The School of Psychology's Social and Organisational Psychology research group is proud of inviting you to a research presentation by Prof Orla Muldoon, University of Limerick, Ireland., on Tuesday 21st of March, 12-1pm, Keats reading room, Aviation building, Callaghan (video conferenced to Ourimbah Science Offices Seminar room).
PRESENTATION TITLE: ‘Healing ourselves’: Negotiating psychological stress & trauma using shared social identities
ABSTRACT: Conceptualisations of stress and psychological trauma largely rely on individualistic models of resilience and vulnerability. This presentation will briefly outline the conceptual model that highlights a collective approach to stress and trauma. Specifically the role of shared social identities and associated identity resources on adjustment to stress and trauma is outlined. Using data from lab work, the impact of group membership on cardiac reactivity during the Trier Stress test it outlined. Subsequently the role of identity resources in ameliorating post-traumatic stress in post-conflict Northern Ireland and post-earthquake Nepal is outlined. Finally the potential for identity resources to promote adjustment and adaptation to trauma is considered. First by considering role of social identity resources in promoting post traumatic growth and second by presenting evidence of the positive consequences of a collective crowd experience for those bereaved by suicide. Discussion of the findings orient to the potential for this approach to support recovery and adjustment for those affected by trauma.
BIOGRAPHY: Orla Muldoon is Professor of Psychology at University of Limerick Ireland where she is also Director of the Centre for Social Issues Research. She has a long standing interest in the role of group related experiences and identities on health and social development. She has published more than 70 papers on this topic subsequent to completing her PhD on the impact of political violence n childhood in Queens University Belfast, Northern Ireland. She is current editor of Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology and Co-editor of Political Psychology. She is currently on sabbatical in Brisbane and Is keen to meet Australian colleagues as this is her first visit here.
If interested in a one-to-one meeting with Prof Muldoon around her visit, please contact her SOPRG host at emina.subasic@newcastle.edu.au to make arrangements.
