The following dissertations are submitted under Department of Psychology, University of Delhi for the following Programs: MA Psychology & MA Applied Psychology for the academic years (2016-2019). The dissertations have been distributed among the following four categories:
- Combating Vulnerability and Building Resilience
- Institution Building
- Optimizing Health & Wellbeing
- Others (Miscellaneous)
- COMBATING VULNURABILITY AND BUILDING RESILIENCE
According to The Economic Survey (2015) India would need the young people to be healthy, suitably educated, and appropriately educated. As a nation, we need to focus on combating Vulnerabilities and building resilience among our young people. By targeting resilience building for the most vulnerable children and youth, especially from the economically and socially neglected sections of the society, we would be strengthening the nation and contributing optimally to the nation-building.
Academic Year: 2016
Unlearning Violence: The Unlived Ordeal in Male Juvenile Rape Offenders
By: Jayati Singh (2016)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Eric Soreng
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the attachment patterns in male juvenile rape offenders in the Indian
context. Along with this, the relation of their sexual offence to the relationship scripts and implicit sexual scripts (or fantasies) respectively was also studied. A psychodynamically interpreted in-depth case study of 5 participants (age group: 16- 18 years) at the Adharshila Observation Home for Boys, New Delhi, was done, using multiple tools — Semi- Projective techniques (Thematic Apperception Test and Criminal Fantasy Technique); Free association; Dream analysis and Unstructured Interviews. Findings revealed an insecurely attached pattern in participants with a strong fixation on the paranoid- schizoid position of object relations in adolescence, which did not allow them to unlearn violence — a painful journey which each individual needs to go through for healthy development — leading to the sexual offence. Therefore, the interaction of the relationship scripts and sexual scripts with the current attachment patterns in each participant is discussed in detail, giving insight into the deeper motives for sexual offence. Similarities and differences among participants along the same lines is also discussed.
Empathy in juvenile delinquent and non-delinquent adolescent boys: A Comparative Study
By: Anwesha Tripathy (2016)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Nandita Babu
ABSTRACT
In the study of personality and delinquency, psychologists have tried to understand the developmental trajectories leading to an antisocial youth. An ample body of researches advocates that deficits in the capacity to emotionally empathize would be related with delinquent acts, which may manifest in externalizing behaviors perpetrated against others. The present study investigated the relation of empathy with delinquency in adolescent boys. The study was conducted on a sample of40 adolescent boys (n = 20 juvenile delinquent adolescent boys and n = 20 non-juvenile delinquent adolescent boys). Participants were administered the quantitative tools, the Empathy Continuum and Interpersonal Reactivity Index and the qualitative tool, the Heider-Simmel video on apparent behavior and narrative accounts were taken. The results show that there was significant difference between the two groups with regard to assessment and understanding of empathy. The research implication was discussed for larger domain of Juvenile Justice System of India.
Keywords —Juvenile Delinquent, Adolescent, Empathy, Interpersonal Reactivity Index, Heider-
Simmel video.
RISK AND PROTECTIVE FACTORS FOR THE SOCIO-EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG ADULTS RAISED BY SINGLE PARENTS
By: Vedha Chopra (2016)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. (Dr.) Nandita Babu
ABSTRACT
The aim of the present study was to explore the possible risk and protective factors for the socio- emotional development on young adults raised by single parents. The participants were young adults (IF20,18-25 years) raised by single parents by virtue of parental death (IF 10) or parental divorce (IFIO), residing in New Delhi, India. The participants were administered the Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Difficulties in Emotional Regulation Scale (Gratz and Roemer, 2001). Based on their performance of the DERS, a group of high scorers (n—2) and low scorers (n—2) were selected from each category (parental divorce and death) for conducting the interviews. In-depth interviews were conducted to explore the possible risk and protective factors for socio-emotional development from their childhood till the present. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed that the possible risk factors for the high scorers (n—4) were use of ineffective strategies for emotional management, absence of familial support or presence of intra-familial conflict, struggle for financial security, absence of a father in a patriarchal society, ineffective social networks and conflictual relationships with the resident parent. The high scorers also experienced difficulty in maintaining stable romantic relationships and had a precocious personality, The possible protective factors for the low scorers (IF 4) were motivation for self-improvement, effective family management strategies, support from social networks, open parenting style, use of active coping strategies and positive relationship with the parent. These findings can aid in planning interventions for children being raised by single parents in clinical or counseling settings.
INTERPARENTAL CONFLICT AND ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT
By: Sanya Munjal (2016)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Nandita Babu
Abstract
The present study examines the processes underlying interparental conflict within a family and tries to understand its subsequent impact on the development of an adolescent. By understanding the complex interplay of processes within a family in the context of marital distress, the study tried to differentiate the socio-emotional development of adolescents from concordant and discordant marital relationship families. Therefore 60 adolescents (30 from intact and 30 from interparental conflict families) in the age group of 15-17 years comprised the sample of the study, The research was conducted in two phases. During phase I adolescents belonging to interparental conflicts families were identified using Children's Perception of Interparental Conflict scale (Grych, Seid & Fincham, 1992) and differentiated from those belonging to families without marital distress. In addition to this parents of these adolescents were also screened using Dyadic Adjustment scale (Spanier, 1976) to assess their marital adjustment. Further adolescents were interviewed to understand the dynamics of a family within the context of parental conflict. In the second phase subsequent impact of marital discord on the development of adolescents was assessed. Findings of the study indicated a significant difference in perception of parental conflict between adolescents from both the families. Thematic analysis of the interview conducted in the initial phase of the study lead to the development of Parental Conflict Model. Further significant differences were found in depression, anxiety and sychological well being between adolescents from intact and interparental conflict families. Results are discussed in terms of considering the multidimensional nature and inter-relation among the subsystems of a family and the manner in which these dynamics operate-in the context of marital discord. The present research has implications for counselors, school psychologists and psychotherapists working particularly with couples and adolescents.
RISK AND PROTECTIVE FACTORS FOR THE SOCIO-EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG ADULTS RAISED BY SINGLE PARENTS
By: Vedha Chopra (2016)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. (Dr.) Nandita Babu
ABSTRACT
The aim of the present study was to explore the possible risk and protective factors for
the socio- emotional development on young adults raised by single parents. The
participants were young adults years) raised by single parents by virtue of parental death (IF 10) or parental divorce (n—10), residing in New Delhi, India. The participants were administered the Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Difficulties in Emotional regulation Scale (Gratz and Roemer, 2001). Based on their performance of the DERS, a group of high scorers (n—2) and low scorers (IF2) were selected from each category (parental divorce and death) for conducting the interviews. In-depth interviews were conducted to explore the possible risk and protective factors for socio-emotional development from their childhood till
the present. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed that the possible risk factors for the high scorers (IF4) were use of ineffective strategies for emotional management, absence of familial support or presence of intra-familial conflict, struggle for financial security, absence of a father in a patriarchal society, ineffective social networks and conflictual relationships with the resident parent. The high scorers also experienced difficulty in maintaining stable romantic relationships and had a precocious personality. The possible protective factors for the low scorers
(IF 4) were motivation for self-improvement, effective family management strategies,
support from social networks, open parenting style, use of active coping strategies and
positive relationship with the parent. These findings can aid in planning interventions for children being raised by single parents in clinical or counseling settings.
Development of Graphometor Skills in Slum Children
By- Srishti Mahendru (2016)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: SPK Jena
The main objective of the study is to study the development of the graphomotor skills in
children. The present study was a single-case research design using A-B-A method, where (A) being the baseline where various tests were b provided to the child which included the Ravens progressive matrices (Raven 1960) Visual Motor Gestalt Test (Bender1938) Draw a Person Test (Nagleri et al 2004) and a baseline handwriting was taken from the respective grade of the child. (B) being the handwriting intervention (VAKT multisensory Approach, self –instructional procedures and self –guided symbol formation strategy) was conducted for developing handwriting skills in urban slum children, and again (A) being the baseline after the intervention i.e. post- test using the same paragraph which was given at the time of the baseline handwriting to measure the difference and the improvement in the handwriting. The sample for the present study was taken from a nearby slum in the Vaishali and Indirapuram area and the study and the students were divided in two groups according to their age. The younger group aged between 7-11 and the elder group was 12-1. Majority of the errors that the children made were related to the correct formation of the letters and writing the letters correctly in a cursive format. Other common errors are related to the spacing of the letters and the words on the paper. The VAKT multi-sensory method is the most effective method in learning the letter formation with combination with the self-guided procedures.
Difference in tactile perception: a study of two-Point discrimination assessment
By- TSERING DOLKAR KHAMPA (2016)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. S.P.K. Jena
The present study attempted to assess Two Point Discrimination (TPD) for three groups: blind – sighted, early blind – late blind and female - male. The index finger of the dominant hand was tested for blind and sighted young adults. Using a TPD tool which was an aesthesiometer, the experiment was conducted with a group of 80 college students (40 blind and 40 sighted). In each group of blind and sighted there were 20 male and 20 female participants. The age of the participants ranged from 18 to 25 years. Psychophysical method, method of limits was used for the collection of data and two types of thresholds, that is, absolute limen (AL) and differential limen (DL) were measured. In which the sequence of presentation was in abba form. The results of the present study show no significant difference between blind and sighted participants. This showed that the ability to sense a touch is similar in both the groups. Similar results were obtained when early and late blind participants and sighted male and female were compared. Though the results of the present study are quite contradictory to earlier literature but the findings will help to establish normal values for two point discrimination of young Indian’s in their 20’s belonging to two different groups of blind and sighted. The study will also help further to the experimenter in this field to take precautionary measure while conducting similar research.
Psychological Intervention in Executive Dysfunction of Underprivileged Children
By Sajani K (2016)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. (Dr.) SPK Jena
The present study aimed at investigating the effectiveness of intervention programme on children with Executive Dysfunction. Seven children within age group 11-14 years were selected from suburban slum of Delhi using purposive Sampling technique. For assessment of intellectual functions, spatial reasoning and visual motor functioning, Bhatia’s Battery of Performance Tests of Intelligence, Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices and Bender Gestalt Test were used. Single case research with A-B- A design was used to assess the effect of intervention. Pre-treatment Baseline conditions included administration of Bhatia’s Battery of Performance Tests of Intelligence, Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices and Bender Gestalt Test. The data was analysed qualitatively. There is increase in mean scores of Pre-treatment baseline assessment and post treatment assessment. All the participants improved in all dimensions of Executive Functions. The results of this study suggest that early psychological intervention programme improves the Executive Functions in children.
