Keynote: Leveraging technology to improve well-being
Abstract: Technology is ubiquitous in our everyday lives. How can we leverage it to expand our repertoire of mental health services, advance our ways in understanding human behaviors and interpersonal interactions, and promote well-being
Prof. Winnie MAK
Keynote: Pathological social withdrawal during adolescence: a culture-specific or a globalphenomenon in the ICT era
Youth (dis)engagement in various aspects has become an important issue in many high-income and aging-population countries. In particular, the growing group of young people who are not in employment, education or training (NEET) has become a great concern. Prolonged periods of socio-political-educational disengagement can lead to marginalization, dependence, loneliness, powerlessness, increased use of drugs and criminal activity, homelessness, and social-political-civil apathy and distrust of authorities and governments. Pathological social withdrawal refers to long-term social withdrawal/disengagement and self-exclusion for over six months – including non-attendance at school or work, and with minimal contact with friends, family and society – in the absence of other psychiatric diagnoses. This is possibly the worst condition of NEET and has raised serious concerns around the world. Although first classified as a culturally specific condition within Japan (termed hikikomori) because of Japan’s nobility of solitude and major structural changes in the last 1980s, similar cases have been recently identified in other Asian countries (Hong Kong, South Korea), some low-middle-income countries (Bangladesh, India, Iran, Thailand), and Western countries (Australia, UK, US). The aim of this presentation is to provide a review of the literature on its existing explanatory frameworks, prevalence rates among various countries, identified contributing factors, empirical-supported interventions, and potential preventive progammes. This presentation will be concluded by an exploration with the audiences of the presence of such transitory youth issue in their clinical settings and research and services gaps that are yet to be filled.
Dr. Paul WONG
It’s more than exercising: Promotion of healthy lifestyle among university students using a holistic approach
To promote students’ wellbeing at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Healthy Lifestyle Programme (HLSP) was developed based on a holistic approach to wellbeing which emphasizes students’ physical, social, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. The unique delivery comprises of e-learning modules, lectures, and physical training. Evaluation findings support the effectiveness of the holistic approach and use of technology in promoting healthy lifestyle among university students.
Dr. Hildie LEUNG
Learning 4.0 in the 21st Century – The role of psychology and learning science in redefining learning
Learning 4.0 is a fuzzy concept right now in the field of learning. With no apparent nor concrete definition at the moment, Learning 4.0 grossly embodies various approaches including mobile learning, data science and analytics towards spontaneous personalized / tailored formative feedback for learning, gamification towards gratification and arousal in learning process, and immersive learning environment such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). I will attempt to explore the implications of these novel approaches in learning facilitation on research and practice of applied psychology in the learning context.
Dr. Kevin CHAN
Building intergenerational relations and learning experience with youth
Change in family size and structure as well as other social factors reduce the opportunities for youth to develop and benefit from intergenerational (Ig) relationships. Ig programs have a long history and are common in the US, with new Ig initiatives developing in the US. Hong Kong is also enjoying a government support Ig campaign and opportunities to organize Ig programs for youth, with evidence supporting positive gain in youth development in different areas. Findings and evidences about these positive impact of Ig programs on youth will be shared and evaluated.
Dr. Simon LAI
Divison of Clincal Psychology: Unbearable Lightness: A Reflection on Boredom
This year marks one decade since the advent of the smartphone, the device that is revolutionizing the way we connect with ourselves, with each other, and with the world at large. As did the printing press, steam engine, and telecommunication, the smartphone enables the challenge, morph, merge, and even discard of existing values and traditions, and, arguably, norms and set points for health. However, the smartphone appears to also be bringing upon an array of unforeseen negative consequences. In this talk, I will focus on one such shift: Our relationship with boredom. I will try to argue that the change in our ability to tolerate boredom--due in part to the excessive use of mobile devices--is not trivial and discuss some of the implications of depriving ourselves the opportunity to experience boredom.
Dr. Christian Chan
Divison of Education Psychology: Who is your enemy? Prevention of Internet and Gaming Disorder
This presentation will discuss the etiology of internet and gaming disorder and how can we prevent it.
Dr. Elda Mei-lo Chan
Divison of Industrial and Organizational Psychology: Digitising engagement at work
While digital transformation is often thought of as a route to greater productivity or enhanced user experience, it is also driving a revolution in data about human behaviour and interaction. With such vast and novel data sets, what are we learning about measuring and managing people in the workplace and what role are psychologists playing? In this session, we will discuss those topics and look at some emerging trends from assessment, engagement and other new data sources.
Mr. Lewis Gerrad
Divison of Counselling Psychology: Happiness of Chinese University Students: A Revisit
This session will report findings of a study of 6000 undergraduate students in Chinese society. Females score significantly higher than males on both depression and subjective happiness. To account for it, author proposes a triviality theory of happiness meaning that females can detect happiness and unhappiness more readily than males.
Dr. Xiaodong Yue