Dr. Hou Wai Kai and local researchers released findings from a series of studies about the mental health implications of COVID-19 (26 May 2022)

  • After surveying over 6,000 people in Hong Kong over the past two years, Dr Hou and the researchers revealed that 14.9% of people had developed anxiety, and over 15% of people had developed symptoms of depression.
  • Some key findings: Disrupted daily routines can increase the odds of anxiety and depression. Groups under financial pressure, lower education level, single parents, or lonely elderly people were more likely to develop anxiety and depression. Individuals with low savings or no home ownership were also at greater risks of developing poorer mental health during the pandemic
  • The research teams have made a list of tips for children, younger adults, and older adults to maintain good mental health and enhance overall well-being

Previous news and events

Dr. Hou Wai Kai was elected a Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science (16 February 2022)

  • Dr. Hou Wai Kai, Director of the Centre for Psychosocial Health and Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology, has been elected a Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science (APS) for his outstanding contributions to the science of psychology.
  • Dr. Hou’s research seeks to explicate the psychology and ecology of stress. His work focuses on understanding the everyday processes and mechanisms of resilience, social and physical environmental determinants, and public mental health. He and his team have developed cutting-edge research programmes that enhance the community’s awareness and knowledge of the psychosocial aspects of health.

Dr. Ho Chun Yip Henry was interviewed by the Association for Psychological Science (20 September 2021)

  • Dr. Henry Ho, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology, was interviewed by the Association for Psychological Science regarding Psychological Capital for an ongoing Observer Magazine feature called Careers Up Close, which spotlights early-career researchers who are doing innovative work in industry and academia.

Dr. Lau Esther Yuet Ying talked on RTHK TV 31 (16 September 2021)

  • In the RTHK TV 31 programme "RTHK Talk Show – Social Science Night 2021", Dr Lau Esther Yuet Ying, Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology, was interviewed on the importance and impact of sleep, as well as on how to have better sleep under different restrictions.

Dr. Lau Esther Yuet Ying and Dr. Tso Ricky Van Yip developed a chatbot to enhance sleep and psycho-spiritual health (14 September 2021)

  • The "FiDW (Fire in Deep Waters)" chatbot was created by Dr. Lau Esther Yuet Ying, Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology, and Dr. Tso Ricky Van Yip, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology, together with a team of psychologists.
  • The chatbot is the first and only chatbot on sleep and psycho-spiritual health to cater for the needs of the community in facing personal and societal challenges.

Dr. Lau Esther Yuet Ying was quoted on a Bloomberg Quicktake Twitter post (10 September 2021)

  • In the Twitter post of Bloomberg Quicktake, Dr Lau Esther Yuet Ying, Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology, shared the negative consequences of sleep loss on higher cognitive functions.

Dr. Leung Nga Man Angel and Dr. Tso Ricky Van Yip won teaching awards (6 September 2021)

  • Dr. Leung Nga Man Angel, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology, and Dr. Tso Ricky Van Yip, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology, are winners of the Faculty Teaching Award 2020/21.

Dr. Emma Buchtel and Dr. Li Man Wai Liman were interviewed by Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung's magazine (2 September 2021)

  • In the 10th issue of Heinrich Böll Stiftung's serial publication Perspectives Asia, Dr. Emma Buchtel, Associate Professor and Associate Head (International Engagement) at the Department of Psychology and Dr. Liman Li, Associate Head (Quality Assurance and Enhancement) and Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology were interviewed on the cultural psychology of mask and vaccine attitudes They discuss their survey of adults in the USA and Hong Kong on why they do (or do not) get vaccinated & wear masks.
  • The discussion was supported by their research study, "Mask wearing Behaviors and Attitudes: Cultural and Individual Influences".

Dr. Li Man Wai Liman receives a publication award (9 August 2021)

  • Dr. Liman Li, Associate Head (Quality Assurance and Enhancement) and Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology, has been awarded the Misumi Award for the best article published in 2019 in the Asian Journal of Social Psychology for her article, "Residential mobility reduces ingroup favouritism in prosocial behaviour."
  • Taking a socioecological approach, the research team examined the causal role of residential mobility in reducing ingroup favouritism with multiple studies.