Academic Year : 2017
Mandala Therapy for Migraine
Apoorva Malik (2017)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Nandita Babu
Abstract: The marked contribution of psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, and quality of life in migraine headaches was recognized which increased the psychophysical-socioemotional disability due to headaches. It further interfered with the treatment efficacy. The present study purported to examine the effectiveness of Mandala Coloring on the reduction of migraine-related disability, depression, and anxiety in migraine patients. It also intended to find its efficiency in the improvement of Quality of Life (QOL) of migraine patients. A pre and post assessment with a 12-week mandala coloring intervention and a follow-up was done. Physician diagnosed 17 migraine patients aged 21-25 years (11 females and 6 males) were recruited for the study. Migraine Disability Assessment Questionnaire (MIDAS), World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used. Results indicate reduction in migraine-related disability, depression and anxiety and improvement in the quality of life after mandala therapy. Implications involve advancement in the scope of using mandala coloring for the cutback on the pain-reducing medicines in the long run and overall enrichment in QOL.
Unravelling the Art of Innovation: A Case Study of HCL Technologies
By Cauveri Sharma (2017)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Anand Prakash
In a globalised and rapidly changing business setting, a culture that inculcates innovation is of utmost importance. The ability of a business to gain a competitive advantage is partly dependent on the capability of a business to innovate for this innovative behaviour of the employee is of crucial importance. The present studies the impact of organisational factors and workplace relationships upon the perceptions of employees and the behaviour of employees and seeks to identify the characteristics and values of organisational culture which either enhance or discourage innovation. The results and findings will arise from a study of a qualitative nature in an Indian IT services company. In order to address the primary research questions, data were collected through semi-structured interviews and observation (N=11). The data was analysed using Thematic Network Analysis (Attride-Stirling, 2001). The results illustrated that the key aspects of organisational culture which allow innovation are leadership, open spaces and institutional reward systems. the findings further illustrated that innovative practices can be stimulated by aligning HRM processes with innovation improving the quality of the relationship between the supervisor and employee, setting innovation as a job requirement, and breaking the comfort of working in silos. implications and future directions are discussed.
Keywords: Innovation, organisational culture, competitive advantage, human resource systems.
Decoding Power Perception Among Civil Servants and Aspirants: A Narrative Analysis
By: Mohit Parashar (2016)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Anand Prakash
Max Weber's notion of Bureaucracy serves as a background to the current study as Weber had explained the characteristics of Ideal Bureaucracy which reflect the role of power and authority that a bureaucrat possesses. The aim of the study is to understand the difference in the perception of power by a civil servant as well as an aspirant. It also aimed at understanding the perspectives of power and its usage by Civil Servants and Aspirants. the sample of this study is five aspirants and civil servants each, gathered via the Theoretical Sampling Technique ( Charmaz, 1990). Semi-Structured interviews were carried out to examine the various area of experiences like the life history, genesis of the need for power, reasons for striving for power both social and personal, etc. A qualitative approach was used for understanding the perspectives and perceptions of power by using a combination of Narrative and Thematic Network Analysis (Glaser, 1992). The findings provide an insight into the deeply seeded motives of aspirants and officers that make them strive for power in the cultural context of India.
Keywords: Power perception, Max Weber, Bureaucracy, Theoretical Sampling, narrative analysis, thematic network analysis.
Employment Engagement And Leadership: A Mixed Methods Approach to Understanding Millennials in Select Indian Organisations.
By Riya Jumnani
MA Psychology
Prof. (Dr.) Anand Prakash
Leadership is one of the most studied topics in employee engagement one of the more recent ones. However, the relationship between leadership and employee engagement has not been widely investigated. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the relationship and mechanism between leadership and engagement is essential for informing leaders how to best cultivate positive results in followers. In this vein, the research aimed to study the impact of leadership on the employee engagement of millennial workers. the study involved a mixed methods approach that is both qualitative and quantitative methods. Three questionnaires were used, one was to determine the level of engagement, another to assess the drivers of engagement, and the last one was Multiple Behavioral Complexity Questionnaire. These questionnaires were given to 70 employees from the age group of 21-35 from reputed Indian organisations. Apart from these 10 employees were selected to give an interview. Results indicated that there is a significant impact on leadership practices on employee engagement. No significant difference was found for drivers of employee engagement, though all the drivers had a significant impact on engagement. Qualitative analysis also found a significant impact of leadership on employee engagement and the most important drivers were found to be leader's role, work-life balance, money, autonomy continuous learning and feedback mechanism which could not be established via quantitative assessment. It shows on what areas management needs to work upon in order to create an enhanced engagement in workforce and leadership.
Keywords: Employee engagement, Leadership, Millennial.
Philanthropic Leaders and Social Value Creation: A Study Through The Indian Lens
By: Shambhavi Tiwari
MA Psychology
Prof. (Dr.) Anand Prakash
In the 21st Century, the era of globalization which is marked by people striving to attain economic gains, becoming highly competent and self-centred. We intermittently encounter people who devote their lives to working selflessly for others. such people engaging in acts of helping, and giving to society are termed as philanthropists. Philanthropy is a love for humankind. the concept of philanthropy and charitable engagement has been long established in Indian traditions. It roots back to the ancient concept of Dharma, often translated as a duty or a moral way of life, that undergirds notions of Hindu society and one's role within it. Philanthropy and leadership is an imperative field of study which is still open to exploration. The current study aims to explore the concept of Philanthropic leadership with the help of Dharma theory and how these leaders add value to society. The sample for the study include people who lead philanthropic organizations who have been selected through Theoretical Sampling and are six in number. With the help of semi-structured interviews, certain dharmic traits of truthfulness, contentment, wisdom, non-stealing etc. were assessed. The data is analyzed qualitatively for understanding the various aspects of Sadharna Dharma, using Narrative and Thematic Network Analysis. The findings of the present study tell us that there are certain traits which are specifically present in people leading Philanthropic organisations. They are found to be ethical in difficult times and there is a sense of faith in truth and collectiveness as work ethic, there is a sense of sincerity towards the cause. Also, feelings of eminence and worthiness as well as a sense of acknowledgement, from others are highly present in leaders. Also, the presence of Dharmic traits is also discussed in the study. This study opens further lines of investigation in areas of model creations of philanthropic leadership based on Indian values and ideals.
Keywords: philanthropy, ethos, social values, leadership, Dharma.
Authentic Leadership: Baby Boomers’, Generation X’s & Millennials’ Perception Of The Millennials
Nikita Das (2017)
Dr. Nidhi Prakash
Leading in twenty-first century is not akin to leading in previous centuries where employees would tolerate command and control leaders’. Leaders envisioning for their followers and the use of impression management in leading, both have met with severe criticism. One leadership trait which is becoming most desirous at present is that of Authentic Leadership. Pac (2011) report – ‘Millennials at work: Reshaping the workplace’ reveals that Millennium generation, which would make up 50% of the global workforce by 2020, wants its leader to be Authentic demonstrating high levels of self-awareness, balanced processing, relational transparency, and ethics. As millennial generation will form the largest section of the workforce in years to some with great influence on industry norms and practices, it is important to understand how they would be perceived on the trait authentic leadership by employees from other generation, peers and themselves. The present research therefore examined the relationship in perceptions across three generations – Bbay Boomers, Generation X and Millennial – on Authentic Leadership toward Millennials. The sample consisted of a total of 150 employees with 50 employees from each generation. Authentic Leadership Questionnaire, designed by Walumbwa et al. (2008), was used for data collection. Analysis was done using Means, SD and ANOVA. Results indicated that Bbay Boomers, Generation X and Millennial Employees’ perception differ significantly on Balanced Processing, Relational Transparency and Authentic Leadership toward Millennials while no significant difference existed in their perception on Self- Awareness and Internalised Moral Perspective toward Millennials. The study helped us in understanding ‘authenticity’ and provided insights on how leader member relationships can be improved at work.
Keywords: Authentic Leadership, Millennials, Baby Boomers, Generation X
Academic Year: 2018
Exploring the Mother-Daughter Relationship in the Socio- Cultural Context of A Slum Dwelling: Voices of Mothers and Their Adolescent Daughters
By: Varuni Sethi (2018)
Supervisor: Prof. Nandita Babu
The relationship that an adolescent share with her parents is highly valued when considering her development. In particular, the relation with one’s mother has been. identified as being integral for a child's growth. The process of parenting allows for the growth of not just the adolescent but also the parent involved, thus making reciprocal emotional sharing essentially important. Further, this relation cannot be seen in isolation and is likely to be affected by the demands of the socio- cultural context, and needs to thrive and grow within these demands. The current research study involved an exploration of the mother- daughter relationship, providing a voice to both mothers and their adolescent daughters residing in urban slum dwellings in Delhi. For the same, 10 mother- adolescent daughter dyads were considered and in-depth interviews were conducted with each participant, individually. Thematic Analysis of the data revealed several emerging patterns, such as daughters being seen as extensions of the mother, reciprocity in the relation, dynamism of the relation, gender equality versus discrimination, mothers as paying the protective role, etcetera. It can be concluded that despite the difficulties posed by the socio- cultural context, the members of each dyad are striving towards the growth of the relationship, I can also be suggested that the socio- context plays a major role in the shaping of this important exchange. The study has implications for policy making and development of programs and interventions.
Quantitative EEG During Various Cognitive Tasks in underprivileged children
By: Haritha P.R (2018)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. SPK Jena
Electroencephalogram is a widely used method to study brain waves. Studies have been conducted to identify the brain electrical activity in various groups. The chief objective of this study is to assess the brain electrical activity using Electroencephalogram (EEG) during various cognitive tasks in underprivileged children. Along with that the relationship of Intelligence, Body Mass Index (BMI) with EEG signals (Alpha, Beta, Theta, Delta &Gama) are also studied. Ten Underprivileged children of both genders (9 male; 1 female) have participated in the present study. They were individually assessed by Raven’s Coloured Progressive Matrices (RCPM) and followed by BMI assessment. Then participants were taken for EEG recording during the following five conditions: Eyes closed, Eyes Open, Hyperventilation, Reading and Writing. 10-20 international system was followed in electrode placement and EEG was recorded in Fp1 & Fp2 (Prefrontal), T3&T4 (Mid temporal), and O1& O4 (Occipital) brain regions. The CH1, CH2 and CH3 were set up as Electroencephalogram (EEG) at 0.5 -35 Hz mode. EEG Frequency Analysis has carried out. The results obtained have not showed predominance of any brain waves during various conditions. The results have not showed any topographical significance of brain waves in any of the five conditions. There are no relationships identified between Intelligence and brain waves. BMI showed negative correlation with Mid-temporal Theta during writing and occipital Theta during Eyes closed condition. BMI showed positive correlation with Occipital Beta in Eyes opened condition. The behaviour observations have shown the participants' difficulties in reading, writing and other cognitive functions. It can be assumed that the lack of changes in brain electrical activity is because of the deficit to do higher cognitive functions. They have also faced difficulty in comprehending the instructions given, attention and speech.
Hence the participants are from the underprivileged group, they have showed difficulty in reading, comprehending, writing, attention and speech. It is identified that they are not able to comprehend the instructions given. That has badly affected the performance of the participants. The crowded environment, pollution, lack of parental attention and lack of sufficient nourishment can be reasons of these behavioural and cognitive problems.
Keywords: Electroencephalogram, Underprivileged children, Cognitive tasks, Frequency Analysis, Body Mass Index.
