Dr Malcolm Cross

Dr Malcolm Cross is Head of Psychology at City University London with special interests in gender and psychological well-being, counselors and counseling psychologists. He is also Dean of Students at the University, helping them to make the most of their time at City. He trained as a clinical psychologist in Australia before moving to the UK to undertake his PhD and planned to return to Australia after four years, but 15 years on is still enjoying life in England.

Malcolm is a chartered counselling psychologist and a UKCP registered psychotherapist whose warm, vibrant and understanding personality has taken him successfully through work with a range of clients including young homeless people, those affected by AIDS and those in juvenile detention. This has given him an appreciation of the real issues facing people today, especially younger members of the community and those affected by issues of sexuality. www.city.ac.uk/psychology

Commenting on friendship

It would be fair to say friendships have changed over the years. Historically, I think, one had a friend for life. People were less mobile. They tended to grow up and live in the same communities. The same is not true now, so I think devises for maintaining friendships – email addresses, mobile telephone numbers and networking sites such as Friends Reunited - are becoming increasingly important.

It’s a truism that Friends are a reflection of self. It’s a clichéd notion but actually there’s a lot in it. Our friends really are a reflection of who we are; the kinds of values we share, the things that are important to us. That in essence is what really makes us who we are.

Commenting on friendship and money:

"Reciprocity, or give and take, is essential for relationship formation and this is evidenced by this research which sees friends loaning money and offering to pay for others who earn less."