Dr. Emma Buchtel, Dr. Chan Ka Shing Kevin, and Dr. Poon Kai Tak Ivan have won 3 grants (5 July 2021)

  • The Research Grants Council (RGC) has announced the funding results of the RGC General Research Fund (GRF) Application Round 2021/22. Three members of the Centre for Psychosocial Health have won GRF grants.
  • Dr. Emma Buchtel, Associate Professor and Associate Head (International Engagement) at the Department of Psychology. Project title: The Meaning of Cognitive Conflict across Cultures: Using Pupil Dilation to Identify Culturally-relevant Meaning Disruptions and Conflict Compensation
  • Dr. Chan Ka Shing Kevin, Head and Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology. Project title: Effectiveness of Mindfulness-based Intervention in Reducing Stigma Stress among Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Dr. Poon Kai Tak Ivan, Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology. Project Title: Watch One's Step: The Effect of Objectification on Conspiracy Beliefs

Dr. Ho Chun Yip Henry has developed intervention to promote health and fitness (30 June 2021)

  • Dr Henry Ho, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology, together with his research team and healthcare professionals, found that Positive Physical Activity and Fitness (PPA) intervention is a cost-effective way to improve physical activity and fitness.
  • Community stakeholders can be engaged in an active and fruitful partnership for programme development

Dr. Ho Chun Yip Henry won a research award (22 June 2021)

  • Dr Henry Ho, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology, wins the Dean's Research Award: Journal Articles for his study titled, "A cluster randomized controlled trial of a positive physical activity intervention", which was published in the Health Psychology journal.
  • FEHD Dean’s Research Awards are established to recognize publications of outstanding quality, and the engagement and impact of staff research to the development of society.

Dr. Emma Buchtel was interviewed by the South China Morning Post (18 June 2021)

  • In the article, Dr. Emma E. Buchtel, Associate Professor and Associate Head (International Engagement) at the Department of Psychology, shared her recent research on how university students view "filial piety".
  • Dr. Buchtel's study is titled, "Filial Values and "Unhealthy Practices:" When is Corruption Increased by Confucian Virtues? The Roles of Moral Conflict and Societal Transparency"

Dr. Emma Buchtel presented in an Online Conference (3 March 2021)

  • In an online conference on the topic "Shared Future for Humankind", Dr. Emma Butchel, Associate Professor and Associate Head (International Engagement) at the Department of Psychology, joining researchers from Cornell, UCLA, MIT and the University of Chicago, presented her research on culture and social norms to the Young Chinese Association for Personaility and Social Psychology.

Dr. Wilbert Law published an article in the Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science (23 February 2021)

  • Dr Wilbert Law, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology, in research collaboration with Oxford University, Reading University, and Durham University, published an article titled, "Does "Digital Detoxing" Improve Personal Well-being?"
  • The study found no evidence that short-term abstinence from social media has a positive effect on an individuals’ well-being, contrary to popular opinion about the benefits of “digital detoxing”.

Dr. Ho Chun Yip Henry won funding from the Equal Opportunities Commission (14 December 2020)

  • Dr Henry Chun Yip Ho, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology, is aiming to boost family-friendly workplaces in Hong Kong and will investigate the benefits of Family-Friendly Employment Policies and Practices (FEPPs) and their availability and utilization in different industries.
  • The Funding Programme of Research Projects on Equal Opportunities 2020/21 aims to boost innovative research that promotes equality of opportunities irrespective of sex, disability, family status and race. 

Dr. Wilbert Law published an article in Parenting Headline (24 November 2020)

  • In Parenting Headline, Dr. Wilbert Law, Assistant Professor of Department of Psychology and Convenor of Continuing Education of Division of Educational Psychology, Hong Kong Psychological Society, shared practical tips for using self-compassion to alleviate parenting stress. 

Dr. Hou Wai Kai was quoted in Macau Business (27 September 2020)

  • Macau Business reported that during the anti-extradition bill protests, the prevalence of probable depression and suicidal ideation were substantially higher than would be expected and higher during the Umbrella Movement of 2014.
  • Dr. Hou Wai Kai, Director of Centre for Psychosocial Health and Associate Professor of the Department of Psychology, and his research team was quoted as saying “our findings suggest that widespread unrest could have stronger adverse impact on the mental health of those who are poor and those whose lives are disrupted.”

Dr. Tso Ricky Van Yip was interviewed by the Ohpama (7 April 2020)

  • Dr. Tso Ricky Van Yip, Assistant Professor at Department of Psychology suggested ways for DSE candidates to revise effectively.