Effect Of Meditation And Expressive Therapy On An Adolescent Diagnosed With Asperger’s Syndrome: A Case Analysis
By: Hemlata (2018)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. SPK Jena
Abstract
Asperger is a pervasive developmental disorder that characterized by impairments in social interactions, interests and activities, and language development. Children with Aspergers deprived of the resources from which the mind develops and organizes. The study focuses on the effectiveness of practicing meditation and expressive therapies on an adolescent diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. For this purpose different meditation technique such as Transcendental meditation, OM chanting, breathing exercise and different mindfulness techniques were used. In addition, expressive therapies such as role- play and art therapy also used. This study employed a N=1 design where one adolescent participated in the study. According to Ottenbacher (1986), this research design allows for the documentation of therapeutic effectiveness of a continuous treatment with a specific client while taking into account economical considerations. The design included a baseline observation phase (A), an intervention phase (B) and follow up- phase. The student researcher was familiar with the participant, chose this participant based on convenience. As such, a non- probabilistic convenient sampling was used. Inclusion criteria demanded that the subject must have been diagnosing with Asperger’s Syndrome. The present study focused on the behavioral issues such as eye contact, facial expression, verbal outburst, hyperactivity/ impulsivity and emotional cues. Throughout the sessions the intervention techniques has shown the positive outcome, that is there was an improvement in behavior such as maintaining appropriate eye- contact, decrease in the frequency of verbal outburst and hyperactivity/ impulsivity, improvement in appropriate facial expression, and understanding the emotional cues.
Key words: Asperger’s Syndrome, meditation, expressive techniques, behavioral issues, hyperactivity, impulsivity, emotional cues.
Academic Year : 2019
Addressing the ‘Person’ Within the School Teacher: A Psychological Study
By: Nishita Alagh (2019)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Ishita U. Bharadwaj
Abstract
The present study endeavours to work on arguably the most important unit in the institution of Education: Teachers. Through this work, I make the argument that the role and figure of a teacher is indispensable to the schema of a school and to education, yet, there is a lack of recognition in the cultural conscious understanding of the individuals who actually are employed as teachers, along with disregard for the Emotional Labour they perform. Thus, following from this premise is an attempt to look at teachers as both: part of a collective set of individuals whose primary role is being employed to impart knowledge to children; as well as an individual teacher as complete individual who has inherent value.
For this purpose, the present study followed Simultaneous Triangulation of Qualitative interviews with 5 female teachers, with a version of the Organisational Climate Questionnaire (Furnham & Goodstein,1997) adapted for schools, and the Teacher Burnout Scale (Seidman & Zagar, 1986). Semi structured interviews have offered a view of the participants’ unique sensemaking of their own lived experiences around their profession; whereas the quantitative questionnaires offer a more actionable and generalisable perspective on the research question. Organisational Climate for the school with Burnout in Teachers, and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The following themes emerged from IPA: The Person in the Teacher: A Muted Entity; The Teacher as an Agentic Force in Society; From Guru to Salaried Professional; Systemic Burnout in Teachers: Seeking Inspiration from the Disillusioned.
Quantitative Analysis proved significant negative correlation of the composite scores on the Teacher Burnout Scale with 12 domains of the Organizational Climate Questionnaire. Through Multiple Regression, Direction was shown to be a significant negative predictor of Teacher Burnout.
Results of these two are triangulated to get a deeper understanding.
Keywords: education, teachers, school climate, organisational climate, burnout
A study of psychometric properties of Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) in Hindi on adolescents
By: Somya Tandon (2019)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Anand Prakash
The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) has positive validity and reliability on government school going adolescents. Hindi-speaking 199 government-school going adolescents was taken as sample for the study. High internal consistency reliability of 0.892 was calculated using Cronbach-Alpha method. 27 out of 42 items of original scale indicated acceptable model fit & construct validity in confirmatory factor analysis. Chi square analysis indicated a significance of all 42 items at 0.01 level of significance. The present results imply that scale has acceptable internal consistency reliability, a tripartite model, moderate to good overall fit of DASS Model. DASS-Depression scale and DASS Anxiety scale have acceptable convergent validity when considered relative to Beck’s Depression Inventory & Beck’s Anxiety Inventory respectively. Qualitative analysis explores lived experience of stress and factors contributing to it. The scale can be used as screening tool in Hindi-speaking adolescents.
Key Words: DASS Scale; internal consistency reliability; construct validity; convergent validity; confirmatory factor analysis
The Unfired Clay Idol-Making Industry: An Exploratory Investigation into the Interaction of its Driving and Restraining Factors
By Sreyoshi Bhattacharya (2019)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Anand Prakash
The purpose of the present study is to investigate the unfired clay idol-making industry in India in order to understand the dynamics of this niche area of the culture industry in the present day and age. The understanding was facilitated by eliciting data from the two major stakeholders of the industry- the producers, i.e. the idol-makers, and the consumers, i.e. the Sarbojonin Pooja Samitisand individuals who organize household Poojas. The data was created via means of detailed interviews and participant observation, guided by partial auto-ethnography. Analysis of the data was done through the qualitative research method of Thematic Analysis. The results of the analysis thus obtained brought to light three major factors- positive forces, pushing the industry towards advancement, neutral forces adding depth and richness to the industry in today’s day and age, and finally, negative forces that are pulling the industry down into obscurity.
Keywords: Idol-making, Driving forces, Restraining forces
Unravelling the Queen Bee Phenomenon in Women Leaders: Internalized Sexism, Gender-Professional Identity Integration, and the Role of Competitiveness
By Nupur Singh (2019)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Nidhi Prakash
While the body of work on women in leadership continues to expand, an area that remains relatively unexplored is the Queen Bee phenomenon. The present study shed light on this phenomenon with a focus on two major objectives. Firstly, the study aimed to investigate Internalized Sexism and Gender-Professional Identity Integration (GPII) as predictors of the QB Phenomenon. Secondly, the moderating role of competitiveness on the relationship between QB Phenomenon and Internalized Sexism and as well as on the relationship between QB phenomenon and GPII was also examined. Participants, selected using the purposive sampling technique, included 76 women within the age range of 33 to 50 years, working in private sectors organizations and leading a team of 10 to 20 employees. All participants completed a measure used to assess several indicators of the QB phenomenon (Derks, Laar, Ellemers, & de Groot, 2011), the Internalized Misogyny Scale (Piggott, 2004), Gender Professional Identity Integration scale (Tan, 2014) and the Revised Competitiveness Index Scale (Houston, Harris, McIntire & Francis, 2002). Qualitative data was collected by conducting semi-structured interviews on five participants. The results indicated that Internalized Sexism positively predicted the QB phenomenon, while GPII was not found to be a significant predictor of the phenomenon. Moderation analysis revealed that while Competiveness moderated the relationship between QB phenomenon and Internalized Sexism, it did not moderate the relationship between QB phenomenon and GPII. Thematic analysis was applied and three overarching themes were extracted from the transcribed interview data. The present study also has several important theoretical and practical implications.
PARENTING AND FAMILY SOCIALISATION IN DELINQUENT AND NON- DELINQUENT ADOLESCENT BOYS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
By Ms. Pritika Guha (2019)
MA Psychology
Prof. Nandita Babu
During childhood, child’s behavior can get influenced by biological makeup, societal pressures, and environmental factors. A plethora of studies advocate that in terms of susceptibility to developing delinquent behaviour, family can act as a potential risk factor. The present study examined the parenting style and family socialisation pattern with delinquency in adolescent boys. The study was conducted on a sample of 100 adolescent boys, out of which 50 were juvenile delinquent adolescent boys and 50 were non-delinquent adolescent boys. Participants were administered Parenting Style Scale and Family Environment Scale. The results show that there were significant differences between overall dimensions of parenting amongst the delinquent and non-delinquent population. In case of Family socialisation, few dimensions (Intellectual-cultural orientation, Active-recreational orientation and Moral- religious emphasis) were found to show significant differences among the two groups.
Keywords: Juvenile Delinquent, Adolescent, Parenting Style, Family Socialisation.
“Mind’s Eye” of a “Blind Eye”:
Socio-Cognitive Functioning in Children with Congenital Blindness
By Abhinav Singh (2019)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Nandita Babu
The present study explores the socio-cognitive functioning in children with congenital blindness. The experiment undertaken in this the study assesses the performance of the participant children on two adapted versions of tactile based unexpected sequence tasks (Barambring and Asbrock, 2010). The sample of the study consist of 43 children with congenital blindness total blindness between the ages of 6 to 10 years. The objective of the study is to investigate the effects of age, order of representations and characteristic other (the two levels of a visual other and a blind other). The results obtained using two factorial 2x2 ANOVA designs one with repeated measures and another with independent measures, revealed that older children showed superior performance when compared with that of younger children on the representational change capacity (p<0.05). Further, there was a significant effect of the order of representational change (p<0.05) on the representational change capacity of the children. In addition, a significant effect of characteristic other on the second order representational change capacity of children (p<0.01) was found. More number of children could report correctly across the two tasks of representational change when the characteristic other was defined to be as a blind-other than when it was defined as visual-other. The findings are discussed in the context of existing theories of theory of mind, theory of concepts of vision and neuroscience of blindness.
Keywords: Theory of Mind, Representational Change, Children with Congenital Blindness, Neuroscience of Blindness, Conceptual Deficit
THEORY OF MIND IN OLDER MEN AND WOMEN: THE ROLE OF SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS
By: Oditi Anand (2019)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Nandita Babu
A relatively recent interest of Theory of Mind researches has been shifting towards the analysis of this ability in the phenomenon of ageing in both typical and atypical populations The present study aimed to examine gender differences between elderly males and females on the domains of Cognitive and Affective ToM and to see the links between both the components of ToM and social motivation, social network of family, social network of friends and verbal ability. The participants of the study were 60 older adults above 65 years of age which included 30 women and 30 men. Results revealed a significant statistical relationship between Affective ToM and the two variables of social network-family and verbal ability, in terms of correlation as well as modular predictions. No significant statistical relationship was found between Cognitive ToM and any of the variables under consideration. The implications of the findings were reviewed from a theoretical and practical lens.
