Health psychologists discuss latest researc...(e themes of the conference include: S...),Health

• Stress and Health

• Communicating Risk

• Social influences on health

• Disordered eating and body image

• Weight loss and self care

Among other research being presented will be a study of the trauma faced by soldiers returning from the front line. Karen Burnell and Dr Nigel Hunt of The University of Nottingham found that war veterans need emotional support from their family and friends and recognition from society in order to come to terms with their experiences when they come home.

They interviewed 23 male veterans of wars fought in the last 60 years about their view of the social support they received after service. Research found that veterans who had a strong support network on leaving the forces came to terms with the events better than those who did not.

Those who did not have support from family and friends after leaving the forces were less able to come to terms with their experience. The interviews revealed these veterans would appreciate the opportunity to have social relationships that would enable them to speak about their experiences and regretted not being able to develop them.

Miss Burnell said: During the interviews, it became apparent that the veterans who had unsupportive relationships with their families and a perceived lack of support from society at large were also the ones who had been least able to come to terms with what they had witnessed in the war. They often showed a desire to have more social interaction but did not have adequate support to do so.

It was clear that those veterans who had supportive relationships with friends and family were most likely to have come to terms with what they had witnessed.

The conference will also feature four keynote speakers:

• Professor Alan Christensen, University of Iowa, will examine why patients dont stick to prescribed medical regimens
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