Information

Psychology: A Strengths Approach To Build Resilience

 Date:

12 Nov 09, Thursday

Guest Speaker: A/Prof Lynne Cohen (Course Coordinator)

 Time:

7:15pm – 8:30pm

Synopsis:
People can face adversity during life and some encounter challenging situations which place them at risk of negative psychological, social and physical consequences.  What is important is that some people respond negatively to these types of situations (for example, substance abuse or violence), while others lead healthy and productive lives. Resilience does not only depend on individual attributes, but also on the protective structures that operate around the individual (i.e., the family, the community and the environment).  In this presentation Associate Professor Cohen suggests that psychology is a useful way to study human behaviour.  We will examine a new, innovative approach based on the strengths of an individual to counter difficult behaviours. The undergraduate journey of studying psychology will be explained in terms of content, acquired skills and potential benefits. The presentation will highlight the scope of psychology, future directions and sub-disciplines will be briefly discussed.

A/Prof Lynne Cohen

Undergraduate Co-ordinator in the School of Psychology

A/Prof Lynne Cohen brings approximately fifteen years of experience in resiliency research with children and university students.  She has successfully developed transition programs which empowers students and positively impacts on their experience and outcomes.

A/Prof Cohen has lead a number of interdisciplinary research teams and is committed to a collaborative model involving community organisations.  She teaches in both the undergraduate and postgraduate psychology programs and has been awarded a National Teaching Award by the Australian University Teaching Committee. She has been involved in education for the past 30 years.  She also has extensive experience in working with children with learning difficulties. With a background in education, she has been involved in developing a teaching literacy and numeracy program for children. In addition, she has trained and lead a team of professionals in providing services for children with learning difficulties.

A/Prof Cohen has undertaken numerous evaluation projects for government and non-government organisations over the past 10 years, as well as using different methodologies. She also has an interest in combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Much of her work has been published and presented at local and international conferences. She is also a member of the Society for Community Action and Research, Division 27 of the American Psychological Association.  Her research focuses on issues in higher education and has many publications and presentations on learning and teaching in higher education.

A/Prof Cohen is also a community psychologist and researches and teaches in the area of sense of belonging and its relationship to successful outcomes for students. She was leader of the team which developed the Retention And Persistence Transition Support (RAPTS) program.  A/Prof Cohen has developed and run short and continuing courses for a range of community groups over the past 30 years.

A/Prof Cohen uses different methodologies and has an interest in combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies. She has been extensively involved with organising a social development and communication program for students at Merriwa Primary School for the past six years.  She has also been involved in the Quinns Beach Early Learning Project which is a community approach to support learning.  She brings an in depth practical knowledge of the community.  Currently she is a consultant to Anglicare for the Family Relationships Centres and The Smith Family for the Communities for Children project.  These current interests all focus on building resilience within the community.

Bachelor of Arts / Science
In Psychology

Accredited by Australian Psychology Accreditation Council and Australian Psychology Society.

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A degree accredited by Australian Psychology Accreditation Council and Australian Psychology Society.

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Gain a firm understanding of human behaviour and a solid foundation in behavioural science.

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A rewarding career in diverse fields such as Child Psychology, Counselling Psychology, Educational Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Sports Psychology and more.

Specialist Diploma

in Psychology

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A specialist diploma awarded by SMa School of Management, in collaboration with Edith Cowan University.

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Exemption for direct entry to Years 2 & 3 of Bachelor of Arts/Science in Psychology.

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Skills Development Fund (SDF) to subsidise up to 50% of the course fees (eligibility criteria applies).

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