Key words: Ageing, Theory of mind, social relationships, gender
DIAGNOSTIC TOOL FOR ASSESSMENT OF CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR: A PROJECTIVE TECHNIQUE AND COMPARISON OF CRIMINAL BEHAVIOURAL CHARACTERSTICS BETWEEN CRIMINAL AND NONCRIMINAL POPULATION IN DELHI NCR
Submitted by: Vartika Singh (2019)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Gopal Chandra Mahakud
Abstract
Crime has been defined in two ways in work by William Blackstone where he described crime either as an act “Public Law forbidding or commanding it “or violating the “Public rights and duties due to the whole community” (Blackstone, 1897). Crime is a preordained part of civilization. It ranges from the theft to murder to technologically advanced techniques emergence of cybercrime Engagement in any kind of unlawful, criminal behavior activity also validates itself as crime In majority of cases of criminal activity people tend to associate criminals with only the worst or gory crimes; it must be regarded that any individual who subjects themselves to unlawful activity is termed as criminal. The crime tends to be dimensional concept having violence/ non-violence committed publicly and private and the rate at which it is committed. When witnessing theories regarding the criminal behavior, several criminological and psychological theories provide deeper insights on the attitude–behavior relationship. Out of the many theories some theories postulate that attitudes precede criminal behavior thus attitude becomes an antecedent behavior altogether; thus, these theories are well acquainted to explain why individuals engage in criminal behavior in the first place. The first objective of the present research involved to develop self-developed Projective tool for assessment and identification of criminal behavior that (Criminal Apperception Test, CAT). The second objective of the research was to 11 find out different criminal behavior of criminal population, and non-Criminal Population using CAT (Criminal Apperception Test, CAT). The third objective being comparing criminal behavior between the criminal population and noncriminal population. The study was done on randomly selected 100 participants from various places. Two measures, namely were used in the study which were self-developed projective test named CAT (Criminal Apperception Test) and TAT (Thematic Apperception Test). The data were analyzed through factor analysis for criteria and card along with frequency and percentages. The results showed that there is difference of criminal behavior between criminal and non-criminal population along the lines of criteria’s given by Murray Morgan and Belleck Abraham. The conclusion was that that no one is free from criminality and some source it lies within when exposed can come in form of different crimes committed so early intervention from community needs to be taken care.
Key Words: Crime, Criminal Behavior, Diagnostic Tool, Criminality
- INSTITUTION BUILDING
Institutions provide a context for Supporting and Sustaining Human Development. Therefore, there is a need to understand the complexities of institutions, the values they uphold/nurture and areas of their core competence. Competence Mapping and Skill Development cannot happen in an Institutional Vacuum. Therefore, it is important to explore the role of individual, interpersonal and group level psychological processes that facilitate institution building. There is a need to understand the process of institution building in diverse contexts and develop a framework of institution building in Indian context. Understanding and exploring the role of individual, interpersonal and group level psychological processes in facilitating institution building.
Academic Year: 2016
Organizational Outcomes: The Role of Psychological Capital and Organizational Values
By- Sarvapreet Kaur (2016)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Vibhuti Gupta
This dissertation explores the effects of psychological capital and organizational values on organizational outcomes (organizational commitment, turnover intention, performance) in the IT sector of India. The main objectives of the research were to (1) study the separate and combined influence of psychological capital and organizational values on organizational commitment, turnover intention and job performance; (2) To study the relationship between psychological capital and organizational values; and (3) To study the effect of demographic variables (age, gender, education, tenure, marital status) on the organizational outcomes. Organizational Values were studied using Pareek’s (1997) OCTAPACE culture framework. A sample of 160 respondents employed in a single IT sector organization in New Delhi, India was chosen for the study. The data for the research was collected using published standardized questionnaires for the research variables. Performance was measured using a single self-report item. Statistical analysis involved both descriptive and inferential statistics (correlation and regression analysis). The study highlighted that IT sector organizations in India are moderate on all eight OCTAPACE dimensions. The results mainly indicated that psychological capital is significantly correlated with organizational commitment, turnover intention and job performance. It significantly predicted organizational commitment and job performance. OCTAPACE values were found to be significantly correlated with all three outcomes- organizational commitment, turnover intention and job performance.
They were found to significantly influence organizational commitment and turnover intention. Demographic variables were also revealed to be significantly influencing all three outcomes. Age and tenure were the demographic variables that held the most importance for predicting these outcomes. Finally, psychological capital and OCTAPACE values were also revealed to have a significant relationship, and OCTAPACE values were found to be significantly influencing psychological capital. The major limitations of the study are in regard to its sample size, sampling method, as well as the use of a single item to measure performance. The findings from the study hold important implications for both research scholars and practitioners. Suggestions for future research and organizations are also given.
Keywords: Psychological capital, OCTAPACE culture, organizational values, turnover intention, organizational commitment, job performance, positive psychology, positive organizational behaviour
Psychological and work related antecedents of withdrawal beliefs and attitudes in it/ites & non-ites sector: a proposed model
By- Vikas yadav (2016)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Vibhuti Gupta
The present study aimed to understand the impact of leadership, organizational commitment, person-organization fit, perceived over-qualification (POQ), emotional exhaustion and presenteeism on withdrawal constructs: turnover intention, lateness, physical and psychological withdrawal. The study employed a survey research technique to gather data from 123 employees from Indian IT/ITeS and Non-ITeS organizations. The two sectors did not differ on any of the variables in the study measured using One-Way ANOVA and when no difference was found, Pearson product moment correlation and Automatic linear modelling (ALM) was used to build a psychological withdrawal construct model.
The model predicted that turnover intention is best predicted by normative commitment, POQ, affective commitment and emotional exhaustion. Lateness is predicted best by transactional leadership, emotional exhaustion and POQ. Physical withdrawal was best predicted by emotional exhaustion, psychological withdrawal and Non-IT/ITeS industry. Psychological withdrawal (low job involvement) was best predicted by physical withdrawal and emotional exhaustion. The model also predicted that organizational commitment is best predicted by P-O fit. And emotional exhaustion, the only variables to have significant effect on all the withdrawal constructs was best predicted by transformational leadership, normative commitment and presenteeism.
Some of the limitations of the study include limited data set individually for two sectors, and use of several different psychological scales which could have created redundancy and test-fatigue. Nonetheless, the study points to an interesting set of findings and presents a model in which white collar job withdrawal could be of some help to Indian companies to mitigate against various kinds of withdrawal behaviour.
The relationship between organisational commitment and work performance in start ups
By- Anjay Chauhan (2016)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Vibhuti Gupta
The purpose of the research was to investigate the relationship between organizational commitment and work performance in START UPS. Allen and Meyer’s Organizational Commitment Questionnaire was used as well as the organization’s verbal performance rating tool. The Organizational Commitment Questionnaire was completed by a sample from the organization and the performance ratings of the employees in the sample were used as comparison. A positive relationship between the two constructs was established while no statistically significant relationship could be established.
Relationship of organizational Role stress and job satisfaction with personality: A study of Govt. Bank Employee
By- Rajesh Kumar (2016)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Vibhuti Gupta
The purpose of the study was to explore the understanding the relationship of personality with stress level and job satisfaction among government bank employees in terms of gender differences and management level. The present study was conducted on the sample of 120 employees i.e., 60 males and 60 females. Survey method was used to collect data. The study was undertaken in public sector banks in Uttar Pradesh region. Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, Pearson product moment correlation, t-test were used to analyze the data.
Keywords: relationship, organizational role stress, job satisfaction, personality, government bank employees
Relationship of perception of organizational politics with on- the- job behavior and job satisfaction among Government and private school teachers
Submitted by: Deepak Kumar (2016)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Vibhuti Gupta
The purpose of the study was to explore the understanding the relationship of perception of
organizational politics with on the job behavior and job satisfaction among government and private school teachers the present study was conducted on the sample of 100 employees i.e., 53 males and 47 females. Survey method was used to collect data. The study was undertaken in government and private school teachers in Delhi region. Descriptive statistics, Pearson product moment correlation, t-test were used to analyze the data. Significant difference in males and females are found in the dimensions of organizational politics and on- the- job behavior. Significant difference in government and private school teachers are found in job satisfaction and the dimensions of organizational politics and on-the-job behavior. Significant difference in the means of age is found in job satisfaction and the dimensions of organizational politics and on- the- job behavior. Age was found to have significantly positively correlated with experience and total job satisfaction and also positively correlation found with ambiguity in pay promotion. Experience was found to have significantly positively correlated with total job satisfaction and also negative correlation with general political behavior. A positive correlation of experience was found with positive work behavior. Job satisfaction, general political behavior and political behavior of getting ahead are significantly positively correlated to ambiguity pay promotion. General political behavior is significantly negatively correlated to political behavior of getting ahead. And also political behavior of getting ahead is significantly correlated to antagonistic work behavior. Also job satisfaction and ambiguity pay promotion is positively correlated to total organizational politics.
Keywords: relationship, organizational politics, job satisfaction, on-the- job behavior,
Understanding the relationship of negative emotional states with organization commitment, personal effectiveness and overall job satisfaction an NGO study.
By: Nisha Choudhury (2016)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Vibhuti Gupta
The aim of the research study was to explore understanding of the relationship of Negative Emotional States among job related variables viz. Orgnaizational commitment, Overall job satisfaction and personal effectiveness. The present study is conducted on the sample of 80 employees where 60% is males and 40% is female. Survey method was used to collect data. The sample is taken from the nongovernmental organizations in Delhi region, Descriptive statistics Pearson product moment correlation, inferential statistics were used to analyze the data.
Keywords: Organization Commitment, Job satisfaction, personal Effectiveness, Negative Emotional States (Anxiety, Depression and irritation).
Organizatioonal Culture and Leadership style: A cross-cultural study
By: Tserendulam Batsukh (2016)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Vibhuti Gupta
The aim of this study is to research organizational culture and leadership of organizations which are located in India and Mangolia
Objective of this study are to see the relationship between organizational culture and leadership in Indian organization, to see the relationship between organizational culture and leadership in Mongolian organization, to compare leadership and organizational culture of organizations in Mongolia and India
The sample for the study included total 100 participants.From 100 participants 50 are employees from Mongolian organization and 50 are from Indian.
The researcher used two tools for the research. These are the OCTAPACE, instrument that gives the profile of organization’s ethos in eight values. These values are openness, confrontation, trust, authenticity, proaction, autonomy, collaboration and experimentation and a shortened form of Northhouse (2001) Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire Form 6-S (MLQ-6S) which has 21 items and seven subscales: Idealized influence, Inspirational motivation, Intellectual stimulation, Individual consideration, contingent reward, Management –by-exception, Laissez-faire Leadership. Transformational Leadership includes: Idealized influence, Inspirational Motivition, Intellectula stimulation, Individualized consideration. Tra nsactional Leadership includes: Contingent reward and Management – By- Exception Passive.
Keywords: organizational culture, leadership style, a cross-cultural study.
Academic Year: 2017
Affective Empathy and Perspective Taking in Medical Doctors: Relationships with Occupational Stress
Yashauswani Bakshi (2017)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Nandita Babu
Abstract: Empathy in physicians to known to have a positive impact not only on Improved health outcomes of patients but also enriches professional statistician amongst doctors. Moreover, research has shown that the way general practitioners relate to their patients could also be linked to stress. Cognitive empathy, also known as perspective taking is considered to be an essential skill that facilitates effective delivery of care. The goal of the present research is to investigate (a) type of empathy evident in doctors and its relationship with occupational stress (b) relationship between empathy and coping resources (c) difference in the degree of empathy between early and middle adults taking into account their level of experiences in medical practice. This cross-sectional research was conducted across a sample of 80 doctors in the age range of 30-60 years (40 young and 40 middle age adults) who were invited to fill in the Basic Empathy Scale and Occupational Stress Inventory. The data was statistically analyzed using Pearson Coefficient Method of Correlation and Linear Regression. The results showed that affective empathy is a significant predictor of occupational stress, personal strain and coping resources while cognitive empathy significantly predicts personal main and coping mechanisms only. Future studies need to look into doctor-patient relationship from the patient's perspective in order to understand the role of empathy in patient satisfaction and design interventions for empathy development in an integrated manner.
