Seeking better understanding of the Schoolies mindset

Is walking home alone at 2am more risky during Schoolies celebrations than at other times?. University of Queensland School of Psychology researchers will be putting that question - and others - to newly graduated high school students on the Gold Coast this weekend. UQ's Dr Tegan Cruwys and Dr Alexander Saeri will join PhD candidate Laura Ferris on the Gold Coast as a follow-up to Ms Ferris's Understanding Schoolies 2015 study. "This time we'll be looking at how risk-taking is perceived during Schoolies celebrations compared to other times of year," Dr Cruwys said. "As well as walking home alone at night, we'll be asking questions about behaviours such as drink-sharing, going home with strangers, playing drinking games and taking risks at dangerous heights. "Our hypothesis is that when we feel like we are part of a group, we feel safer so may not necessarily realise the inherent dangers associated with a particular activity. "The surveys will help us better understand what factors can have a positive impact on the mental and physical health of school leavers." In addition to ensuring the improved experience of Schoolies in the future, participants in the surveys will receive a voucher to use at Subway sandwich stores.