Recent News - Department of Psychology - SRM University-AP

In an era where crime rates and societal concerns about safety have significantly heightened, understanding the psyche of offenders and the dynamics of victimisation has never been more crucial. The Department of Psychology at the Easwari School of Liberal Arts organised an enlightening guest talk delivered by Dr Amrutha Karyil, an expert in Crimes against Women and Children, Victimology, and Victim Assistance. Dr Karyil’s insightful discourse shed light on the complex world of victim profiling, engaging students in a thought-provoking discussion about its historical evolution, methodologies, and ethical dimensions.

Dr Karyil in her presentation offered a fascinating overview of the history of profiling, tracing its roots back to the Salem Witch Trials and the harrowing case of Jack the Ripper. She elaborated on how profiling serves as a form of behavioural evidence analysis, focusing on the crucial intersection of psychology and criminal investigations. By examining crime scenes, victim backgrounds, and the modus operandi of offenders, profiling seeks to narrow the suspect pool, providing law enforcement with valuable insights into potential perpetrators.

During the talk, Dr Karyil detailed five major types of profiling: psychological, suspect-based, geographical, crime scene, and equivocal death analysis. She stressed that while profiling can be an invaluable investigative tool, it is by no means definitive. Rather, it aids in understanding the underlying patterns of criminal behaviour and assists investigators in their pursuit of justice.

Dr Karyil further explored the broader implications of victim profiling in crime scene analysis. She shared compelling statistics and characteristics of victims targeted by notorious serial killers, urging attendees to recognise the patterns and signatures that often reveal themselves in such cases. The talk underscored the necessity of fostering awareness and specialised training in addressing severe offences, reflecting on the ethical responsibilities that come with careers in forensic psychology.

The event also served as a catalyst for vibrant discussions about the ethical challenges. Students expressed their interest in diverse career paths such as crime scene analysis, offender profiling, and counselling within the criminal justice system. Dr Karyil’s expertise and engaging delivery inspired many to consider how they might contribute to this vital area of society, whether through research, advocacy, or direct service.

The Wellness Club under the Department of Psychology, in collaboration with the Wellness Center at SRM University-AP, hosted a mental health awareness programme aimed at undergraduate students on September 14, 2024. The initiative focused on raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention while promoting a supportive campus environment for the students.

University counsellors Ms Mohua Das, Ms Alekhya Sankara, and Mr Joel Kristof Gibbs played a pivotal role in the programme, leading discussions and workshops on the emotional and psychological challenges students may face. They addressed critical issues like stress management, anxiety, and crisis intervention, highlighting their extensive experience in supporting students’ mental wellness.

The programme’s objectives included reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues, encouraging open conversations, and equipping students with tools to recognise warning signs of suicide. Interactive activities, such as the Wall of Hope and Emotional Wheel, engaged participants in expressing hope and reflecting on their emotions.

In addition to discussions, an Art Therapy Workshop provided a creative outlet for attendees, teaching grounding techniques for emotional healing. Students also showcased their creativity through poetry and digital art competitions, with themes centred on hope, resilience, and suicide prevention.

An information booth offered attendees resources on mental health support systems and coping strategies. The event concluded with a Valedictory Ceremony, where reflections on the day were shared, and prizes were awarded to competition winners.

Participants left feeling empowered and equipped with valuable tools to support their mental well-being and that of their peers. This initiative marks a significant step in SRM University-AP‘s commitment to fostering a supportive and safe environment for student mental health. As mental wellness continues to be a priority, the varsity encourages ongoing participation in mental health initiatives to further enhance awareness and support across the campus.

The Department of Psychology at SRM University-AP is pleased to announce Dr Dhamodharan’s pivotal insights, which surfaced at the culmination of the 33rd Annual Convention of the National Academy of Psychology (NAOP), orchestrated by the Department of Applied Psychology at GITAM School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Vishakhapatnam. Dr Dhamodhran, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology published his paper, titled “A Study of Fishing Community Parents’ Perspectives on Children’s Education, Health, and Discipline,” which has received profound attention for its insightful analysis.

Abstract:

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) prioritise addressing poverty, promoting good health, and ensuring quality education, among other objectives. However, coastal villages often experience profound socio-economic, financial, and educational disadvantages, leading to recurring financial hardships. The literacy levels within fishing communities are notably deficient, exacerbating challenges in accessing fundamental amenities such as clean drinking water, adequate shelter, educational opportunities, and general well-being. The pervasive poverty and vulnerability prevalent in these areas significantly impede children from fishing villages from regularly attending school, thereby impacting their overall health, educational attainment, and mental well-being. The present study explains the fisher community’s parental perceptions about children’s education, health, and corporal punishment. A cross-section design was used. Samples were selected from four clusters (N = 100, each cluster = 25) from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. A semi-structured interview method was used. The data were analysed with SPSS and thematic analysis. The result of the study indicates that most of the fisher parents are uneducated, and parents give importance to their children’s education, health, and career choices. Lack of proper income, lack of awareness about academic guidance, corporal punishment, and child rights in the community. The study suggests developing more intervention programmes at the family, school, and community levels to improve the fishing community families and the well-being of the children.