Keywords: empathy, occupational stress, personal resources, doctors
Academic Year: 2018
Stress and Academic Performance: A Comparative Study of Sports Players and Non-players
By Mallika Sharma (2018)
Supervisor: Dr. Anand Prakash
The purpose of the present study was to compare the psychological variable of stress across various domains and to see if sports acts as a mediator in stress and academic performance in college students. Based on the primary survey of 80 Delhi University college students (40 males and 40 females) selected through non probability purposive sampling technique out of which, 40students were sports players i.e., they have actively engaged in sports activity in or outside college and have played at least till the national level on the other hand the 40 were non players and don’t play sports at all for the academic percentage, the percentage of the last two semesters was taken from the students and the questionnaire selected for the study was the students stress meter which consists of 55 questions it measures stress on 5 major domains (nature, circumstances, clinical symptoms, home/hostel life and academic performance) and the total stress level of an individuals. The data was analysed by descriptive statistics followed by parametric unpaired t test and non-parametric equivalent Mann Whitney U Test. The results suggest that sports players experience less stress as compared to non-sport players, similarly it was observed that males experience less stress that females. Further, within sports players, no gender difference was observed that National level sports players experienced less stress as compared to non-players.
Keywords: Stress, Sports players, Non-players, Academic performance, college students
Understanding Mental Health of Emergency Unit Nurses in Relation to Organizational Climate: A Psychological Perspective
By Namita Tayal (2018)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Anand Prakash
Background: Mental health has become one of the key concerns of the employers due to its dynamic contributions and costs. Most people spend more than 60% of their day time in workplace. Keeping this in mind it is important to understand mental health in relation to organizational climate.
Sample: Health care industry is of the fastest growing industries and an important pillar for a countries growth. Nurses are the backbone of this industry. Thus the research focused on the mental health of emergency unit nurses.
Method: This qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interview as the primary data collection method. The total of 11 in-depth interviews were analysed using Thematic Network Analysis. During analysis, themes and subthemes emerged relating to the underyling dimensions of organizational climate that affects the mental health of emergency room nurses.
Results: The results of the analysis demonstrated the role of organizational climate in relation to mental health of nurses. Three global themes emerged from the semi structured interviews, namely, Work relationships, as a resource; Empowerment, an end to victimhood; and Psycho-spiritual coping, a path to mental wellbeing. The nurses discussed both the positive aspects and challenges of their work environment.
Conclusion: The study focuses on understanding mental health of emergency unit nurses in relation to organizational climate. Understanding organizational climate and its dimensions help in improving mental health of nurses, improving work effectiveness, better clientage, and bolstering recruitment and retention strategies.
Person-Organization Fit: Studying the Antecedents and Outcomes in an Indian Public Sector Bank
By Pawandeep Singh
MA Psychology
Prof. Anand Prakash
Culture is a part and parcel of every product and process one overcomes in one’s everyday life and guiding one’s values. Values share a critical role in influencing and guiding the attitudes and behaviours of individuals, which are relatively tough to change. The notion of person-organization fit, one of the dominant operationalization being based on value-congruency, is concerned with identifying the antecedents and outcomes of compatibility between employees and the organizations in which they work, as part of interactional psychology. The current study involves the public sector bank, specifically Dena Bank, employees and ascertains whether the integration of organizational values and individual preferences for those values could ascertain the antecedent as well as the outcomes variables of the person-organization fit.
The study involved a sample of 150 public sector bank employees. The sample was grouped into two groups, group 1 (n=62) with individuals having more than four years of tenure with the current organization and group 2 (n=88) with individuals having less than four years of tenure with the current organization. The former group’s data was used to form the organizational profile using Organizational Culture Profile (OCP) and the latter group’s individual profiles would be compared to the organizational profile or value preferences to assess person-organization fit. The organizational profile fulfilled the two major requirements of crystallization and dimensionality of individual and organizational profiles, hence, allowing the research to assess the P-O fit. Moreover, only group 2 participants were employed to measure the antecedent and outcome of P-O fit. The study involved established scales, Newcomer Socialization Questionnaire and Survey of Perceived Organizational Support to measure the antecedent variables of P-O fit, namely socialization and perceived organizational support negatively. On the other hand, to assess the outcomes of P-O fit, Organizational Citizenship Behaviour Checklist (OCB-C), Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) and Turnover Intension Scale 6 (TIS-6) scales were employed to measure organizational citizenship behaviours, job satisfaction and intention to quit. Lastly, the influence of antecedent variables on outcome variables directly was also studied using statistical tools of Pearson’s r and regression analysis. Overall, the results indicated that the organizational socialization, followed by P-O fit, contributed more to predict P-O fit and was also the leading predictor for the outcomes measured namely, organizational citizenship behaviours, job satisfaction and intention to quit. Therefore, the significance of organizational socialization and P-O fit should be employed effectively to obtain positive work related attitudes leading to effective performance of the employee as well as the organization.
Keywords: Person-organization fit, Organizational Socialization, Job Satisfaction, Perceived Organizational Support, Turnover Intention, Organizational Citizenship Behaviours.
More than a Game: A Narrative Analysis of Life Stories Elite and Professional Athletes
By Ankita Sehrawat (2018)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Anand Prakash
Sport has always been more than a game and can contribute to personal of people. The present study uses qualitative approach to explore the stories of Olympic and elite athletes tell about their journey as an athlete and the impact sports had on their lives. Also the study examines the importance of sports as an important context for learning life skills. For the purpose of the study, in-depth interviews were used to capture the experiences of both male and female elite athletes. A total of 12 elite athletes between the ages of 20 and 60 years (mean— 40), who had participated in the Olympic, Asian Games, Common Wealth, world Championship. National Championships etc. within their chosen sport. A variety of sports and sports types were included within the sample with participants from different sports (wrestling, swimming, basketball, cricket and open waters). and both team and individual sports were represented, The data was analysed using a combination of Narrative Analysis and Thematic Analysis. The finding provide an insight about deep seated motives an elite athletes and how did sports contributed to other aspect of their lives.
Keywords: personal growth, elite sport, life skills, narrative analysis, and thematic analysis
Employee Relationship: Exchange, Identification and Politics – a Study of Relational Dynamics in Organizations
By Srishti Kumar
MA Psychology
Prof. Anand Prakash
Organization is a place where individuals from different backgrounds, religions, communities come together on a common platform to work towards a predefined goal. The present study attempts to understand the relationship that individuals develop with their organizations by examining the relationship between three variables-Organizational identification, Organizational Exchange and Perception of organization politics. For the study three questionnaires -Perception of Organizational Politics Scale by Kacmar and Carlson (1997), Organizational Identification -Identification with psychological group Scale Mael and Tetrick (1992), and Organizational Exchange (LMX7 by Scandura and Graen. 1992); Percieved organizational support by Eisenberger and Huntington (1987) were administered to a total of 161 participants, AJI the scales have established reliabilities and validities, A semi-structured interview was also conducted on S employees to gain insight into and support the findings from the three questionnaires, A total of 147 responses were finally included in the quantitative data analysis. The results from the quantitative analysis indicated that Perception of organisational politics scores was significantly and negatively correlated with organizational identification, Identification with Psychological Group-Shared Experiences, identification with Psychological Group-Shared characteristics, but was insignificantly and positively correlated with Organizational Exchange. Also. Organizational identification and organizational exchange although positively correlated, the correlation was insignificant. The correlation between organisational identification and Perceived organizational support was positive and significant. The findings from thematic analysis provide insight into the three variables and their effect on employee's relationship with organization. Implications and future suggestions have been discussed.
Keywords: organizational identification, organizational exchange, organizational politics, perceived organisational support, thematic analysis, identification with psychological group
Relationship between character strength and Virtue, a leadership style and resilience in Police Personnel
By: Neha Ronjhwal (2018)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Avinash Kumar
Palak Kapoor Dr. Vibhuti Gupta "Amidst the chaos of the privatization of Indian educational institutions and thereby increased competition, it is becoming difficult for teachers to find a sense of meaning and purpose in their work. The present mixed-method study thus, aims to understand the construct of workplace spirituality and its relationship with Innovative Work Behavior (IWB) and Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) among school and college teachers. The sample consisted of 60 teachers (30 - school and 30 - college) from the city of Delhi, India and the data was collected through purposive sampling method. For the quantitative analysis (Correlation, t-test and Linear regression), Workplace Spirituality was measured using 28-items scale by Pradhan & Jena (2016), IWB was measured using a 20-items scale by Messmann and Mulder (2012) and OCB was measured using the 19-item scale by Moorman and Blakely (1995). All the scales were self-report scales. The qualitative data was collected through a self-designed, semi-structured interview from the sample of 6 teachers. The results indicated that Workplace Spirituality was highly positively correlated with IWB and OCB. Also, Workplace Spirituality significantly predicts IWB and OCB. There was no significant difference found between school teachers and college teachers on any of these 3 variables. Through thematic analysis, the dimensions of workplace spirituality are identified and how leaders and the culture of the organisation foster Workplace Spirituality which in turn facilitates IWB and OCB are also described. Findings are discussed, as are limitations and suggestions for future research.
Key Words: Workplace Spirituality, Innovative Work Behavior, Organizational Citizenship behavior, OCB, IWB, School teachers, college teachers, mixed-method."
Relationship of individual and organizational factors with knowledge hiding in it sector organizations: An Exploratory study
By: Raunaq Chawla (2018)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Vibhuti Gupta
"The present research examines relationship between knowledge hiding behavior and
individual factors (personality, Machiavellianism, knowledge psychological ownership), attitude/behavior resulting from organizational membership (commitment and organizational citizenshipbehavior) and organizational climate (openness, collaboration and trust) in IT sector organizations. Data was collected from 120 IT sector employees’ through a non-random purposive sampling. Statistical analyses used are t- test, correlation, regression, and process
tools. t-test results show that males and female do not differ on knowledge hiding behavior and organization citizenship behavior. Correlational results shows that organizational climate factors,attitude/ behavior resulting from organizational membership and personality dimensions
(conscientiousness, agreeableness and openness to experience) all share a negative relationship with knowledge hiding. While individual factors such as Machiavellianism and knowledge psychological ownership share a positive relationship with knowledge hiding behavior.Regression model show that 61% of variance in knowledge hiding is explain by predictor model.Three models are tested using process tools. Model 1 proves mediation of knowledge psychological ownership in the relationship of open climate and knowledge hiding behavior.
Model 2 proves moderation of organizational commitment in the relationship of trust climate and knowledge hiding behavior. Model 3 proves moderation of Machiavellianism in the relationship of knowledge psychological ownership and knowledge hiding behavior. Limitations of the study include small sample size, unequal gender participation, non-random sampling method, and use of self-report data. Findings from this research can help researchers and practitioners to develop
intervention for curbing knowledge hiding and improving knowledge management."
