Conference Will Highlight Role Of Psychology In Shaping Healthcare

On 9 September 2008 more than 700 psychologists from the UK, Europe and further will gather in Bath to share their latest research and discuss the part psychology should play in shaping the future of healthcare.

The 2008 joint European Health Psychology Society and British Psychological Society's Division of Health Psychology Conference 2008, takes place at the University of Bath from 9 - 12 September 2008. The conference, themed 'Behaviour, Health and Healthcare: From Physiology to Policy', will look at how psychology can be applied at individual and group level to promote health, and even prevent illness, at a national level.

The Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, Dr Fiona Adshead, will open the conference alongside Professor Susan Michie who will examine the contribution that Health Psychology has already made to health policy in England.

Keynote speakers include:

- Janice Kiecolt-Glaser from Ohio State University, who will talk about how stress kills, examining new perspectives on stress and inflammation.

- Professor Suzie Skevington from the University of Bath, who will give a keynote speech on the challenges of assessing health-related quality of life in different cultures.

- Professor Nichola Rumsey from the University of the West of England who will talk about the psychology of appearance, and why health psychologists should "do looks".

Other presentations include: - Lavender scent could be an effective means of reducing dental anxiety in patients. This is the finding of Metaxia Kritsidima and her colleagues from King's College London. (PR1475)

- Telling your partner everything is good for your psychological health. This is the finding of a study by Dr Andrea Horn and her colleagues from the University of Fribourg, Switzerland (PR1464).

- Arthritis sufferers can alleviate their pain by using mental imagery and hypnotherapy. This is the finding of Bryan Bennett and colleagues from Bangor University (PR1480).

- The negative impacts of stress on health are frequently discussed, but when it comes to getting vaccinated, being under stress could actually do you good. This is the finding of Keith Petrie and his colleagues from the University of Auckland (PR1473).

- Watching TV programmes about illness can increase viewers' fear of illness. This is the finding of a study by Dr. Jan Van Mierlo of Hasselt University in Belgium (PR1481).

Martin Hagger, Chair of The British Psychological Society Division of Health Psychology, said: "It's an exciting time for the field of health psychology. More and more the importance of choice and behaviour is highlighted as we fight the health 'epidemics' of the 21st century such as obesity, diabetes and stress.

"At this year's conference, we will be presenting and exploring the latest research in the field of health psychology, and discussing how this research can be used to shape health policies, and ultimately improve the health and lives of many people."

Visit http://www.bath2008.org.uk for more information, including a schedule of speakers. A press pack containing individual press releases for presentations will be issued. However, if you would like to attend the conference, please contact us.

British Psychological Society