Dr. Hou Wai-kai published an article in Sing Tao Daily (24 March 2020)

  • In Sing Tao Daily, Dr Hou Wai-kai, Director of Centre for Psychosocial Health and Associate Professor of the Department of Psychology, and research assistant Ms Li Tsz-Wai published an article that talked about managing mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak. COVID-19 pandemic altered the living habits of people, e.g. people are more concerning personal hygiene, and social /outdoor activities are greatly reduced due to the fear of infections.

  • Dr Hou and Ms Li, stressed that daily routines regularity is the key factor that associated with positive mental health outcomes. Although the pandemic has seriously affected our daily routines, it is suggested that we should utilize our resources, and find alternatives to build up and restore healthy lifestyles.

Dr. Hou Wai Kai was quoted in CitizenNews (16 January 2020)

  • CitizenNews reported that Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill Movement can be a way for parents to educate their children with critical thinking skills.
  • Dr. Hou Wai Kai, Director of Centre for Psychosocial Health and Associate Professor of the Department of Psychology, was quoted as saying teenagers' thought can be influenced by their parents, friends and teachers. Also, when people enter a chat room, such as a group against police violence, the more they talk about it, the more angry they become. This is exactly the function of group polarization and echo chamber. Therefore, parents and children should check what they have seen and thought about, and which are conformity, and make informed decisions with sufficient information.

Dr. Wilbert Law was invited as the speaker at the Annual Hotung Lecture cum Biennial Parent Conference 2020 organized by The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education (11 January 2020)

  • Dr Wilbert Law, the Assistant Professor of Department of Psychology, was invited as the speaker at the Annual Hotung Lecture cum Biennial Parent Conference 2020 organized by The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education held on 11 January 2020.
  • The topic was “Motivation and Talent Development of Gifted Learners” focusing on learning motivation, psychological well-being, and cultural and moral Intelligence of gifted students and adolescents.

Dr. Ho Chun Yip Henry developed intervention to promote health and fitness (30 June 2021)

  • Dr Henry Ho, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology, together with his research team and healthcare professionals, found that Positive Physical Activity and Fitness (PPA) intervention is a cost-effective way to improve physical activity and fitness.
  • Community stakeholders can be engaged in an active and fruitful partnership for programme development

Dr. Ho Chun Yip Henry won a research award (22 June 2021)

  • Dr Henry Ho, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology, wins the Dean's Research Award: Journal Articles for his study titled, "A cluster randomized controlled trial of a positive physical activity intervention", which was published in the Health Psychology journal.
  • FEHD Dean’s Research Awards are established to recognize publications of outstanding quality, and the engagement and impact of staff research to the development of society.

Dr. Ho Chun Yip Henry was interviewed by the Association for Psychological Science (20 September 2021)

  • Dr. Henry Ho, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology, was interviewed by the Association for Psychological Science regarding Psychological Capital for an ongoing Observer Magazine feature called Careers Up Close, which spotlights early-career researchers who are doing innovative work in industry and academia.

Dr. Lau Esther Yuet Ying talked on RTHK TV 31 (16 September 2021)

  • In the RTHK TV 31 programme "RTHK Talk Show – Social Science Night 2021", Dr Lau Esther Yuet Ying, Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology, was interviewed on the importance and impact of sleep, as well as on how to have better sleep under different restrictions.

Dr. Lau Esther Yuet Ying and Dr. Tso Ricky Van Yip developed a chatbot to enhance sleep and psycho-spiritual health (14 September 2021)

  • The "FiDW (Fire in Deep Waters)" chatbot was created by Dr. Lau Esther Yuet Ying, Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology, and Dr. Tso Ricky Van Yip, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology, together with a team of psychologists.
  • The chatbot is the first and only chatbot on sleep and psycho-spiritual health to cater for the needs of the community in facing personal and societal challenges.

Dr. Lau Esther Yuet Ying was quoted on a Bloomberg Quicktake Twitter post (10 September 2021)

  • In the Twitter post of Bloomberg Quicktake, Dr Lau Esther Yuet Ying, Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology, shared the negative consequences of sleep loss on higher cognitive functions.

Dr. Leung Nga Man Angel and Dr. Tso Ricky Van Yip won teaching awards (6 September 2021)

  • Dr. Leung Nga Man Angel, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology, and Dr. Tso Ricky Van Yip, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology, are winners of the Faculty Teaching Award 2020/21.

