Animation uses psychology to help us tackle COVID-19

Psychologists in CEDAR (Clinical Education, Development and Research) have worked with communications and HR colleagues to produce an animation based on CEDAR’s research to help give confidence when tackling rule breaking.

It’s based on overcoming sources of negative reinforcement - when a behaviour taken by someone encourages unwanted behaviours in others. The short minute animation highlights seven guiding principles aimed at boosting confidence:

1.  Introduce yourself and give your job area “Hi I’m Jasmin and I work in student services”

2.  Say why you’re talking to them

Then try:

3. Empathy : this shows you have an awareness of the situation they are in.

And/or

4. Collective responsibility : shows the role we all have in keeping our community safe

And sometimes

5. Diffusion

6. Give clear instructions

7. Thank them for their efforts and then exit

Professor Paul Farrand, Clinical Education, Development and Research (CEDAR); Psychology, said “Applying behavioural theory, it is hoped this brief package will help you overcome sources of negative reinforcement and play a part in keeping our community safe for everyone. I hope you find the techniques helpful both with respect to COVID and maybe in other areas.”