Dr Aswini Presents a Poster on the International Stage
In a proud moment that highlights our institution’s commitment to excellence and innovation, we are thrilled to share the success of a recent poster presentation that graced the global stage.Dr Aswini S, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology at SRM University-AP recently represented the varsity at the American Psychological Association (APA) Convention in Washington, DC from August 3 – 5, 2023. The occasion was a prestigious Poster Presentation, titled, “The Other Side of Support: Toxic Social Reactions Experienced by Individuals with Mental Illness”
Abstract
Social support is undeniably an important aspect of everyday life, and it is particularly
important in the context of challenges. The role of social support as a protective factor is well established (Wright et al., 2013) in research, especially in the context of mental illness (Frame, 1981; Teo et al., 2020). While acknowledging the overwhelming evidence on the importance of social support, there is scant literature on the negative experiences of seeking and receiving support. The qualitative investigation revealed the toxic social reactions under the disguise of social support as reported by participants with mental illness (N=17). Participants experienced interactions which sometimes resembled social support but were either harmful or not beneficial to them. The frequently reported reactions of participants are trivialising of symptoms, toxic positivity, and fake sympathy. In comparison to physical illness, the indicators of mental illness are less objectively perceptible to others. Hence, the practice of dismissing symptoms and attributing disorders as momentary feelings, or imaginary experiences are found to be common. Moreover, the suggestion to be positive and reject anything that may trigger negative emotions along with the display of fake sympathy by people around is also found in participant narratives. This signifies the importance of studying social support through different dimensions rather than just focusing only on support that is helpful and beneficial. Future explorations can focus on understanding specific sources of support, kinds of support and the impact that such challenges have on the quality of relationships with significant others.
Keywords: Toxic positivity, mental illness, social support
The remarkable achievement underscores not only the quality of education we provide but also the dedication of our faculty in making impactful contributions to their fields.
- Published in Assistant Professor, News, Psychology, Psychology Faculty, Psychology News
Psychology for all: Lecture series
Understanding digital nudges can help you become a better decision-maker!
The Department of Psychology, SRM University – AP, organizes a Psychology for All: Lecture Series to introduce us to the nuances of human psychology. The first of this online lecture series will be hosted on the theme Digital Nudges, on June 18, 2021, at 4.00 pm. Cognitive Scientist and Decision Researcher, Dr Sumitava Mukherjee, from the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Delhi, will be the guest speaker of the lecture.
Digital technologies are being largely used in our private and professional lives and we are forced to make decisions based on the choices available on our screens. Digital nudging is defined as the use of user-interface design elements to guide people’s behaviour in digital choice environments. Dr Mukherjee studies cognition with a major focus on human judgment and decision making. His current work focuses on how humans perceive, judge, and decide within the realms of interactions with digital technology and algorithms. He also attends to consulting and collaborative queries related to consumer research on (digital) technology interactions, usage and adoption.
All are invited to this awareness-building lecture that would help in making informed and rational decisions in digital choice environments.
Register here: https://srmap.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TBH6CEAsScas-bUWw9UeGw
- Published in Departmental Events, Events, Psychology
Why undergraduates opt for BSc Psychology at SRM University-AP?
Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour, responses and reactions. The Department of Psychology at SRM University-AP, Andhra Pradesh, organises a webinar on “Why study BSc (Hons) Psychology at SRM University-AP?” on June 28, 2021, at 4.00 pm to evince the course curriculum that involves both theoretical and practical training. Ms Ayesha Parveen Haroon, Lecturer in the Department of Psychology, will give a comprehensive overview of the field of psychology and its research areas.
Students pursuing a BSc in Psychology at SRM University-AP are given resource materials and amenities for research in Developmental and Counselling Psychology, Identity Studies and Educational Psychology. To facilitate understanding, the highly experienced faculties in the department use experiential and goal-based training. The course aims to produce skilled academicians, thinkers, and mental health experts. Students are encouraged to contribute to the field of psychology and, ultimately, to the advancement of our nation.
This webinar is designed for psychology enthusiasts to learn more about the BSc Psychology course, specialisation, jobs, and future opportunities. Stay tuned for this engaging session on June 28, 2021, at 4.00 pm.