Dr. Emma Buchtel and Dr. Li Man Wai Liman were interviewed by Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung's magazine (2 September 2021)

  • In the 10th issue of Heinrich Böll Stiftung's serial publication Perspectives Asia, Dr. Emma Buchtel, Associate Professor and Associate Head (International Engagement) at the Department of Psychology and Dr. Liman Li, Associate Head (Quality Assurance and Enhancement) and Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology were interviewed on the cultural psychology of mask and vaccine attitudes They discuss their survey of adults in the USA and Hong Kong on why they do (or do not) get vaccinated & wear masks.
  • The discussion was supported by their research study, "Mask wearing Behaviors and Attitudes: Cultural and Individual Influences".

Dr. Li Man Wai Liman received a publication award (9 August 2021)

  • Dr. Liman Li, Associate Head (Quality Assurance and Enhancement) and Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology, has been awarded the Misumi Award for the best article published in 2019 in the Asian Journal of Social Psychology for her article, "Residential mobility reduces ingroup favouritism in prosocial behaviour."
  • Taking a socioecological approach, the research team examined the causal role of residential mobility in reducing ingroup favouritism with multiple studies.

Dr. Emma Buchtel, Dr. Chan Ka Shing Kevin, and Dr. Poon Kai Tak Ivan have won 3 grants (5 July 2021)

  • The Research Grants Council (RGC) has announced the funding results of the RGC General Research Fund (GRF) Application Round 2021/22. Three members of the Centre for Psychosocial Health have won GRF grants.
  • Dr. Emma Buchtel, Associate Professor and Associate Head (International Engagement) at the Department of Psychology. Project title: The Meaning of Cognitive Conflict across Cultures: Using Pupil Dilation to Identify Culturally-relevant Meaning Disruptions and Conflict Compensation
  • Dr. Chan Ka Shing Kevin, Head and Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology. Project title: Effectiveness of Mindfulness-based Intervention in Reducing Stigma Stress among Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Dr. Poon Kai Tak Ivan, Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology. Project Title: Watch One's Step: The Effect of Objectification on Conspiracy Beliefs

Dr. Emma Buchtel was interviewed by the South China Morning Post (18 June 2021)

  • In the article, Dr. Emma E. Buchtel, Associate Professor and Associate Head (International Engagement) at the Department of Psychology, shared her recent research on how university students view "filial piety".
  • Dr. Buchtel's study is titled, "Filial Values and "Unhealthy Practices:" When is Corruption Increased by Confucian Virtues? The Roles of Moral Conflict and Societal Transparency"

Dr. Emma Buchtel presented in an Online Conference (3 March 2021)

  • In an online conference on the topic "Shared Future for Humankind", Dr. Emma Butchel, Associate Professor and Associate Head (International Engagement) at the Department of Psychology, joining researchers from Cornell, UCLA, MIT and the University of Chicago, presented her research on culture and social norms to the Young Chinese Association for Personaility and Social Psychology.

Dr. Wilbert Law published an article in the Journal of Technology in Behavioral Science (23 February 2021)

  • Dr Wilbert Law, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology, in research collaboration with Oxford University, Reading University, and Durham University, published an article titled, "Does "Digital Detoxing" Improve Personal Well-being?"
  • The study found no evidence that short-term abstinence from social media has a positive effect on an individuals’ well-being, contrary to popular opinion about the benefits of “digital detoxing”.

Dr. Ho Chun Yip Henry won funding from the Equal Opportunities Commission (14 December 2020)

  • Dr Henry Chun Yip Ho, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology, is aiming to boost family-friendly workplaces in Hong Kong and will investigate the benefits of Family-Friendly Employment Policies and Practices (FEPPs) and their availability and utilization in different industries.
  • The Funding Programme of Research Projects on Equal Opportunities 2020/21 aims to boost innovative research that promotes equality of opportunities irrespective of sex, disability, family status and race. 

Dr. Wilbert Law published an article in Parenting Headline (24 November 2020)

  • In Parenting Headline, Dr. Wilbert Law, Assistant Professor of Department of Psychology and Convenor of Continuing Education of Division of Educational Psychology, Hong Kong Psychological Society, shared practical tips for using self-compassion to alleviate parenting stress. 

