Format of mettings

• Discussion Topics: Exploring subjects like memory, addiction, social psychology, child development, resilience, and famous psychologists.
• Member-Led Sessions: Members research and present topics, often followed by group discussion and debate.
• Practical Application: Some groups focus on practical psychology for relationships or mental well-being.
• Resource Utilization: Using online resources, such as free MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), to deepen understanding.
• Active Participation: Strongly encouraged with an emphasis on sharing knowledge rather than formal lecturing

Recent Topics covered, include

Addressing Lying and Deceit

Using the popular tv show 'The Traitors' as a start point. We engaged in practical activities designed to explore whether we are good liars and whether we can spot when lies are being told. It transpired that most of us tell lies multiple times a week…although there was much discussion around how these were generally to aid privacy or to spare someone’s feelings.  As there is so much to explore Marianne will continue this next month.

The subsequent meeting continued the theme of lying and deceit and we looked in more detail at people who betrayed those close to them, such as Brutus, Judas Iscariot and Michaelangelo. We learned about ‘the Dark Triad’ ( machiavellianism, narcissism and psychopathy) and did a test to see whether we were high-Mach or low-Mach people.

Pyschology in practice,

Sessions led by a worker in the Prison Service, with first hand experience of working with both staff and offenders to address their mental heath

Assessment processes within  Derbyshire Youth Justice Team. and the amazing number of different specialties involved within the team and how these work together with young people between the ages of 10-18 to keep them from offending further. She talked us through the very comprehensive assessments made for each young person and the possible outcomes dependent on a review process. Although very resource intensive this programme is achieving result with the vast majority of the young people worked with have not reoffended or returned to the team, A practical illustration of psychology being used to promote positive outcomes.

• Other recent topics discussed included
  • Memory
  • Friendship
  • Impact of Music on the Brain
  • Autism
  • Personaility