Personality and psychological capital as predictors of organizational citizenship behavior among bank employees
By: Sonam Yadav
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Vibhuti Gupta
"This study examined the role of personality traits and psychological capital in predicting organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) among employees of private and government sector banks. HEXACO short form for measuring personality traits, PCQ questionnaire was used to assess psychological capital and Sharma & Jain’s scale was used for measuring organizational citizenship behavior was used for collecting data which was analyzed byusing SPSS and Ms-excel. For the purpose of this stud y data of 120 participants were used government banks of Delhi at different levels. Results indicated significant positive correlation between personality traits Honesty-Humility (r=.303, p<0.01), Extraversion (r=.290, p<0.01), conscientiousness (r=.270, P<0.01) and Openness to experience (r= .186, emotionality, and agreeableness did not show significant correlation with organizational citizenship behavior. Results also showed positive correlation between the dimensions of psychological capital, hope(r=.438,p<0.01), resilience(r=.571,p<0.01), self-efficacy(r=.521,p<0.01) and optimism(r=.503,p<0.01) and total psycap (r=.600,P<0.01) with Organizational citizenship behavior. In regression analysis it was found that psychological capital, extraversion, conscientiousness and openness to experience predict organizational citizenship behavior among bank employees. 2X2 ANOVA of gender and sector effect on OCB was found to be insignificant suggesting that OCB is not significantly different across gender and public and private banks.The results are discussed in light of existing research.
Keywords: Personality traits, psychological capital, organizational citizenship behavior, Bank employees, private and government sector."
Role of family predispositions in shaping Entrepreneurial spirit : A comparative study
By: Varun Sharma
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Avinash Kumar
"In order to gain insights into entrepreneurial behaviour from a psychological perspective this study examined the role of family climate in development of Entrepreneurial Behaviour. Two standardized self report measures namely Family Climate Scale and Entrepreneurial Behaviour Inventory were used which was converted into Google form and was sent to 61 participants (31 corporate employees and 30 venture owners). Then the results were analyzed using Pearson product moment correlation and t-test. Results showed that family doesn’t play a major role in determining entrepreneurial behaviour as there were number of other external factors which played a huge role in determining the entrepreneurial spirit. Future studies should explore other factors that effect the entrepreneurial spirit. Such studies can be of importance as there is a growing need for entrepreneurial growth in a country like India.
Key words: Entrepreneurship, venture owner, family climate, corporate employees."
Impact of personality traits on organizational commitment among bank employees
By: Vinod
MA Applied Psychology
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Avinash Kumar
This study examined the impact of personality traits on organizational commitment. Data was collected from a sample of 120 males and females belonging to private and government banks of India. HEXACO short form for measuring personality traits and Allen & Meyer organizational commitment scale for organizational commitment were used for collecting data which was analysed using SPSS. Results indicated significant positive correlation between personality trait conscientiousness, agreeableness and organizational commitment while significant negative correlation was found between emotionality/neuroticism and organizational commitment. Extraversion, honesty-humility and openness to experience did not show any significant correlation with organizational commitment. In regression analysis, all the significantly correlating variables predicted organizational commitment. 2X2 ANOVA of gender and sector showed no significant difference in organizational commitment. So, organizations can look for these traits if they want to have good levels of organizational commitment which will ultimately benefit them.
Exploring the individual cum organizational level antecedents and team level correlate of psychological safety
By: Aishwarya (2018)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Vibhuti Gupta
Abstract
Feeling safe to express one’s opinion and be oneself without any fear of adverse consequences at the workplace seems to be an innocent plea in todays’ world of hypercompetitive and dynamic work setting. The present research seeks to explore this construct of Psychological Safety at the Individual, Team and Organizational level. The correlation and the consequent antecedent causation of Individual level variables (Neuroticism, Trust, Locus of Control) and Organizational Level variables (Job Satisfaction, Organizational Citizenship Behavior as well as Organizational Climate and its subcomponents) on Psychological Safety were investigated while exploring the relation between Paternalistic Leadership and Team Psychological Safety. Two data sets drawn from samples of 119 employees (both private and government organizations) and 15 employees (belonging to one department in a single government organization), formed the basis of the study. Data was collected using survey questionnaires and analyzed using appropriate statistics (both descriptive and inferential). The findings indicated Trust was the only Individual level variable which predicted Psychological Safety while Autonomy and Supervisory Support formed the other two predictors. Interestingly, sector was a predictor of Psychological Safety with employees in the Private Sector reporting greater Psychological Safety than their government counterparts. Job Satisfaction too was positively correlated to Psychological Safety. No significant results could be obtained in the domain of Team-level research. Consequently, the limitations encountered and implications for scholarly research and practice is provided, besides stating the suggestions for future research.
Keywords: Psychological Safety, Team Psychological Safety, Trust, Autonomy, Supervisory
Support, Sector, Paternalistic Leadership”
Examining the correlates of cyber loafing and employees’ perception of cyber loafing activities
By Aishwarya Srivastava (2018)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Vibhuti Gupta
The aim of the present study was to examine the correlates of cyberloafing and employees’ perception of cyberloafing activities. For this purpose, a mixed research design was adopted which combined the use of surveys and semi structured interviews. In all, 92 questionnaires were distributed to full time employees working in private and government sectors. After eliminating biased and incomplete responses, 70 responses were included for the study. The obtained data was analyzed using SPSS Version 23. Also, semi structured interviews were conducted with 10 employees to gain an enhanced understanding of the construct of cyberloafing. Content analysis was used to formulate themes from the recorded data. Correlation analysis revealed that cyberloafing has a positive significant relationship with personal variables- internet addiction, procrastination and external locus of control. Also, the qualitative analysis revealed that cyberloafing primarily serves three functions- stress relieving, knowledge enhancement, and social communication.
Workplace Violence and its effect on mental wellbeing: comparison between the public and private sectors
By Anugya Gupta (2018)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Vibhuti Gupta
"Employees in the corporate setup, today, face a substantial risk of job – related violence. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH, 2002) defines workplace violence as “violent acts (including physical assaults and threats of assaults) directed toward persons at work or on duty.” While media attention usually focuses on incidences of workplace homicides, the vast majority of occurrences often result in non – fatal but quite serious damages. Therefore, the need of the hour is to critically explore the nuances associated with violence in the workplace and look for ways in which this can be curbed. The present study explores the concept of workplace violence and aims to understand its effect on mental well – being. It also aims at finding out if there exist any significant differences in the experience and reporting of workplace violence between public and private organisations. Also, the gender differences in this context have been studied. Finally, the study also enlists some ways to curb or reduce the occurrence of incidents of workplace violence.
Keywords: Workplace Violence, Mental Health
Understanding the relationship of Emotional Labour and Work Family Conflict with Job Satisfaction and Stress among Cabin Crew members
By: Megha Prasad (2018)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Vibhuti Gupta
The aim of the present study was to understand the relationship of Emotional Labour and Work Family Conflict with Job Satisfaction and Stress among Cabin Crew members. For this purpose, a mixed research design was adopted which combined the use of survey and semi-structured interviews. In all 100, questionnaires were distributed to cabin crew members of Air India airlines out of which 43 were males and 57 were females and a total of 41 married cabin crew members and 59 unmarried crew members were there. The obtained data was analyzed using SPSS Version 16. Also, semi structured interviews were conducted with 10 cabin crew members to gain an enhanced understanding of the variables. Content analysis was used to formulate themes from the recorded data. The results revealed that there was a significant positive correlation was found in relation with stress and work-family conflict and job-satisfaction has a significant negative correlation. It was further seen that increase in age leads to increase in stress, and with increase in age and experience there leads to less job-satisfaction. It was also seen the there was no gender difference found in relation to stress, work-family conflict, emotional labour and job-satisfaction. In terms of married and single crew members, the married crew members experienced more stress and more work-family conflict.
Understanding Job-satisfaction, Stress, Work - Family Conflict and Emotional Labour among cabin crew
By: Manvi Sharma (2018)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Vibhuti Gupta
Parent-child relationship is considered the most sacred and valuable relationship providing as the building block for further relationships that would be formed later in life. Losing a parent can be a paralyzing and highly distressing life event which can affect an individual’s cognition, physical health, behavior and emotion. This connection has a transient nature as it keeps changing and evolving throughout lifetime. In the early years, guardians sustain, support and guide their children’ development, the focus is more on nurturing the child. Losing a loved one, especially a parent can lead to an emotional turbulence making an individual feel hopeless, helpless and abandoned thereby reflecting this void and emptiness in one’s intimate relationships due to the uncertainty of anyone leaving him or her at any moment in life. However, the feeling of loss or grieving is also subjective in nature due to individual differences and certain factors determining the intensity of the loss and reflecting in an individual’s thoughts and feelings. Mourning is the process followed by loss, which has no defined time period per se, as in the case of loss of a parent, the grieving or the mourning period can be a lifelong process. The demise of a parent can evoke sentiments of weakness, misfortune, yearning; a strong need to have a parent around 'perpetually' to share our future achievements and offer help in our critical crossroads. The objective of the present study was to explore and understand the effects of this irreplaceable loss on an individual’s attachment and coping styles. To meet the purpose of the study, in-depth interview was conducted and themes were emerged from the transcribed data case by case using interpretive phenomenological analysis. The themes emerging from each interview were examined out of which the commonly occurring themes were closeness, spiritual outlook, acceptance, emotional support and sense of responsibility.
Keywords: Loss, attachment, coping, mourning, spiritual outlook, acceptance, emotional support.
Bringing the Soul to Work: Effect on the teacher’s innovative work and organizational citizenship Behavior
By: Palak Kapoor (2018)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Vibhuti Gupta
"Amidst the chaos of the privatization of Indian educational institutions and thereby increased competition, it is becoming difficult for teachers to find a sense of meaning and purpose in their work. The present mixed-method study thus, aims to understand the construct of workplace spirituality and its relationship with Innovative Work Behavior (IWB) and Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) among school and college teachers. The sample consisted of 60 teachers (30 - school and 30 - college) from the city of Delhi, India and the data was collected through purposive sampling method. For the quantitative analysis (Correlation, t-test and Linear regression), Workplace Spirituality was measured using 28-items scale by Pradhan & Jena (2016), IWB was measured using a 20-items scale by Messmann and Mulder (2012) and OCB was measured using the 19-item scale by Moorman and Blakely (1995). All the scales were self-report scales. The qualitative data was collected through a self-designed, semi-structured interview from the sample of 6 teachers. The results indicated that Workplace Spirituality was highly positively correlated with IWB and OCB. Also, Workplace Spirituality significantly predicts IWB and OCB. There was no significant difference found between school teachers and college teachers on any of these 3 variables. Through thematic analysis, the dimensions of workplace spirituality are identified and how leaders and the culture of the organisation foster Workplace Spirituality which in turn facilitates IWB and OCB are also described. Findings are discussed, as are limitations and suggestions for future research.
