Psychology Week 21-27 November 2016

Media Release

16 November, 2016

For immediate release

Attention: Health and Social Issues Reporters

Psychology Week 21-27 November 2016

Psychology week is an opportunity for New Zealanders to think about their own and their community's psychological health and well-being.

“In our busy lives it is all too easy to neglect our own wellbeing as we get caught up in just getting through the demands of each day,” said Quentin Abraham President of the New Zealand Psychological Society.

“We are offering a week of free events to draw attention to the importance of psychological health and of taking care of ourselves and our communities,” he added. “New Zealanders are very good at doing things and making things happen, but I think we still need to develop ways to make it easier for people to talk openly about the psychological struggles that many of us face in our lives, whether this be due to personal losses, financial insecurities or a range of other life stresses. The current earthquakes and flooding are examples of events which can stretch our abilities to cope.” Quentin noted that psychology offers effective, evidence-based ways of tackling psychological problems.

It also helps people identify strengths so they can live more meaningful and productive lives.

The New Zealand Psychological Society (NZPsS) is aiming to focus on living life well during Psychology Week 21-27 November. There will be a series of free public events throughout Aotearoa where people with psychological training will discuss the diverse ways in which psychology contributes to our lives and wellbeing. Topics include:

Everyday emotional coping and mindfulness strategies
Using psychology to understand our relationship with food
Kindness Matters- the protective power of self-compassion
How do psychologists determine dangerousness of a criminal?
Resilience – Tips to bounce back
Eight lessons from a career in psychology
From mindfulness to mindlessness
Positive futures
Discover your best self to overcome anxiety and depression
Positively pregnant: Managing stress and wellbeing in pregnancy
Sniffer dogs and psychology
Psychology snapshots
Ideas for living life well
Living life well: what that looks like for you
I my #mind: using psychology and technology for wellbeing
The role of a healthy diet in psychological wellbeing
Let’s stay together: Building and maintaining group memberships improves mental health and wellbeing
Understanding addiction
Technology and psychology
Narrative therapy – Reflecting Stories
Making squishy stress balls – An active relaxation tool for kids!
Psychology in the New Zealand Defence Force
Supporting those who live with a loved one who has attempted suicide but not completed and/or has
experienced loss through suicide
Baby brain development
Health and wellbeing of older New Zealanders
Psychological science in the public interest
The psychology of happiness
Speaking unspoken stories: therapy and beyond

Events will occur in Auckland, Tauranga, Waikato region, Palmerston North, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch and Dunedin.Psychologists who work in a range of areas including mental health, education, criminal justice settings, health, sports, community social justice, kaupapa Māori and many others are contributing to this week. To learn more about Psychology Week go to http://www.psychology.org.nz/pd- events/psychology-week

Ends

Background to the New Zealand Psychological Society

The New Zealand Psychological Society is the largest professional association for psychologists in New Zealand. It has over 1500 members and subscribers and aims to improve individual and community wellbeing by representing, promoting and advancing the scientific discipline and practice of psychology.

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