Dr. Hou Wai Kai was quoted in Macau Business (27 September 2020)

  • Macau Business reported that during the anti-extradition bill protests, the prevalence of probable depression and suicidal ideation were substantially higher than would be expected and higher during the Umbrella Movement of 2014.
  • Dr. Hou Wai Kai, Director of Centre for Psychosocial Health and Associate Professor of the Department of Psychology, and his research team was quoted as saying “our findings suggest that widespread unrest could have stronger adverse impact on the mental health of those who are poor and those whose lives are disrupted.”

Dr. Tso Ricky Van Yip was interviewed by the Ohpama (7 April 2020)

  • Dr. Tso Ricky Van Yip, Assistant Professor at Department of Psychology suggested ways for DSE candidates to revise effectively.

Dr Hou Wai Kai published an article in Sing Tao Daily (24 March 2020)

  • In Sing Tao Daily, Dr Hou Wai-kai, Director of Centre for Psychosocial Health and Associate Professor of the Department of Psychology, and research assistant Ms Li Tsz-Wai published an article that talked about managing mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak. COVID-19 pandemic altered the living habits of people, e.g. people are more concerning personal hygiene, and social /outdoor activities are greatly reduced due to the fear of infections.

  • Dr Hou and Ms Li, stressed that daily routines regularity is the key factor that associated with positive mental health outcomes. Although the pandemic has seriously affected our daily routines, it is suggested that we should utilize our resources, and find alternatives to build up and restore healthy lifestyles.

Dr. Hou Wai Kai was quoted in CitizenNews (16 January 2020)

  • CitizenNews reported that Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill Movement can be a way for parents to educate their children with critical thinking skills.
  • Dr. Hou Wai Kai, Director of Centre for Psychosocial Health and Associate Professor of the Department of Psychology, was quoted as saying teenagers' thought can be influenced by their parents, friends and teachers. Also, when people enter a chat room, such as a group against police violence, the more they talk about it, the more angry they become. This is exactly the function of group polarization and echo chamber. Therefore, parents and children should check what they have seen and thought about, and which are conformity, and make informed decisions with sufficient information.

Dr. Wilbert Law was invited as the speaker at the Annual Hotung Lecture cum Biennial Parent Conference 2020 organized by The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education (11 January 2020)

  • Dr Wilbert Law, the Assistant Professor of Department of Psychology, was invited as the speaker at the Annual Hotung Lecture cum Biennial Parent Conference 2020 organized by The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education held on 11 January 2020.
  • The topic was “Motivation and Talent Development of Gifted Learners” focusing on learning motivation, psychological well-being, and cultural and moral Intelligence of gifted students and adolescents.

Dr Ho Chun Yip Henry's study on stress and mental health of social workers was reported in HK01 and Sing Tao Daily (14 Oct 2019)

  • HK01 and Sing Tao Daily reported that the Hong Kong Social Workers' General Union and EdUHK’s Department of Psychology conducted a study on the stress and mental health of social workers between July 2018 and March 2019, finding that among the over 400 full-time social workers polled, over 90% said they were overloaded, over 70% once suffered from different levels of constraints at work, 60% felt mental distressed, and more than half of the respondents have intention to resign. 
  • Dr. Henry Ho Chun-yip, Assistant Professor at Department of Psychology, proposed that organisations should listen to the opinions and concerns of social workers and pay attention to their goals and values. They should also improve employees’ training and help them build self-confidence in work so as to enhance their problem-solving ability. He also suggested institutions should enhance communications with social workers and gauge their views on remuneration package and promotions.
  • For details, please click:
    HK01
    Sing Tao Daily

Dr. Tso Ricky Van Yip published an article in Sky Post (8 Oct 2019)

  • Dr Ricky Tso Van-yip, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology and Member of Psychological Assessment and Clinical Research Unit, gave a few suggestions to parents who consider emigration or sending their children abroad.

Dr. Hou Wai Kai was interviewed by the South China Morning Post (12 August, 2019)

  • Dr. Hou Wai-kai, Director of Centre for Psychosocial Health and Associate Professor of the Department of Psychology, stressed that the deepening divide can be expected to take a toll on residents' mental well-being regardless of their political stance.

Dr. Lau Esther Yuet Ying talked about the quality of sleep and insomnia in an RTHK programme “830 Mag” (9 July 2019)

  • In an RTHK programme “830 Mag”, Dr Esther Lau, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology, talked about the quality of sleep and insomnia. She said that EdUHK and University of Oxford have developed a sleep indicator, with the lower scores attesting poorer quality of sleep. She suggested that those with low scores should seek help from family doctors, social workers, or clinical psychologists. International institutions have recognised that cognitive-behavioral therapy is the most effective solution to insomnia.

