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September - 'The Psychology of Covid'

3/10/2021

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*“NEWSFLASH”: see below reference to Fair Work Commissions comment on mandatory Covid Vaccinations and the workplace.
 
September closed with a study of the Psychology of Covid. We concentrated on “being told what to do” and ethics in a Covid era.
 
Being told what to do:
 
We’re familiar with the speed of change in both our day-to-day activities and the leadership advice that has impacted our lives. In the following TedTalk Alannah Shaikh discusses the 2020 May Economic Forum’s response to Covid 19.
 Her key points are:
  • The psychological and behavioural aspects of this crisis are not being taken seriously enough.
  • Psychological distortions are shaping governments' responses around the world.
  • But this crisis also presents an opportunity for states to take these factors into more beneficial consideration.

Alannah Shaikh - the recommendation about mask wearing is one example of the type of change that we have accommodated during Covid-19.
 
It surprised me to discover that during Covid 19 what we “really want is to be told what to do” and that we enjoy being bossed around. Researchers found:
  • Shut international borders - 8/10 respondents agreed.
  • Support for state governments – 8/10 respondents agreed
  • 7/10 respondents agreed that "sometimes people's freedoms need to be restricted to keep Australians safe “,
  • 8.5/10 respondents said “Yes” to vaccines (strongest amongst young and older),
Reference: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-05-24/annabel-crabb-australia-talks-survey-analysis-covid-19/100142792
 
What surprised me about this research was that, rather than enjoying being told what to do, I thought I had trust in effective leadership at a time of great uncertainty.  I found some answers in these articles:
  1. Five things we learned about crisis leadership during covid-19
Reference: https://www.anzsog.edu.au/resource-library/news-media/five-things-we-learned-about-crisis-leadership-during-covid-19
  1. Three reasons why Jacinda Ardern’s coronavirus response has been a masterclass in crisis leadership
Reference: https://www.anzsog.edu.au/resource-library/news-media/three-reasons-why-jacinda-ardern-s-coronavirus-response-has-been-a-masterclass-in-crisis-leadership
 
The authors propose that “direction-giving”, “meaning-making” and “empathy” are outstanding characteristics of good crisis leadership. This made more sense than the thought of enjoying being told what to do.
 
Ethics in a Covid era:
There is nothing straight forward about ethics, so I’ll leave you to explore topics of interest in the session power point below. The session content included:

  1. There are many models to help us understand and apply ethics.
  2. Ethics can be divided into types
  1. Utilitarian – greatest good for the greatest number of people,
  2. Deontological – the idea that people should be treated with the greatest respect and dignity, 
  3. Virtue – considering what virtues make the best public relations professional.
  1. Ethics and Covid Vaccines.* “NEWSFLASH” Since the U3A session on 17 Sept this document has been sent to me. The document pages are not numbered. Scroll three quarters through the document to the heading PART 2 –VACCINE REQUIREMENTS IN RELATION TO COVID. See document at : https://www.fwc.gov.au/documents/decisionssigned/html/2021fwcfb6015.htm
  2. Ethical distribution of health resources and standards of care in Covid.
  3. Impact and expectations on businesses – “Rustik Café and Foodstore” a local example.
 
With such a lot to cover on this topic, I hope you cherry-pick something interesting and enjoy yourself.
October meetings:
  • Tuesday 5 October – Zooming 10:00-12:00. Zoom link is -
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/78665666828?pwd=RHljU1RQL3hDa2tRdWRnN3Jja3hsZz09
Meeting ID: 786 6566 6828
Passcode: 43VUdg
Topic: Part 1 - The elephant in the room ….  • Intelligence and • Memory

  • Friday 13 October – Face to Face or Zoom** at 1:00 – 3:00pm – **Location to be confirmed - number limits in the Seniors Building are currently impacting on U3A’s Friday afternoon timetable. 
Topic: Part 2 - The elephant in the room ….  • Intelligence and • Memory
 
Jane
0437 621 575
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    Demystifying Psychology -  Discussion  Group

    A discussion group with a psychological focus looking at current events.  If you are interested in various interpretations of relationships and events, you are welcome and can expect to have fun.  No preparation needed, unless you find something of group interest to share.  Enquiries welcome - call Convenor Jane on 0437 621 575l.  .

    Meeting Times and Venue

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    Jane Rushworth 
    0437 621 575
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