Recent News - Department of Psychology - SRM University-AP

In an insightful talk at the Department of Behavioural Sciences in Kannur University, Dr Dhamodharan M, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology, SRM University-AP, shed light on “Psychological Research in Marginalized Children.” Dr Dhamodharan’s talk serves as a call to action, encouraging a deeper exploration of psychological research for the betterment of future generations.

Here’s an abstract of Dr Dhamodharan’s riveting talk.

Abstract

The invited lecture mainly focuses on the status and importance of psychological research in marginalized children. Marginalized People who are excluded from majority social, economic, educational, and/or cultural life. They are excluded due to race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical ability, language, and/or immigration status (Baah et al.,2019). The term marginalized children include Children affected by or emerging from armed conflict or humanitarian crises, Children with disabilities, Children in remote or rural areas (including those who lack access to safe water and sanitation), Religious or ethnic minorities, Orphans, and children affected by HIV/AIDS, Child laborers, Married Children, Victims of trafficking (Legal Information Institute,2023). The World Health Organization defined “Child maltreatment is the abuse and neglect that occurs to children under 18 years of age. It includes all types of physical and emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, neglect, negligence, and commercial or other exploitation, which results in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development, or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power” (World Health Organization, 2020). Children need essential nutrition, parental care, education, safety, entertainment, medical assistance, and physical, psychological, and social development (Deb & Ray, 2015). Children have their first human contact at home in a pleasant, nurturing, and caring environment; unfortunately, home is also where children are exposed to violence for the first time (United Nations Children’s Fund,2017). All children have the right to be safe from violence, oppression, and abuse. Despite this, globally, millions of children from all socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, cultures, and ages are subjected to violence and abuse daily. Violence against children is typical and endemic, and it is a terrible reality for millions of Indian children.

Over half of the world’s children have been subjected to extreme violence, with South Asia representing 64% of these instances (End Violence against Children | UNICEF India, n.d.) All types of violence against persons under 18 are considered violence against children. In 2019, about 1 billion children under eighteen experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence or neglect globally (WHO, 2020). In the world, 3 out of 4 children aged 2-4 years were subjected to violent regulation from caregivers daily. Six out of ten children were exposed to physical punishment, one out of every two children aged 2 to 17 experienced some type of violence, and 18% of girl children experienced childhood sexual violence, while 8% of boys experienced the same (UNICEF, 2020; United Nations Children’s Fund, 2017). Victims of child abuse have also been exposed to more than one type of violence (Descartes et al., 2020).

Many countries are not prohibited corporal punishment. One in every two children aged 6 to 17 is subjected to corporal punishment. Around fifteen million girls aged 15 to 19 have been subjected to forced sex from partners, boyfriends, or husbands, with just one percent seeking professional help. Throughout the world, 1 in every three children aged 13 to 15 has experienced bullying at school. Girls face more psychological bullying than boys, whereas boys face more physical bullying than girls (UNICEF, 2020. Sexual assault and exploitation are the most common violence in slum regions. Those in positions of supremacy and authority, such as educators and leaders, are the primary perpetrators. Early pregnancy is also a serious concern among the underprivileged community, which leads to sexual exploitation (Nagasurendran, 2017).

Approximately 70 lakh children in India are not receiving all vaccinations, particularly in slum areas, migrant settlement areas such as fisher villages, construction sites, and inaccessible villages. This data is very high compared to all other countries globally. Proper childhood nutrition is a significant indicator of development and welfare, especially in developing countries. However, previous literature studies failed to focus on the children from the marginalized communities. The students from Psychology background need to explore the marginalized children’s health, education, and mental health. Furthermore, the marginalized children study findings would be an eye-opener for the social welfare department to take need-based welfare measures for marginalized children.

Current Status of Research

• Convenience sampling procedures overrepresent dominant groups (Rad et al., 2018)
• Only 5% of articles in one premier psychology journal predominately sampled ethnic minorities (Thalmayer et al., 2020)
• Less than 2% of psychological studies across three decades of research included sexual minorities as participants (Lee & Crawford, 2021)

Major Challenges faced by Marginalisation Children

• Health Issues – Malnutrition, Lack of healthcare facilities
• Lack of Educational Support
• Abuse and Violence
• Lack of Social Support
• Caste Discrimination

