SUCCESS RESEARCH STORY: New York College Psychology Graduates took part at the 14th Panhellenic Conference in Social Psychology

In a remarkable milestone for the Psychology Department of New York College, a group of recent graduates, all holders of a British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited BSc degree in Psychology, Psychotherapy and Counseling of the University of Greater Manchester, UK offered at NYC Athens, made a compelling academic debut at the 14th Panhellenic Conference in Social Psychology, organized by ELPSE in Rethymno, Crete. Their participation, marked by oral presentations and poster sessions, not only showcased the depth and rigor of their undergraduate research, but also demonstrated the College’s enduring commitment to fostering scientific inquiry, critical analysis, and international-level scholarship.
The students were accompanied on the trip by Aliki Kekia, MSc, Psychology Technician and full-time member of the NYC Department of Psychology research staff, who supported their participation and represented the Department’s research activity.

Representing the BSc (Hons) in Psychology, Psychotherapy & Counselling, the graduates presented studies addressing timely and socially pressing issues: the psychological effects of social media, the interplay between gender roles and harmful social myths, and the dynamics of image-based abuse. Under the academic guidance of faculty and research advisors from New York College and the University of Greater Manchester, these emerging researchers displayed exceptional professionalism and academic maturity.

Their presence at the conference highlighted a powerful truth: when students are given the space, structure, and encouragement to engage in real research, they rise to the challenge—and often exceed expectations. Their work not only sparked discussions among distinguished scholars and practitioners but also positioned them as promising young voices in the field of social psychology.

Notably, their academic journeys continue to flourish beyond their undergraduate studies:

• Two of the graduates, Evangelia Stylianou and Ioanna Dragati, have continued with Postgraduate studies in the NYC Department of Psychology, enrolling respectively in the MSc Counselling and Positive Psychology and MSc Psychology programmes.
• Another graduate, Eleni Pantazara, is currently undertaking an MSc in Forensic Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London.

Below are the graduates’ own reflections, reproduced exactly as submitted, each one illustrating the personal and academic impact of this experience.

Evangelia Stylianou

As a recent graduate of the program BSc (Hons) in Psychology, Psychotherapy & Counselling, I had the invaluable opportunity to attend and present at the 14th Panhellenic Conference in Social Psychology organized by ELPSE, held in Rethymno, Crete. During the conference, I presented my research titled “The Relationship between Social Media Use, Body Dysmorphic Symptoms, and Eating Attitudes among Young Adults in Greece” by Evangelia Stylianou, Dr Ntaniella R. Pylarinou, Dr Antonia Svensson-Dianellou, Aliki Kekia PhDc, & Dr Elisabeth Vargo.

This experience allowed me to share important findings regarding how social media engagement may influence body image concerns and disordered eating behaviors in young individuals. Engaging with distinguished academics, professionals, and fellow researchers provided me with constructive feedback and broadened my scientific perspective. Participating in the conference was a significant milestone in my academic journey, reinforcing my passion for psychological research. I am sincerely grateful to the University of Greater Manchester and New York College for their continuous support and encouragement throughout this process.

Theodosia Konstantouraki

As a recent graduate of the program BSc (Hons) in Psychology, Psychotherapy & Counselling, I had the invaluable opportunity to attend and present at the 14th Panhellenic Conference in Social Psychology by ELPSE—I shared my dissertation research on the correlation between social media use and social anxiety. Engaging scholars, practitioners, and fellow researchers helped me gain fresh perspectives and meaningful feedback. Overall, this experience enriched my understanding on various topics. Attending the conference was a significant milestone in my academic journey, and I am sincerely grateful to my university for their support and encouragement.

Title of research: “The complicated relationship between Social Media Use and Social Anxiety” by Theodosia Konstantouraki, Dr Vasiliki Varela, Dr Ntaniella R. Pylarinou & Aliki Kekia PhDc.

Ioanna Dragati

As a recent graduate of the program BSc (Hons) Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Counselling, I had the invaluable opportunity to attend and present a poster at the 14th Panhellenic Conference in Social Psychology, where I shared my research on stalking myth acceptance and gender role attitudes in a Greek sample of participants.

Interacting with scholars, practitioners, and fellow students offered me fresh insights and valuable feedback. Overall, this experience broadened my understanding across multiple topics of social psychology. Attending the conference marked an important turning point in my academic path, and I am truly grateful to the University of Greater Manchester and New York College for their continuous support and encouragement.

Title: “The relationship between myths of stalking acceptance and the endorsement of stereotypical perceptions of gender roles.” Ioanna Dragati, Dr Ntaniella R. Pylarinou, Aliki Kekia PhDc, Dr Antonia Svensson Dianellou.

Eleni Pantazara

Having recently graduated from my BSc degree in Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Counselling, the opportunity to present my research as a poster at the 14th National Conference in Social Psychology was one I am deeply grateful for. The research I presented focused on the causal relationship between socio-demographic characteristics (gender, age, educational level, occupational status, and romantic relationship status) and the Myth Acceptance of Image-Based Sexual Abuse in a Greek population.

Receiving feedback from — and discussing and exchanging ideas, methodologies, and interpretations with — other researchers and practitioners of varying disciplines and professions made for a genuinely insightful and rewarding experience. I am truly grateful for the support and incentive of the University of Greater Manchester and New York College, as being present at the conference was a crucial point for my aspiring academic endeavors.

Title: “Image-Based Sexual Abuse Myth Acceptance in Greece: Social Demographic Characteristics as Predictors” by Eleni Pantazara, Dr Ntaniella R. Pylarinou, Dr Antonia Svensson Dianellou, & Aliki Kekia PhDc.

Their collective success at the conference reflects not only individual dedication and academic excellence, but also the supportive mentorship and research culture cultivated within New York College. These graduates are stepping into the world with strong scientific foundations, the confidence to present publicly, and the passion to contribute meaningfully to psychological science.