Key Words: Workplace Spirituality, Innovative Work Behavior, Organizational Citizenship behavior, OCB, IWB, School teachers, college teachers, mixed-method.”
Academic Year: 2019
Leadership & Creativity as an integral part of the shaping of Institutions in 21st century
By: ARITRA DAS (2019)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Avinash Kumar
The present study aimed to understand the role of Leadership and Creativity in modern Institutions of the 21st century. Synthesizing the theories of leadership and creativity via several intervening variables, the study aimed to establish a relationship between the dimension of leadership ability style and creativity styles of young leaders of the community. With the advances in AI technology, the institutions that have been supporting the fabric of the society is going through a major paradigm shift, where the values of leadership should reflect the need of the cohort to bring about a smooth transition. Using convenient sampling the study aimed to provide an understanding of prominent leadership style of the demographic selected and their corresponding creativity styles in matter of decision making, problem-solving in day to day life. The results indicate Democratic - Cooperative style of leadership to be prominent among the sample, which follows high correlations with Challenging-Risk taking, Adjusting-Changing, Communicating-Selling and Executing-Realizing styles of creativity. The study also indicated a significant relation between Laissez Faire style of leadership and Creating-Originating style of creativity.
THE EFFECT OF PSYCHOLOGICAL CAPITAL ON EMPLOYEES ENGAGED IN ECOMMERCE
By: Tanu Goel
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Avinash Kumar
Abstract
Research on positive organizational behavioral has explored the value-added contributions of psychological capital in predicting numerous workplace outcomes. However, the relationship between psychological capital, organizational commitment and workplace stress at Amazon has mostly been unnoticed. The primary aim of the current study was to examine the relationship between psychological capital and organisational commitment of Amazon managers located in Noida. The study additionally examined the impact of psychological capital on workplace stress of Amazon managers. The sample comprised of 60 managers i.e 30 male and 30 female. The present study aimed at finding correlation between psychological capital and organizational commitment and correlation between psychological capital and workplace stress using Pearson’s moment product correlation. For that purpose, Psychological capital questionnaire (PCQ) (Luthans et al. 2007), Organizational Commitment Questionnaire ( Natalie Allen and John Meyer, 2000), General Work Stress Scale(Gideon P. de Bruin & Nicola Taylor, University of Johannesburg ,2005) were used. Additionally, t test was done to mark the differences in responses of male and female managers on psychological capital , workplace stress and organisational commitment. High psycap people were rated as exhibiting additional innovative behaviors, by their supervisors than low psycap individuals. Similarly, our findings additionally reveal that people with high psychological capital experience lower levels of job stress as compared to their low psycap counterparts. Research results show that employees who have a high level of psychological capital also present a high rate of organization commitment and a positive attitude towards the organization.
IMPACT OF ANXIETY AND SOCIAL ANXIETY ON THE PERSONALITY OF COLLEGE GOING STUDENT
By: Ganesh Gujrati
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Avinash Kumar
ABSTRACT
Anxiety and Social Anxiety plays an important role in the Personality. For instance, individual who are not open to experience cross-cultural interaction are more anxious in interacting with other in general. The motive behind the conducted study is to check whether the Anxiety and Social Anxiety is anyhow made impact on the personality of students which are in college for which we only taken one dimension of personality that is Openness to Experience. For which we have taken help of 60 college students (Male and Female both). Three measuring scale is being analysed to collect the data that are Beck Anxiety Scale, Leibowitz Social Anxiety Scale and from the NEO-FFI only Openness to Experience dimension is being assessed. In which we found that Anxiety and Social Anxiety don’t made any significance impact on personality of an individuals. Null hypothesis is being accepted of both the hypothesis. These findings contextualize high-anxious people’s avoidance tendency in social interaction.
A Study to Examine the Stress Levels among the Unemployed Males and Females in India
By: Vikas Yadav
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Avinash Kumar
ABSTRACT
The study focuses on finding the distribution of stress appraisal among newly unemployed youth and frictionally unemployed youth. It considers the gender differences prevailing in stress perception when newly unemployed and frictionally unemployed. The study was conducted on a sample of 60 individuals available through purposive sampling maintaining 50 % representation of both sexes. The results demonstrated that frictional unemployed youths were more stressed than those who are newly unemployed. When considering the gender, it was found that women were less stressed in all the categories: general stress apprehension, under newly unemployed and frictional unemployment than men.
Keywords: frictional unemployment, gender, stress, unemployment.
EXPLORING THE WORK VALUES AND MOTIVATORS OF FUTURE WORKFORCE: GENERATION Z
By: Shivika Khurana
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Vibhuti Gupta
Abstract
Present study explores the Generation Z at the workplace. This generation makes almost half of Indian population and thus will impacts the future of work and organizations in India significantly. This cohort is largely effected by technological developments, globalization and rise of social media among other factors. For these reasons, their values and motivators needed to be explored further. The workplace values of Generation Z were compared with the workplace values of Generation Y(N=64). It was seen the Generation Z had a significantly higher value associated with cooperation and with wide-spread participation in decision making. The difference in values laid on quality and innovation were insignificant. The Job Characteristics given by Hackman and Oldham were also tested as motivators of Job Satisfaction using stepwise multiple regression(N=115). The final model included Autonomy, Skill Variety and Task Identity and had R 2 of 0.52. This was followed by 10 semi-structured qualitative interviews, which supported the findings of the quantitative measures. Key Words: Generation Z, Job satisfaction, Workplace Values, Job Characteristics, Motivation
THE EFFECT OF MUSIC TRAINING ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS IN CHILDREN AGED 7-14 YEARS
By: Deborah Ann Trott
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Vibhuti Gupta
Abstract
The present research sought to understand whether musical training could aid in the development of executive function in children. A sample of children (n = 60) aged 7-14 years, who were learning music and those who had never formally learnt music were studied. The findings showed that there is a significant difference in executive functioning between children who learn music and those who do not. A significant relationship was found between performance on various measures of executive function and the duration of musical training, as well as duration of each practice session. There were also some gender differences on inhibitory control found between boys and girls in each group, however, among children learning music, these differences were much lesser. Keywords: executive functions, music lessons, music.
- OPTIMIZING HEALTH & WELL-BEING
There is a greater need to focus on one’s self as an important mediator in therapeutic processes for optimizing health and wellbeing. Using different processes of self-insight to achieve optimum health and in exploring and explaining the multitudes of existing cultural practices towards health, healing and wellbeing.
Academic Year: 2016
Exploring definition of happiness across different age groups
By: Poonam Bir Kaur Sahota (2016)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Suneet Varma
Abstract
Happiness is a fundamental motivating force. Modern research marks happiness to be the cherished goal of life (Diener and Oishi, 2000), a motivator for investing time and effort in
career and educational pursuits (Haase, Poulin, and Heckhausen, 2012), and a desired state for
one's children (Diener and Lucas, 2004). Vedic text deems happiness as the essence of human
existence "for from Bliss alone, it appeareth, are these creatures born and being born they live
by Bliss and to Bliss they go hence and return" (Taittiriya Upanishad, 11.7;111.6. 24). Yet, there is no universal definition of happiness. The key constructs of subjective well-being and psychological well-being have been identified and have been slowly replacing happiness as term
in the psychological literature. Social correlates of these constructs have been studied in detail in
American and European population. This makes the present discourse of psychology on happiness culturally uninformed. The present study is a qualitative inquiry into the definition of
happiness across age-groups in light religious and spiritual tradition of India. Using the tool of
qualitative interviewing, the subjective definition of happiness of 8 adults (4 young adults, and 4
Older adults) was examined. The thematic analysis of the data deconstructs happiness as a state
of Consciousness existing at various levels identified as Tamasic, Rajasic, Sattavic, and Trigunnatit.
Key words: Subjective well-being, Psychological well-being, Tamasic level, Rajasic level,
Sattavic level, Trigunnatit level
WOMEN EMPOWERMENT: A QUALITATIVE EXPLORATION
BY: DIPANSHI BUDHRAJA (2016)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. ANAND PRAKASH
Abstract
In the changing times of 21st century the position of women in India is undergoing a major
transformation. The Constitution of India grants equality to women and empowers the state to
adopt measures that run in favor of women. The set of roles and responsibilities attached to
women are redefined as women today are seeking their place in different walks of life.
However, the prolonged social discrimination has produced diverse impact on the
development of women, which is a severe stumbling block even today. There exist a
systematic discrimination against women economically, socially, politically and culturally
and such disabilities are practiced at all levels day in & day out. Although, the work area
which was confined to home and kitchen for women has expanded to offices and board
rooms. Yet, the idea of empowerment in India is still seen through a coloured lens.
The present study aimed to explore the impact of employment on the idea of empowerment
among employed women in India. The qualitative study was based on primary data collected
from ten working women from Delhi NCR. The data was analysed using narrative method
and phenomenology.
Keywords: Women Empowerment, Employment, Working Women, Decision Making,
Intergenerational transmission of parenting: Continuing and discontinuing trends
By: Aditi Gupta (2016)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Nandita Babu
ABSTRACT
The changing social and family structure has invariably affected parenting styles. Some trends
have continued, while others are changing. The present study aims to explore the mediating
factors for parenting attitudes that have continued and moderating factors of the parenting trends
that have discontinued across generation in Indian context. Furthermore, investigation is done to
understand how grand-parenting is diverging from parenting attitudes. The study was carried out
by integrated method utilizing both qualitative and quantitative measures. For quantitative
analysis, the sample consisted of 30 families which consisted of two generations of mothers and
maternal grandmothers (N 60). Parental Authority Questionnaire (Buri, 1991) and Parent-Child
Relationship Inventory (Gerard,2005) were used for assessing Parenting styles and attitudes
towards parenting. For qualitative analysis, 5 family units were taken, consisting of 5 mothers
from first generation and 5 mothers of second generation and Thematic Analysis was used.
Result show that parenting styles and attitudes passes from generation to generation to some
extent. The use of Permissive parenting style has significantly increased and so has the role of
husbands in share dual responsibility of childrearing and profession along with wives.
Expectations and Aspirations of two generations with regard to the third are also different and
grandmothers usually play the role of mentor for the mothers, the findings support much of the
research which suggests changes in society may play key role in discontinuity of parenting
attitudes from generation to generation and endorsement of parental views leads to their
continuation.