Register here:: https://srmap.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pbkJoqoQTEaGkJKPah4yxA
- Published in Admission Events - Domestic, Events, Psychology
Mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality
Governments from across the globe highlight the need to scale up effective mental health services at all levels in the Covid-19 pandemic. As a part of observing World Mental Health Day, SRM University-AP is organising a three-day webinar series on the dates 8, 9, 10 October 2021, to raise awareness among students regarding preventable psychological conditions.
On October 8, at 6.45 pm, Ms Samitha, Counselling Psychologist with Fortis Malar, Chennai will take the session on the topic “Mastering your Mood”. On the second day, Dr Ninad Patwardhan, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, SRM University-AP will elucidate on the topic “All stress begins with your thoughts” at 6.45 pm. Psychotherapist and Special Educator Dr Vasuprada Kartic will engage the session on October 10 on the topic “Mental health for 360-degree success” at 5 pm.
One of the primary causes of psychological disability is depression. Suicide is the second-biggest cause of death in people aged 15 to 29. Assistance for mental and neurological conditions have been severely hampered during the lockdown period. Some groups have been particularly affected, including health and other frontline workers, students, persons living alone, and those with pre-existing mental health issues.
About the Speakers:
Dr Vasuprada Kartic holds double Masters in Counseling and Psychotherapy with a Diploma in Special Education and is a PhD (AM) in Holistic Psychotherapy using complementary and alternative tools. She works as a Psychotherapist in private practice. She’s also a trainer and a live television counsellor.
Ms Samitha has volunteered actively in various Nonprofit organizations such as Sarvahitey that works towards equipping rural kids from age 5-13 with important life skills through interactive ways. She was also a part of a nonprofit organization called FEEL-IT which works towards spreading mental health awareness as well as promoting the use of sanitary menstrual products among the rural population.
Dr Ninad Patwardhan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at SRM University-AP. His research areas include cognitive psychology, social psychology and personality psychology.
Make sure you join these informative and healing sessions from 8 to 10 October 2021, organised as part of World Mental Health Day.
- Published in Events, Psychology
On prospective memory and aging in medical adherence
The Department of Psychology is organising a guest lecture on the topic “Prospective Memory and Aging in Medical Adherence: An Experimental Investigation”. Prof Azizuddin Khan, Professor at the Department of Humanities & Social Sciences, IIT Bombay will engage the audience on Thursday, January 27, 2022, from 03.30 to 04.30 pm.
There are several studies happening across the world regarding implications of theoretical models and empirical findings associated with laboratory studies of prospective memory for medication adherence behaviours. Memory is a fickle thing; it changes as we age. Learn more by joining this session on January 27, 2022, at 3.30 pm.
About the Speaker
Dr Azizuddin Khan is currently a Professor in Psychophysiology and Cognitive Psychology at the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB). He is heading Psychophysiology Laboratory. He was visiting faculty at the Department of Psychology, University of Jyvaskyla, Finland from August 2004 – December 2005, Aligarh Muslim University Aligarh, India 2015-17, Department of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Poland 2018. He has research interests in the field of Environmental Psychology, Polar Research, Developmental Neuropsychology, emotion regulation, Prospective Memory, and Developmental Dyslexia by using biofeedback and electrophysiological method. While teaching interest lies in the fields are Cognitive Psychology, Educational Psychology, Human Cognitive Processes, Developmental Neuropsychology, Biological Psychology, Cognitive Ergonomics and Research Methodology Dr Khan has done his graduation and post-graduation from Aligarh Muslim University, (AMU) Aligarh with first division in 1993 and 1995 respectively. He has qualified UGC- NET, Junior Research Fellowship in December 1998, conducted by University Grant Commission, New Delhi. He has completed his PhD from IIT Kanpur on the topic of “Temporal Aspects of Prospective and Retrospective Memory” in 2006. He has also worked as a researcher at the Department of Psychology, University of Jyvskyla, Finland, from August 2004 to March 2005. Dr Khan is an eminent psychologist, prolific writer and author of many books. He is recipient several visiting researcher fellowships such as Hermes Fellowship, DAAD, INSA, EMINTE, ICSSR etc. Dr Khan has published more than 4 dozen peer-reviewed international journals especially in the field of emotion regulation and developmental disorders.
- Published in Departmental Events, Events, Psychology, Webinars