Social Cure research at the 51th Congress of the German Psychological Society
Studying with fellow students, pursuing a healthy diet within the family, engaging in volunteer work or joining a sports club when retired: The social cure effect emerges in various domains of life. Why social groups are beneficial for our health and well-being will be discussed at the 51th Congress of the German Psychological Society (DGPs), which takes place from 15th to 20th of September, 2018 in Frankfurt/Main.
Groups are the key to health and well-being. People in groups who have a sense of shared identity support each other more and develop a stronger sense of collective self-efficacy, which leads to more effective attempts to deal with the stressors. Coping with stress differs fundamentally, depending on whether one is thinking of themselves as being part of a group or being a lone fighter. “First studies show that interventions aiming at the social group can be especially effective” says Rolf van Dick, Social Psychology Professor at Goethe-University Frankfurt.
In their keynote, Catherine and Alex Haslam from the University of Queensland, Australia, present a wealth of research from people with depression, from retirees, and from people with a range of health conditions that shows how group memberships and social identification with these groups contributes to a better physical and mental well-being. “When the sense of self changes from ‘me’ to ‘us’, we can gain much more advantages from belonging to a group than mere social support” claim Haslam and Haslam. The intervention project “Groups4Health”, which will be part of the keynote, illustrates the practical relevance of these findings.
Social cure effects also play an important role in working life. In the symposium, various researchers will zoom in on specific questions. One specific example addressing the social problem of burnout and depression shows that leaders who create a sense of shared identities help members of the groups they lead to be more resilient against stress so that they are much less likely to experience burnout. Other addressed questions will be: Is it necessary to identify with your group to benefit from its healthy effects? Can belonging to a group support us in critical life events like retirement?
The DGPs Congress in Frankfurt
“With Frankfurt, we are pleased to return to a place that represents the long tradition of the German Psychological Society, where in 1908 one of the first congresses of our society took place” says DGPs president Conny Herbert Antoni. For the first time, two organizers invite to Frankfurt: The Goethe University Frankfurt and the German Institute for International Educational Research (DIPF). Under the theme “Psychologie gestaltet” (“Psychology shapes”, referring to the history of Gestalt psychology in Frankfurt), this year’s focus lies on the important role of scientific psychology in tackling individual and social challenges.
Further information on the congress program and accompanying events is available on the congress website: www.dgpskongress.de
-- Press accreditation --
We would like to invite you to visit the 51st Congress of the German Psychological Society, taking place from September 15th to 20th at Goethe University Frankfurt. Conditions for press accreditation and further information are provided here: https://www.dgpskongress.de/frontend/index.php?page_id=1089
Press Office DGPs:
Dr. Anne Klostermann
Press Officer DGPs
E-Mail: pressestelle@dgps.de
Tel.: 030 280 47718
Hot Topic Contact:
Prof. Dr. Rolf van Dick
Head of Social Psychology
Vice President, Goethe University Frankfurt
E-Mail: van.dick@psych.uni-frankfurt.de
Tel.: +49 69 798 35285
About the German Psychological Society (DGPs):
The German Psychological Society (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Psychogie, DGPs) is an association of qualified psychologists engaged in research and teaching. Our more than 4,500 members research the experience and behavior of man. They publish, teach and take a stand in the areas of universities, research, politics and daily life.
The DGPs press office informs the public about how psychology contributes to socially relevant questions. Moreover, the DGPs offers a data base to journalists which contains experts for various fields who are able to answer specific questions.
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