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Psychology Subject Spotlight

The psychology of males: what's going on inside the male mind?
with Dr Becci Owens from University of Sunderland

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This Subject Spotlight contains topics of a sensitive nature. In this riveting yet sensitive Subject Spotlight, Dr Rebecca Owens deals with extremely topical issues of our times, looking at: The psychology of males: what's going on inside the male mind? She begins by looking at the psychology of males, with a focus on what makes up a male, the consequences of this psychological makeup, and how females compare to provide you with an overview of the topics being discussed in this Subject Spotlight. Becci continues by exploring a very sensitive subject - male suicide. She begins by studying the frightening statistics, before considering the science behind suicide, and the help and support for those who may be at potential risk. In episode three, Becci thinks about the female perspective to provide contrast, looking particularly at female mental health, the impact of the media, and the much overlooked ‘ competition’ between the sexes when it comes to resources. Finally, she prefaces a fascinating activity with some further information about psychology and its role in society. The activity itself looks at a scenario involving Alex, a 15 year old boy, with alarming behavioural issues. You will answer some questions based on this scenario, and receive professional feedback for comparison.

Dr Becci OwensUniversity of SunderlandPsychology

All episodes
1. The psychology of males
2. Suicide in males: risks and prevention
3. The female perspective
4. Activity: identifying the signs

About the university


University of Sunderland
University of Sunderland
University of Sunderland

The University of Sunderland is a top 50 UK university (Guardian University Guide 2024) and a global institution which offers life-changing opportunities for over 20,000 students across its four campuses in Sunderland, London and Hong Kong. With over 300 undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses, placement opportunities and the option to study full or part-time, there’s something for everyone at Sunderland. The University of Sunderland has also received five stars for teaching, inclusiveness, employability and facilities in the QS World University Rankings 2023 and is in the top 10 UK universities for social inclusion (The Times Good University Guide 2024).

University of Sunderland profile →
Meet the academic
Dr Becci Owens

Dr Rebecca (Becci) Owens graduated with a 1st Class (hons) in BSc Psychology in 2009, and in the same year started a part time PhD. She is a Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society, and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She considers herself an evolutionary psychologist at heart - evolutionary psychology considers the environment in which humans evolved and how that has impacted on our psychology today. It involves looking at different cultures, and even different species, in order to learn more about human behaviour. Her PhD took an evolutionary perspective on competitiveness in males, and from this she developed an interest in sex differences, underlying motivations and behaviours, and in particular male psychology. Becci is currently the acting head of the School of Psychology at the University of Sunderland.

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