Dr. Hou Wai Kai discussed the recent political incidents from the perspective of health and social psychology in RTHK's programme's “RTHK Talk Show - Social Science Night" (26 June 2019)

  • In RTHK’s programme's “RTHK Talk Show - Social Science Night", Dr Hou Wai-kai, Director of Centre for Psychosocial Health and Associate Professor of the Department of Psychology, discussed the recent political incidents from the perspective of health and social psychology, saying that the use of fierce confrontational tactics by protestors has gradually become a norm in Hong Kong. He pointed out that whether a protest strategy will be accepted by the community depends on the social environment and the networks. Dr Hou Wai-kai raised the findings from his population-base and experience sampling studies on Umbrella Movement to show that social upheaval could have negative impact on people’s everyday life experiences and mental health. He suggests the importance of gaining social capital and maintaining regular daily routines in order to prepare for unexpected, adverse, and sometimes traumatic experiences during social upheaval.

Dr. Ho Chun Yip Henry was on HK.WeCARE香港開心D survey release (6 October 2018)

  • HK.WeCARE香港開心D released the results of a questionnaire survey conducted from August to September 2018. The survey included 256 employees of 15 organizations from various industries, which showed that 28.5% of the respondents have 2 – 5 hours of overtime work per week and 45% experience Monday blues. Income, sense of accomplishment, and social relationships with colleagues are the most important contributors to work happiness.
     
  • Dr. Ho Chun Yip Henry, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, found in his survey that employees who are more hopeful, efficacious, resilient, and optimistic are more satisfied and happier about work, and have better psychological and physical well-being. He suggested that employers should be more considerate of employees’ needs by providing opportunities for development and growth, giving work autonomy to facilitate creativity, and using flexible management of human resources.
     
  • For details, please click:
    Sing Tao Daily
    HK01
    ON.cc
    Bastille Post
    Orange News

Dr. Hou Wai Kai was on food brand Knorr survey release (5 September 2018)

  • The food brand Knorr released the results of an online questionnaire survey conducted from 27 to 30 July 2018. The survey polled 2,950 citizens aged 20 or above, finding that 15.56% of the respondents work between 50 and 56 hours per week and 9.19% work over 56 hours per week. Over 70% of the respondents have an irregular meal time due to their busy work schedules.
     
  • Dr Hou Wai-kai, Director of Centre for Psychosocial Health (CPH) and Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, said that 5-10% of the total population in Hong Kong suffer from anxiety and depression. A survey found that those with an irregular meal time will more likely to develop emotional problems. He suggested citizens should take regular meal breaks, and spend more time with family when off work in order to ease their work pressure.
     
  • For details, please click:
    AM730
    Ta Kung Pao  
    Metro Daily
    Yahoo News

Dr. Lau Esther Yuet Ying was invited to Backchat RTHK Radio 3 to talk about the sleep deprivation among Hong Kong people (13 June 2018)

  • Dr Esther Lau Yuet-ying, Assistant Professor of the Department of Psychology, was invited to Backchat RTHK Radio 3 to talk about the sleep deprivation among Hong Kong people. Dr. Lau said that short sleep hours was a serious worldwide problem, particularly in Asian countries. In Hong Kong, repeated studies showed that people sleep less than what they need, which could have bad long term consequences both physically and psychologically. In addition, Dr. Lau pointed out that delayed sleep-wake preference for teenagers and advanced sleep phase for the elderly was biological in nature, which put them at risk of experiencing “social jetlag”. Dr. Lau also gave some tips on sleep hygiene and advocated that the vicious cycle need to be broken.

Dr. Lau Esther Yuet Ying was quoted in CNN Travel (16 May 2018)

  • CNN Travel reported that Hong Kong is densely populated and is one of the most light-polluted cities in the world. Excess artificial light after dusk can cause sleeplessness, according to the American Academy of Neurology.
  • Dr Esther Lau Yuet-ying, Assistant Professor of the Department of Psychology, who studies sleep, was quoted as saying that Hong Kong is well-known as a sleepless city. In addition to population density and light pollution, Dr Lau said sleep in the city is also disrupted by factors such as long work hours, stressful lifestyles and bad habits including late meal times and the nighttime use of digital devices.