Mindfulness has emerged as a pivotal aspect in the domain of mental health, especially in the context of children and adolescents’ well-being. It refers to an inherent ability to be fully present in the moment, enabling an individual to gain an acute sense of awareness without any biases. Such a state of mindfulness empowers individuals to navigate the ups and downs of life with clarity and composure. Dr M Dhamodharan, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, has published a book chapter titled “Mindfulness for Child and Adolescent Well-Being: A Comprehensive Exploration of Strategies and Outcomes,” where he has comprehensively explored the intricacies of mindfulness and its impact on children and adolescents.

Here’s an abstract of the chapter published in the book, “Promoting Mindfulness and Well-Being with Indian Psychology.”

About the book chapter

The chapter examines the significant impact of mindfulness on children and adolescents. Mindfulness is the mental state defined by greater concentration, consciousness, and focus on the here and now, free from judgment. This chapter starts with the theoretical background of mindfulness and the current developments of mindfulness related to children’s and adolescents’ wellbeing. There are three main domains focused on mindfulness. Begin with emotional domains—that explains how mindfulness helps to regulate emotions. Secondly, cognitive domains explain how mindfulness practices help cognitive development and academic performance in educational settings. Thirdly, social and interpersonal domains explain the uses of mindfulness to improve social skills and interpersonal relationships with peer groups, family, and society. The chapter concludes with the role of parental and educational institutions in promoting mindfulness among children and adolescents to create a positive impact on their lives.

Dr Dhamodharan’s book chapter is targeted at Educators, parents, counsellors, and mental health specialists who stand to gain invaluable insights from the exploration of mindfulness within these pages.

Link to the book chapter

Link to the book

Dr M Dhamodharan, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, was invited as a resource person to deliver a session on “Relationship and Self Development “from January 26-27, 2024, at the Two Days workshop on “Harvesting Youth Leadership-2024.”The workshop was organised by the Department of Social Work at Pondicherry Central University in collaboration with the Trust for Youth and Child Leadership (TYCL), Pondicherry.

Dr Dhamodharan’s expertise and insights on the topic added value to the workshop, which aimed to empower young individuals and cultivate leadership skills among the youth. The session provided a platform for participants to delve into the dynamics of relationships and personal growth, essential aspects for nurturing effective leadership qualities.

His contribution towards the event underscored the importance of understanding the link between relationships and self-development in the context of youth leadership.

Abstract

Relationship is a continuing and often committed association between two or more people, as in a family, friendship, marriage, partnership, or other interpersonal links in which the participants influence each other’s thoughts, feelings, and actions (APA,2020).
The connections we set up, the several types of love we meet, and the effects these interactions have on our personal development all have a significant impact on how we live as people. Understanding the many kinds of relationships that exist is the first step in any analysis of relationships.

Every sort of relationship, whether it be sexual or platonic, professional or familial, has its own dynamics, obstacles, and expectations. In the context of human relationships, love manifests as a complex and profound energy. Love affects the core of who we are and transcends cultural barriers in all its manifestations. Numerous love typologies have been proved by academics and psychologists to classify and understand these types. Love has many sides, ranging from the Greek concepts of Agape, Eros, and Philia to contemporary psychiatric theories. This investigation looks at the subtle differences between various kinds of love, emphasising the behavioural, cognitive, and emotional aspects of each.

A foundational work in the field of psychology, Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love is at the core of understanding love. According to this theory, love can be viewed as a triangle made up of three essential elements: commitment, passion, and intimacy. It explores the significance of each ingredient and how they interact to shape the different manifestations of love through a thorough investigation of Sternberg’s theory. The talk explains the practical applications, providing a window into how the theory may be used to understand and negotiate the intricacies of real-world interactions.

Furthermore, a comprehensive knowledge of the human experience requires the inclusion of self-development in the conversation about love and relationships. In all their manifestations, relationships function as mirrors that reflect our advantages, disadvantages, and potential growth areas. The reciprocal effects of relationships, love kinds, and self-development are particularly important in human life. Also explains. how people change because of their relationships, moulding and honing their identities to fit the demands of romantic relationships and close relationships.

Finally, this session might give light on the complex interactions that exist between self-development, Sternberg’s Triangular Theory, love categories, and relationship types. Participants may understand more about the complex interplay between love and personal development as well as the enormous impact that connections have on forming our identities by exploring these interconnected domains. This talk might give insightful guidance for the participants to navigating the intricate web of interpersonal interactions, supplying a road map for cultivating meaningful connections and promoting comprehensive self-development.