​​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 janerushworth2101@gmail.com 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 / janerushworth2101@gmail.com.  

​Jane Rushworth