On June 18th, a group of five Tiffin psychology students, Hector, Flynn, Ella, Lily and Eric represented the school at the National Psychology Competition, held at Royal Holloway University. The event brought together the best psychology students from across the country to present research, tackle real-world issues, and engage with cutting-edge developments in the field.
The Tiffin team delivered a well-researched and thought-provoking presentation on how to encourage healthier online behaviour, using established psychological strategies such as social norm interventions and planned behaviour theory. Their work tackled key concerns around screen time, digital well-being, and the psychological impact of social media, offering practical, evidence-based solutions with clear relevance to young people alongside wider society.
In addition to competing, students attended a lecture on positive gaming, exploring how video games can be designed or used to support mental health. Video games are often criticised for their negative impact, and can be linked to addiction, isolation, and attention issues. However, in an interesting shift, some are now being prescribed as clinical treatments for ADHD in the United States. It’s a clear example of psychology’s evolving role in shaping how technology could be used for therapeutic benefit.
The event was both intellectually challenging and professionally inspiring, giving our brilliant students a taste of university-level thinking and real-world application. The Tiffin team’s participation showcased not only their academic ability but also their ambition to apply psychology meaningfully beyond the classroom, and the Psychology department is immensely proud of their involvement. Well done!