Areas to Study in Marginalization Children

•  Discrimination in School and Community (Deb, 2019)
• Resilience and coping mechanisms (Dar,2020)
• Educational motivation and Teacher-student relationships (Martin,2020)
• Traumatic and Post Traumatic Stress (Szota,2023)
• Identity Formation (Yosef,2023)
• Social Support and Media Influence (Kaskazi,2023)

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In the digital era, where technology dominates over communication, connection and social relationships, the staggering rise of cyberbullying proves to be detrimental to the social and mental psyche of people. The limited research present regarding the crisis fails to provide sufficient data to critically analyse and initiate policies to combat the same. In this regard, Dr Dhamodharan M and Dr Sunaina K, faculty from the Department of Psychology have conducted insightful research into cyberbullying, the role of technology and the challenges in tackling the act. The faculty duo has published a book chapter titled “Cyberbullying – A Disturbed Psyche and Digital Abuse in 21st Century” in the book In Analyzing New Forms of Social Disorders in Modern Virtual Environments in IGI Global Publishers (US).

Abstract

Cyberbullying is ‘a violent, planned act carried out by a group or specific, using electronic forms of communication, frequently and over time in contradiction of a victim who cannot easily protect him or herself.’ (Smith et al., 2008). According to the UNICEF and Broadband search survey 2023, around 36.5 out of a hundred people feel they were cyberbullied at least once in life, and seventeen percent of people experienced cyberbullying in the last month. 60 out of 100 adolescents experienced cyberbullying. Seventy percent of youths have reported perpetrators. Sixteen percent of women have been stalked at least once in life. 1 in 19 men have been stalked at some point. Fifty percent of LGBTQ people experience cyberbullying. Girls face cyberbullying more than boys. Around 36 percent of girls experience cyberbullying, whereas 24 percent of boys experience cyberbullying. Eighty-three percent of the victims who experienced online bullying also experienced physical bullying. Around 42 percent of the people experience cyberbullying on Instagram, followed by Facebook at 37%, Snapchat at 31%, WhatsApp at 12%, YouTube at 10%, and Twitter at 9%. Cyberbullying refers to using digital technologies such as cyberspace, societal broadcasting platforms, direct messaging, and email to bother, intimidate, or harm others.

This chapter provides an indication of cyberbullying, including its definition, incidence, and impact on individuals and society. Firstly, the chapter reviews the existing research on cyberbullying, exploring its different forms and characteristics and the psychological and social consequences for both victims and perpetrators. Secondly, the role of technology in facilitating and exacerbating cyberbullying is also examined, focusing on the anonymity and distance that online platforms provide. Thirdly, legal and ethical considerations surrounding cyberbullying including the challenges of enforcing laws and policies online are explored. Finally, the chapter highlights the importance of a comprehensive and collaborative approach involving parents, educators, policymakers, and online platforms to address cyberbullying.

Implications

Cyberbullying is a pervasive problem with significant and long-lasting consequences for people, their families, and society. It is essential to address cyberbullying thoroughly and implement effective prevention measures to create a more secure and respectful online environment. Cyberbullying can have detrimental effects on its victims, leading to feelings of helplessness, mental health issues, trouble with schoolwork, and even self-harm or suicide. In addition, cyberbullying affects the social fabric of groups, and trust, and impedes the proper growth of individuals, especially children and adolescents. Cyberbullying has a shocking prevalence worldwide, and it is spreading over to people silently. Traditional bullying differs from cyberbullying; it occurs to the victims in various forms and levels.

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.

During the Two-day National Conference on Youth Development titled Youth in the 21st Century: Prospects and Psychosocial Challenges, organised by Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD), Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, in collaboration with ICMR – NIRT, Chennai, Dr Dhamodharan, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, presented a lecture on Status of the Youth in Fishing Community in Terms of Education, Health, and Violence.

