The final session on the topic of “perceptions” brings the 2025 Demystifying Psychology - Perception program to a close. (The Discussion group will continue - everyone is welcome to participate.)
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The Semester 1 course took a fresh and often lively look at how women are labelled as “difficult” when they step outside traditional expectations. Starting with the history behind the term, participants explored the psychology of assertiveness, confidence, and the fine line between being strong and being seen as aggressive. Along the way, they unpacked how society and culture shape these perceptions. The sessions included plenty of discussion, case studies, and the occasional TedTalk that together gave everyone a chance to reflect, share, and to practise new strategies. There was a strong focus on building emotional intelligence, handling criticism, and staying true to personal values. By the final session, participants had reviewed existing practical tools for managing perceptions and maintaining authenticity.

The course welcomed all U3A members and encouraged a relaxed, open environment where experiences were shared, ideas challenged, and new understandings formed—with a few laughs along the way.

Note from the Convenor

This course was experimental in that AI (ChatGPT) was used to tidy the course content, search for reputable references and to design the monthly units. The AI factor assisted the convener’s role, without diminishing the human element. The support of the U3A committee and course participants has been greatly appreciated… thank you.

As this course closes, everyone is welcome to join the Demystifying Psychology Discussion Group - there are no pre-requisites.  

• Time/Date: 10:00am – 12:00pm, Tuesday 19 August
• Location: Room 1 Benalla Seniors Community Centre, Fawckner St.

Convenor – Jane Rushworth 0437 621 55

​Jane Rushworth

This semester we've been exploring the fascinating world of perceptions—and their impact on how we see others, how we’re seen, and how we navigate daily life. 

​Last month, we looked at effective communication, focusing on the role of emotional intelligence (EI) and the gentle art of finding common ground—both handy tools when tackling tricky perceptions.

​At our June session, we wrapped up our section on strategies for managing the impact of perceptions, particularly the negative ones (which, let’s face it, women tend to attract more than their fair share!).​

Emotional Intelligence is the ability to manage your own emotions and understand those of others (without needing a psychology degree or a crystal ball). According to Daniel Goleman, a leading voice in the field, EI might actually be more useful than a sky-high IQ. It includes five key elements: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.   Read more:
🔹 Mental Health America: What is Emotional Intelligence?
🔹 Daniel Goleman on EI
 
Finding common ground is a powerful strategy—when it works, it really works. Locally, we saw how even 125-year-old elm trees were saved from a chainsaw fate thanks to some well-timed shared understanding. Globally, we're watching (sometimes through gritted teeth) as leaders attempt to do the same—some more gracefully than others!
 
You could even say finding common ground is an art form. For a beautiful example, enjoy this short TED Talk by Matt Trombley:
🎧 The Beauty and Complexity of Finding Common Ground
 
To wrap up: some perceptions are spot-on, some are annoying but manageable, and others have serious, ongoing impacts on individuals, groups, genders, and cultures. And that’s exactly why we keep talking about them!

​See you next month for a wrap up of “Perceptions” through a sharing of “take-home” messages and review of the AI generated content plan.
 
Time/Date: 10:00-12:00 Thursday 17 July 2025
Where: U3A Rm 1 at Seniors Community Centre.

The Content and Discussions groups held a lively chat about what’s stood out to them this year in our U3A Demystifying Psychology course. The main question we tackled was simple: “What’s made an impression on you?”

From there, we shared thoughts and ideas and often challenged ourselves to see where those ideas originated and where they might lead. Could the outcomes reflect our personal and community values? If not, what could we do to change that?

Given this group’s strong interest in social equity, the conversation naturally turned to housing and homelessness. We explored how these topics connect to the course’s theme of Perceptions – and how our perceptions shape the way we approach real-world challenges.

A sample of our topics:

• Family-friendly workplaces: We talked about how, despite progress, women still earn less than men and men often face career setbacks if they take parental leave. Change seems to move at a glacial pace.
  More here
• Economic planning and families: We explored how countries like the Nordics prioritise families in their economic decisions and what Australia could learn.
  The Nordic Model
• Single-parent households: With 90% of single-parent households headed by lower waged women, we considered the impact on child development and the impacton future leaders.
• How perceptions are shaped: Is “success” about money, well-being, or both? What would communities look like if well-being was the foundation of economic planning?
  Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness

• Global wealth shift and housing: We discussed the housing shortage, the impact of global and national wealth changes, and how unemployment figures into Australia’s economic health.
  NAIRU and unemployment explained

         Income distribution visual
 
The aim of the program is to link real-world topics to an appropriate psychological theory. This month it was agreed Maslow’s hierarchy of needs was relevent: basic needs like shelter and safety must be met before community involvement can grow.

