RESEARCH REVEALS EFFECTS OF LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCES

5th April 2004

RESEARCH REVEALS EFFECTS OF LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCES

Youth and life transitions, ranging from children?s experiences in play therapy to cannabis use amongst students, is the focus for a symposium to be presented by Edge Hill academics at this year?s British Psychological Society Annual Conference at Imperial College, London, between 15-17th April.

The psychology team is to present five papers that include studies into how to improve children?s problem solving skills and how friendships affect them, the coping strategies of first generation entrants to higher education, as well as the changing processes experienced by children in play therapy and cannabis use amongst a student population.

Dr Philip Erwin, Head of Psychology at Edge Hill is convener of the symposium. He said:

"I am delighted to take up the opportunity to present our findings at the conference, which is highly regarded by experts in the field of psychology. Psychological development is characterised by life transitions and we aim to address the issue of change at several points throughout the lifespan, from pre-school through to adulthood. We also consider the approaches to support people in the process or aftermath of significant life transitions."

Dr Philip Murphy, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Edge Hill is to present his paper on cannabis use amongst higher education students. He said: "Findings indicate that students who use the drug tend only to differ from their non using counterparts on behaviours and attitudes relating to drug use. For example cannabis users tended to have used more legal and illegal substances than non-users and favour the legalisation of cannabis more than non-users. However outlooks on broader social issues did not differ between the two groups."

In another study to be presented at the conference Dr Murphy together with colleagues from Edge Hill and Liverpool John Moores University will share research findings on the use of ecstasy and the effects of the drug on personal and social functioning. ENDS

EDITOR?S NOTES: For further information please contact: Roisin Rowley-Smith PR Manager Tel: 01695 584509 Fax: 01695 584355 E mail: rowlesr@edgehill.ac.uk or pressoffice@edgehill.ac.uk