Abstract

Over sixty percent of the fisher population in India is Below Poverty Line (BPL). For traditional fishers, fishing is their primary source of income, and they have no other options. Hence, families in the coastal village are socially, financially, and educationally disadvantaged and frequently face financial difficulties. Additionally, the literacy level of the fishing community is deficient. Fishers have met an unbalanced diet, tension, excessive drinking, tobacco usage, and harmful behaviours. Fisher communities are often underprivileged and constitutionally and communally isolated from other communities. Limited research has been conducted on the fishing community youth, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. Hence, the study needs to be understood and conducted for the fishing community youth regarding education, health, and violence. The empirical study combined quantitative and qualitative approaches to Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry fishing community youth. The study tools used for the data collection are a semi-structured questionnaire for youth for their perspective on health care, school, violence, and family support and a semi-structured questionnaire to the parents regarding their perspective on their children’s education, health, violence, and family support. Twenty case studies were conducted in the selected clusters. Also conducted were key informant interviews with fishing community leaders in four clusters. The results showed that more than 50 % of participants face verbal violence, more than 80 % face physical violence, and nearly 25% face sexual violence. The fishing community is an under-educated, predominantly nuclear family, and the family income is less than ten thousand rupees monthly. Physical abuse had significantly associated with place of residence, Puducherry residing youth had more physical abuse than Tamil Nadu. The social-economic condition of the family and the parental education seemed to be better in the state of Tamil Nadu as compared to Puducherry. Youths from Puducherry had a greater risk of experiencing physical and verbal abuse. Parents had a relatively low level of awareness and understanding of child rights and laws. The study’s results helped to understand the problem of fisher community youth and their perception of parental care, education, health, and violence.

Practical Implementation of the Findings

• Social welfare department and local NGOs to take up need-based intervention programmes for the welfare of the fishing community and youth.
• The youth welfare department understands the problems of youth in the fishing community.
• Policymakers to develop policies and legislation for the youth of fishers in the education and health sectors.
• Understanding the problems and violence against the youth of the fisher community, as well as helping the Non-Government Organisations for making intervention programs at the community level.
• Assist the school administration in better understanding the Fisher community students’ situation and creating counselling centres in school settings.

As the world grapples with the escalating challenges of urbanisation and environmental degradation, the concept of green smart cities has emerged as a promising solution. Green smart cities integrate advanced technologies, sustainable practices, and innovative urban planning to create environmentally friendly, resource-efficient, and liveable urban spaces. However, implementing green smart cities poses numerous multidisciplinary challenges that require careful consideration and collaborative efforts from various fields.

Assistant Professors Dr Dhamodharan M and Dr Aehsan Ahmad Dar from the Department of Psychology have published a chapter titled Multidisciplinary Challenges in Green Smart Cities Implementation in the book Green Blockchain Technology for Sustainable Smart Cities in Elsevier, which is Scopus Indexed.

Focusing on challenges in green smart cities implementation will help the policymakers, government, and public to get aware of the problems related to all aspects. Implementing green smart cities may provide difficulties in the previously described dimensions of governance, economics, social interaction, technology, and ethics. Therefore, as the world’s population grows, there is a need to adapt to the changes, such as green smart cities. Government, policymakers, and the general public should adopt solutions to societal issues supported by science and research. The next generation will find it convenient and necessary to develop green smart cities. The world will prosper with green smart cities if policymakers, the government, and the people simultaneously identify the issues and begin the work properly with the right strategy and support.

Abstract

Villages are the pride of the nation. Nevertheless, cities reflect the nation’s growth and prospects. Department of Economic and Social Affairs in the United Nations explained that the universe’s people will be nearly 70 % in urban areas by 2050. Cities worldwide are facing important issues with increasing urbanisation, environmental sustainability, unemployment, slums, and mitigation of climate variation. So, policymakers and researchers focused on the concept of a smart city to manage these challenges. Consequently, the concept of “Smart Green Cities” came into the picture. Smart green cities are the collaborative hub linked with business, government, education, and the public to generate comfortable living in urban environments by encouraging change with scientific-based problem-solving. In simple terms, Green smart cities are technologically advanced in solving problems without harming the environment. For Implementing green smart cities, developed and developing countries are collaborating and signing a memorandum of understanding with one another. Government representatives, educators, and the public should cooperate to make a green smart city successful.

Green smart cities make global connectedness, productivity, efficiency, and revolution possible. Meanwhile, poorly regulated green smart cities will result in environmental difficulties like socioeconomic inequalities, poor public safety, and conservational destruction. Furthermore, implementing green smart cities is not a simple strategy. This chapter discusses multidisciplinary challenges in green smart cities’ implementation. People face challenges through green smart cities implementation in the following sustainability dimensions such as Blockchain challenges, Governance challenges, Economic challenges, Social challenges, Technology challenges, Environmental challenges, and Ethical challenges.

Collaborations

• Dr Dhamodharan M, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, SRM University-AP.
• Mr Vimalkumar, Research Scholar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Palakkad, Kerala
• Dr Aehsan Ahmad Dar, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, SRM University-AP.