Abraham Maslow's famous hierarchy of needs is depicted as a triangle with self-actualisation at the very top. ​

​Right before his death, Maslow wanted to add another level to the hierarchy: Self-transcendence. ​ Curious? Here’s a short video on the extension of Maslow’s Hierarchy to include Self-transcendence

Next Session -  Course Content Group:
10:00am – 12:00 Thursday 17 June
U3A Room @ Benalla Senior Community Centre, Fawckner St.

​Queries: Jane 0437 621 575

We had a really engaging and good-humoured discussion today about clear and respectful communication — an area we all agreed can make life a whole lot easier when dealing with tricky conversations.
 
Everyone quickly warmed to the idea of using “I” statements. It sparked a few laughs as we shared examples of how easily conversations can go off the rails when we start pointing fingers. It was clear that speaking from our own experience, rather than blaming others, makes for a much smoother ride.
 
Active listening also struck a chord. Many of us admitted it’s easy to think we’re listening when really we’re just planning our response. A few tips like reflective listening and giving a good nod or two were well received — though we joked about the risk of nodding off if meetings drag on too long!
 
We talked about tone too, and everyone agreed that how we say something often matters more than what we say. A few of us shared stories about moments when our best intentions were lost in delivery. Calm voices and a bit of deep breathing were agreed to be handy tools — especially before diving into something sensitive.
 
Focusing on the issue, not the person, got some knowing nods around the room. It’s easy to slip into personal comments when emotions run high, but we all agreed it rarely ends well.
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Setting boundaries, showing empathy, giving useful feedback, and standing our ground respectfully were all seen as good habits — ones we’ve probably picked up over the years.
 
In all, it was a lively session with laughter, shared wisdom, and practical ideas. The group seemed genuinely keen to put a few of these tools into practice — or at least have them ready for next time a "difficult" chat rolls around!
 
NEXT MEETING:
10:00 am – 11:55am
Thursday 15 May
USA Room 1 _ Benalla Senior Citizens Community Centre
Fawckner Drive, Benalla
 
Jane 0437 621 575

As often happens, last month’s thought that we might discuss How to Avoid Messy Relationships took an unexpected turn, landing us in equally choppy waters--Difficult Women. It’s a term that’s been tossed around for ages, usually to dismiss women who have opinions, set high standards, or—heaven forbid—take charge.

In our attempt to make sense of the nonsense, we explored the historical baggage behind Difficult Women, the psychology of assertiveness and aggression, and the influence of social and cultural norms, gender expectations, and biases. The verdict? While society has certainly evolved, that pesky label still lurks, especially when women step into leadership roles.

More often than not, being seen as “difficult” has little to do with personality and everything to do with outdated expectations. Confidence, directness, and ambition are celebrated in men but criticized in women. So, how do we walk the tightrope—being assertive without being labeled aggressive, standing firm while staying approachable?

Easier said than done, of course! But next month, we’ll dig into some practical strategies to help find that balance. 

Next Meeting:
Date/time: 17 April 10:00 - 12:00
Location: U3A Rm 1, Fawckner Drive, Benalla

Jane Rushworth

​We had a great discussion in February about perception—how it influences the way we see the world, make decisions, and interact with others. We unpacked how a few of our experiences, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds shape our views, sometimes without us even realizing it.

A big focus was on how perceptions play out in social and professional settings—whether it’s hiring decisions, leadership roles, or everyday interactions. We talked about biases, snap judgments, and how easily perception can lead us astray.

We also looked at ways to challenge those biases, from being more self-aware to encouraging open conversations and using facts rather than assumptions. ​

Next session we'll hear Dr. Shawn Andrews’ take on gender bias in leadership which is sure to lead to more lively and interesting chat..

Regarding AI and Perceptions content - This course was designed by the convenor and refined using AI. This report is the (almost) unedited result of asking AI to complete two tasks using the (convenor designed) session powerpoint as a reference point. What do you think?

Next meeting:

• Date/time: Thursday 20 March 10:00am - 12:00
• Location: U3A Rm 1, Fawckner Drive, Benalla

​Jane

This 6-session course is designed to explore the impact of perceptions, societal influences and pychological foundations on assertiveness.  Through content presentation, group discussions, practical strategies, and additional reading/viewing (optional), participants will learn how to identify and manage difficult perceptions, build resilience, and develop effective communication skills. 

Open to all members, the course is also a prerequisite for the 2025 Demystifying Psychology Discussion Group.

Course materials and resources will be provided by the convenor.  Join us to gain confidence in navigating perceptions and embracing assertiveness. ​

Convenor:   Jane Rushworth 0437 621 575
Time and Place:  3rd Thursday 10 - 12   Semester 1 plus July 1    U3A Room 1