Dr. Wan Lai Yin Sarah published an article in Sing Tao Daily (8 May 2018)

  • In Sing Tao Daily, Dr Wan Lai Yin Sarah, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Psychology, published an article to talk about the growing number of commercial enterprises that claim to “reveal” children’s talents through genetic testing and the potential risks of using such tests. The so-called talent-spotting technology often involves unsupported claims and overblown beliefs. Dr Sarah Wan stressed that researchers in genomics are still facing challenges in identifying verified and robust linkages among intelligence, personality traits and specific genes. She also cautioned parents against getting their children a genetic testing without addressing the potential risks.

Dr. Lau Esther Yuet Ying was interviewed to talk about the influence of sleep on bus safety in TVB Jade, News Magazine (TVB 新聞透視) (31 March 2018)

  • In TVB Jade, News Magazine (TVB 新聞透視): “Bus Safety”,  Dr. Esther Lau Yuet-ying, Assistant Professor of the Department of Psychology, was interviewed to talk about the influence of sleep on bus safety. Not enough sleep or rest time worsens alertness, emotion regulation ability, and impulse-control. Dr. Esther Lau pointed out that bus drivers should get periodic breaks and designated nap-time during their long shifts so that their vigilance, regulation of emotions, and decision-making performance can be restored. 

Dr. Lau Esther Yuet Ying was interviewed by the South China Morning Post (23 December 2017)

  • Dr. Esther Lau, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology at the Education University of Hong Kong, was interviewed by the South China Morning Post. The article, entitled "Blight of light: Why Hong Kong’s neon haze isn’t going away soon ", was published on 23 December 2017. The article discusses the adverse effects of excessive commercial lighting on the environment and ecosystem. Dr. Esther Lau points out that human’s sleep patterns can be affected by the timing, intensity and spectral composition of light.

Dr. Lau Esther Yuet Ying was interviewed by the South China Morning Post (13 April 2017)

  • Dr. Esther Lau, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology at the Education University of Hong Kong, was interviewed by the South China Morning Post. The interview, entitled "Sleep deprived? Beware the junk food trap", was published on 13 April, 2017. According to Dr. Esther Lau, the association between sleep depriviation and weight gain is related to mood and emotional regulation.

Dr. Chan Ka Shing Kevin shared research findings of a collaborative project with Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service (21 November 2016)

  • Many local dailies reported that EdUHK, in collaboration with Baptist Oi Kwan Social Service (BOKSS), surveyed 130 pairs of parents and children from August last year to September this year, finding that the more severe anxiety symptoms parents have, the greater likelihood that their children will have learning, social life and self-discipline problems.
     
  • Dr Kevin Chan Ka-shing, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology, advised parents to manage their own emotions in order to respond to the needs of their children.
  • Dr Ian Lam Chun-bun, Assistant Professor at the Department of Early Childhood Education, hope parents will be more considerate and tolerant so as not to put unnecessary pressure on children.

Dr. Lau Esther Yuet Ying was invited to talk about napping in a TVB Pearl programme “Money Magazine” (27 May 2016)

  • With the pandemic of sleep loss in fast-paced cities like Hong Kong, daytime napping may be part of the solution to the negative consequences of short sleep on physical and mental health. Evidence-based practice of napping is discussed in the interview。

Dr. Chan Ka Shing Kevin shared research findings on the discriminatory experiences of parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in a press conference (31 March 2016)

  • Metro Daily, Ming Pao, Sing Tao, Sky Post reported that a HKIEd survey revealed that nearly 90 per cent of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) claimed to have experienced discrimination of various kinds.
  • The study, which was jointly conducted by the Department of Psychology (PS) and the Department of Early Childhood Education (ECE), interviewed 424 parents of children with ASD aged between 2 and 18 from March to December 2015.
  • Dr Kevin Chan Ka-shing, Assistant Professor of PS, explained that families of children with ASD were stigmatised partly due to a lack of public understanding. He suggested that they participated in mutual support groups for caregivers of children with ASD. He hoped that more public education programmes could be organised to promote understanding of the disorder among the general public, and more support services could be provided to the families of children with ASD.
  • Dr Ian Lam Chun-bun, Assistant Professor of ECE, suggested that parents of children with ASD could reduce their stress by practising mindfulness through breathing and meditation exercises.
  • For more details, please refer to the following links:
    Press release
    Link to Sing Tao
    Link to Ming Pao

Prof. Wing Sze Wong shared findings of a study she conducted on chronic pain of elderly people (22 August 2014)