch with the at The Northeastern Hotel (1 Nunn Street, Benalla). Booking name “Jane”. Please RSVP to 0437 621 575 or [email protected] by Monday 18 December. Note – the Demystifying Psychology Discussion Group will join us.

​I would like to end the year with a big thank you to the “Course” group for a satisfying and energetic 2023, and to U3A committee for making Benalla U3A work so smoothly, particularly to Len, Bev and Heather.
 
All the best for 2024. 

Jane  

​This month we looked at Addiction  - an inability to stop using a substance (licit/illicit) or engaging in a behavior even though it is causing psychological and physical harm. The term addiction refers to dependence on substances and/or behaviours that are legal and illegal. We focused on addiction to carbohydrates. This diagram describes the cycle of “carb addiction” and includes biological elements that account for repetitious and potentially dangerous action.

Ref:https://www.insurancethoughtleadership
 
Changing addictive behaviours can be very difficult and sometimes impossible, so that living with the addiction might be the best outcome. This diagram describes cycle of change. Think about a time you have made a change in your life, and beginning at “Contemplation”, review your “change” experience and see how it might fit into this model. 

​Ref: https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/falcohol-cigarette-use-down-the-budget-hit-that-will-affect-all-taxpayers-20210702-p586al.html

Here are the Powerpoint presentations drawn on during the October session:

​Jane Rushworth

Does Donald Trump remains a viable Leadership option?
​
In 2020 Donald Trump’s leadership style was viewed by many as a passing worry. Others, many in the lower income brackets, welcomed the support and understanding of their plight by this galactically rich man.

Three years later, and after losing the last USA election to Biden, Trump remains a viable leadership option for many Americans. 

​September’s course content (see PDF and PowerPoint below) attempted to unravel some of this enigma.

Topics covered:

1. Family Trumps. (PDF Pages 2-9)
2. 2020 political and reporting climate.
3. Trump psychology.
4. Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM) sections:  Narcissism; Disagreeableness; Grandiosity; Gas-lighting; Authoritarianism/Fascism; Misogyny
5. Has Trump changed the ideas about leadership?
6. Characteristics of Trump supporters.

The topics for next month are “Addiction” and a “Day in the Life of a Residential Rehabilitation Centre”.
 
Next meeting:

• Tuesday 17 October 2023 – U3A room at Senior Citz building Fawckner Drive.

​Jane Rushworth

In August Session 2 we completed our focus on key psychological concepts, highlighting the role of codes of conduct and the disciplinary requirements that underpin sound psychological activities.

We then discussed:

1. Pre and post measurement results (slide 19) show how well a goal has been achieved. In this case the Convenor looked for evidence that individuals gained a basic understanding of common psychological concepts.
2. The video of history of (un)ethical psychological research (slide 27) describes the three most important elements of sound psychological research - (1) informed consent, (2) "do no Harm", and (3) making sure subjects are not exploited, ie. justice.  Unfortunately, these elements were not always followed when Psychology was emerging as a concept. The video describes some interesting research examples that do not reflect today's ethical standards.  
3. Understanding your own and others' Preferred Coping Styles (slide 34) can be a huge help in managing relationships and focusing on individual and group strengths. We discussed how a personal quality could be both a help and a hindrance in relationships. For example, standing in front of 300 conference attendees to report on a team's project outcomes requires particular coping styles, including confidence. However, at a team meeting those skills might not be appreciated if that person continues to command attention in a different setting, that is, a meeting room. Likewise, when the same team is working to a deadline to submit the conference paper, the preferred coping style most likely to achieve this is a task specific and focused attention to completing the paper. That same focus in a relaxed social setting may well be viewed differently.

In session 3 we will consider that perennial USA leader, Donald Trump - his childhood influencers, leadership style, expressed values, and, because a leader needs followers, "Trump follower" profiles (USA data).   

Next meeting:  19 September 10-12 noon @ U3A Room 1 Seniors Building in Fawckner Street.

Jane Rushworth

We look forward to Session 2 when we will consider:

• Pre and post measurement results,
• History of (Un)ethical psychological research,
• Overview of Preferred Coping Styles,
• Individual preferred Coping styles  (2017 Preferred Coping Style - Inventory),
• How various coping styles work effectively.

Session 2 will be held from 10 - 12 noon on 15 August in U3A Classroom 1 at Benalla Senior Citizen Community Centre in Fawckner Drive.  Late enrolments are welcome at this class.  

​The remaining dates are 3rd Tuesdays at 10-12 noon on 15 August, 19 September, 17 October, and 21 November. A casual course review will be held at Ruby Blue Cafe (67 Nunn Street) on 28 November 10:00 to 12:00 noon. 

See you next month with your completed "2017 Preferred Coping Style - Inventory".
​
Jane Rushworth

Session Resources:
Welcome to Demystifying Psychology Course (DPC) 2023 -  Presentation PDF
Session Feedback Template (PDF)
Preferred Coping Style Inventory 2017 (PDF)

The 2023 Demystifying Psychology Course begins on Tuesday 18 July. This structured 5 session program will be held on 3rd Tuesdays of the month from July to November, 10:00 to 12:00 noon, in U3A room #1 at Benalla Senior Citizens Community Centre, 18 Fawckner Drive, Benalla.

Demystifying Psychology Course content:

The 2023 program content is a re-vamp of the 2020 Demystifying Psychology Course. It is not designed to offer group or individual therapy.

The aims of the five-session course are to create a relaxed introduction to psychology in everyday life; a review of theories that explain how relationships/events happen; and to apply these theories to our everyday life.

Key psychological concepts/theories will include: 

• Pre/post testing;
• Personality types and preferred coping styles;
• Addiction (including drugs) treatment;
• Raising children;
• Leadership and the rise and rise of Donald Trump (yep, that old “T” word),
• plus topics suggested by participants.

Past content can be reviewed at  https://u3abenalla.weebly.com/demystifying-psychology;
'
How to join:

1. U3A Members - sign or add your name to the attendance list … and say “Hi”.
2. Non-U3A members –
   1. Enrol - see https://u3abenalla.weebly.com/join-us.html OR go to RedB4 bookshop at 111 Bridge St East: open 9.30-4pm Mon-Sat.
   2. Once enrolled, attend the session, sign or add your name to the attendance list … and say “Hi”.

Other 2023 dates –

• Demystifying Psychology Course dates - 15 August, 19 September, 17 October, and 21 November.
• Demystifying Psychology Course review date – 28 November 10:00 to 12:00 noon. Location to be advised.

Want to know more?  Contact convener Jane Rushworth 0437 621 575 / [email protected].  

​Jane Rushworth