Keywords: Parenting style, Intergenerational transmission, Grand-parenting, Continuity, Discontinuity
JOURNEY FROM EXPRESSION TO REGULATION: A PSYCHOSOCIAL INTERVENTION Interface Between Sans and Bahu: A Positive Perspective
By: Aashima Jain (2016)
MA Psychology
ABSTRACT
The relation between mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law is a crucial aspect for any family
dynamics and family's cohesiveness and harmony. This relationship not only affect family as a
whole but also have an impact on the ageing process of elderly specially the mother-in-laws who
derive meaning to their life based on the dynamics of this relationship. In the present study, the
aim of the present study is to compare the relationship between life satisfaction, death anxiety
and hope among mother-in-laws whose daughter-in-laws are working as compared to mother-in-
laws whose daughter-in-laws are non-working. In order to study the concerned variables 60 elderly mother-in-laws consisting of 30 mother-in-laws having working daughter-in-laws and 30
having non-working daughter-in-laws were asked to fill the questionnaires for the variable of life
satisfaction, death anxiety and hope. The obtained results of the study were analyzed using U test. Also relationship of life satisfaction with death anxiety and hope was analyzed using correlation. The results indicated that mother-in-laws whose daughter-in-laws are working tend to score much high on life satisfaction and hope as compared to mother-in-laws whose daughter-in-laws are housewives. Also, the level of death anxiety was lower among mother-in-laws with working daughter-in-laws. On the whole, family having working daughter-in-laws leads to successful ageing of their mother-in-laws in comparison to families whose daughter-in-laws remain at house as housewives. When the relationship between life satisfaction, hope and death anxiety was analyzed using correlation, it was found that life satisfaction and hope were positively correlated while life satisfaction and death anxiety were negatively correlated to each other. The implications and limitations of the study are also discussed.
Keywords: life satisfaction, death anxiety, hope, mother in law, daughter in law
Effects of Internet on Memory
By: Neha Arora (2016)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Dinesh Chhabra
Abstract
The internet, primarily the search engines have become a primary transactive memory source
in itself. Mankind is becoming symbiotic to the computer tools, thereby getting used to the
interconnected systems. They tend to remember less by knowing information than by
knowing where the information can be found. The present research suggests that people share
information quite easily because they naturally think of internet or the computers when they
find they need answers to certain questions or acquire knowledge. The aim of the present
study is to test whether internet self-efficacy, internet attitude and internet anxiety are
associated with priming of individuals to think of internet/search engines when faced with a
gap in their knowledge. It further aims to test whether individuals remember information that
they are expected to have later access to as well as to determine the effect of explicit
instruction. For this, the study was conducted in 2 phases, Experiment 1 where the data was
collected from 30 participants and Experiment 2 for which the data was collected from 30
participants. Analysis has shown that people prefer internet/computers when they are not
aware of details of information. They are more prone to remember the information better if
they are assured that they would not have access to the information later. Moreover, those
with the explicit instructions, showed better performance as compared to those with no
instruction* These results suggest that processes of human memory are adapting to the
advent of new computing and communication technology.
Keywords: Internet, memory, Internet self-efficacy, Internet attitude, Internet anxiety.
Exploring Acculturation and Identity Concerns: An Intergenerational Study of Tibetan Refugees Living in Delhi
By: Pallavi Ramanathan (2016)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Nandita Babu
ABSTRACT
The primary focus of the study was to explore the issues regarding identity and the process of acculturation amongst Tibetan refugees living in Delhi, across three generations of Tibetan refugees. The study aimed to explore social and ethnic identity and its impact on the personal/psychological identity of the population in question. The possibility of a balance between identities in the form of a bicultural, multi-faceted identity was investigated. The study also explored the level and intensity of acculturation reference to the model by Berry (1980)). The main catchment area was Majnu ka Tila, a Tibetan colony located within Delhi. An in-depth, semi-structured interview was done with three groups of participants divided according to their age groups. Thematic analysis was then done to analyse the data and it was found that overall it appears that the Tibetan population as a whole is less acculturated, and the older generation more so, as compared to the rest of the groups. Analyses also showed that their identity was found to be very strongly Tibetan; especially in the context of the older Tibetans. With respect to the idea of a bicultural identity, it was found that such a concept was barely entertained by the older generations. The younger generation, did consider this idea, but didn't really accept it although they were amenable to the idea. It is unlikely that this idea will be noticeable in this population
so soon; it may well appear in another one or two generations.
Keywords: Tibetan, refugee, acculturation, identity, bicultural identity, Delhi.
Exploring the emotional abilities of child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)Submitted
By: Ishani Ahuja (2016)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. (Dr.) Nandita Babu
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to explore the emotional abilities of child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It was aimed to challenge popular clinical perceptions that suggest those with ASD are emotionally flat and highlight an inherent deficit in expression and recognition of emotions in children with ASD. Therefore, for the current study a psychosocial intervention was also formulated that involved a pre and post study to assess, and enhance the socio emotional abilities of a child with ASD for emotional identification, expression and regulation in social settings The intervention adopted a single case research design, and mix of qualitative and quantitative research methods as modes of analysis. While research into psychosocial interventions for socio emotional difficulties has provided some empirical support, little work has begun to elucidate therapeutic mechanisms—the when, why, how, for whom, and under what conditions an intervention may produce change. The current study aims to answer some of these questions, particularly with respect to a child's ability to indulge in appropriate expression and regulation of emotions, which has almost been overlooked due to greater focus of the research paradigm with ASD on emotional identification through facial expression. Such an effort shall help, advance future ASD intervention research. Results from the current study reveal that the child with ASD although had difficulties with identification of emotions, particularly complex emotions and in expression and regulation, but with intervention improved remarkably in these domains. This highlights the fact children with ASD have as much capabilities for comprehending and expressing emotions as the typically developing children, but need aid for stimulating these abilities.
INDIVIDUAL AND ENVIRONMENT: A QUALITATIVE EXPLORATION
By: Ambika Goel (2016)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Anand Prakash
ABSTRACT
Environmental Consciousness has made its way into the concerns of the day with damage to
Environment increasing exponentially, as manifested in the form of climate change, pollution,
disasters and diseases. The issue clearly demands attention from all disciplines. Psychology can
better the understanding of the phenomenon providing deeper insight about individual behavior.
Since behavior in this regard is based on psychosocial construction of Environment, it is
essential that the socio-cultural meaning of the concept is understood before other steps can be
taken. The present study explores this relationship between individual and environment through
the qualitative paradigm. Accordingly focus group discussions and qualitative interviews were
done to generate data. There were five participants in each of the six focus group discussions,
and ten people were interviewed. Five of these participants interviewed were people who are
working for the issue of environment. All the participants belonged to different backgrounds and
were of different ages. This was done to ensure that a variety of viewpoints and experiences are
gathered for analysis. The data was then put to thematic network analysis. This yielded three
levels of themes to explain the phenomenon. The two global themes discovered were
'Environment as a common resource' and 'environment as a distant voice'. Factors like
intangibility and personal experiences were found to be deeply implicated. Data was then
discussed using environmental and social psychology principles.
Keywords: Environment, Environmental Consciousness, Individual, Relationship, Psycho-social
DEPRESSION THROUGH THE LENS OF INDIAN PSYCHOLOGY: PATANJALI'S YOGA SUTRA AND AYURVEDA
By: Ojas Shokeen
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Suneet Varma
This research is an Indian Psychology based research which focused on depression and tried to see it through the lens of Indian perspective to psychology. Specifically, it focused on the Patanjali's Yoga Sutra, its verses, widely famous eightfold path and description regarding the
human nature and problems in association with it. This research also covered some aspects of
Ayurveda and has showed the meta-analysis for both, Yoga and Ayurveda, their effectiveness to
treat depression in clinical setting. It was found that though there are numerous researches based
on this subject matter but as compared to other theories, techniques, and methods of western
Psychology there are very limited researches that have been conducted. Aaron Beck's model of
depression and the understanding of western psychologists about depression was compared to
what our sages have said, which after decades were written, many of which have been lost and
remaining are hard to interpret. These sacred ancient texts demand fairness and expertise for
their interpretation. Everything, from psychological perspectives to medicine, that is, Ayurveda
is mentioned in the Vedas. There have been studies conducted in the area of Ayurveda
psychology which demonstrate that it is another and much effective treatment plan not just for
the diseases but for disorders as well. Yoga therapy integrates a behavioral and introspective approach to growth. Clinical models have been made recently to cure disorders with proper treatment plan. Interpretations of our rich ancient texts have been done with the psychological point of view and have helped thousands of people in treating their depression resulting from other disorders or diseases. Yoga therapy views roles and personality as superficial and easily changed and hence suggests that one can become disengaged from the involvement in the unhappy personalities which a person has created for himself and in negative roles he has adopted. There is potential for stimulating fundamental and needed revisions in the concepts of
modern psychology as modern psychology has, at many levels, failed to provide answers and
solutions to human problems. This research study has offered clinical experience gained through
researches that have conducted in the past and their results. It shows that the timeless insights of
Yoga psychology provide simple and effective therapeutic techniques, Whereas Ayurveda comes
as an advanced form with the help of which patients can be cured from different disorders. The
theoretical profundity of yoga psychology must be made matched by a practical utility.
MORALITY IN ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS: EXPLORING GENDER DIFFERENCES
By: Tanveer Kaur Bajwa (2016)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Suneet Varma
Abstract
In this time of deceit and mistrust in romantic relationships, it feels we have lost our moral way. A lot has been researched on moral development, morality and ethics but at the same time aspects of morality in romantic relationships have got little or no attention which at large
contributes to mental health, leading to depression and suicides on the extremes. Back in the
days just before the Second World War, things were different. In a book titled 1938: A World
Vanishing (May 11, 1988), Brian Cleeve said that the world was dominated by a particular value
system, Right and Wrong were not matters of debate. But since then much has changed. Now
right and wrong are matters of debate. Today as we look ahead to the 21 century, moral
dilemmas plague us in every realm of life. Drawing on these thoughts, the present study seeks to
provide an understanding of what morality is in romantic relationships and how males and
females conceptualize the same. The study is both qualitative and quantitative in nature. Ethics
Position Questionnaire developed by Forsyth was administered on a sample of 16 young adults
(8 females and 8 males), measuring the two scales of idealism and relativism on moral
philosophy and thoughts. Also semi structured interviews were carried out on the same sample of
16 participants (8 males and 8 females) to explore further on morality in romantic relationships.
The analysis revealed, both males and females lie low on idealism and relativism, who believe
that moral rules should guide our behavior, but actions that yield some negative consequences
shouldn't necessarily be condemned, Narratives of the participants supported the finding of the
questionnaire as well as showed gender differences in handling moral dilemmas and behind
driving force to hold on morality in romantic relationships, which supported Carol Gilligan's
revelations about difference in gender moral voices in handling moral dilemmas.
Keywords: Morality, Morality in Romantic Relationships, Gender
How Religion Impacts One’s Psychological Wellbeing: Exploring differences across five major religions
By: Himani Bishnoi (2016)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Suneet Varma
There has been a great emphasis on how religion negatively influences one's psychological well-
being nowadays since the term 'religion' has been mostly associated with social and political
phenomena while the positive aspect has been neglected. The present study aimed at exploring
the influence of religion on a person's well-being mainly focusing on their personal growth,
meaningfulness of life and interpersonal relationships with others while making a comparison
between five major religions viz. Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism and Buddhism. A
qualitative method of study was adopted and semi-structured interviews were carried out with
twenty young adults belonging to an age group of 20-25 years, with four participants (two males
and two females) from each religion. After the data was obtained thematic analysis was applied
and major themes were organized under each religion. The findings revealed that the participants
had been impacted in more or less the same way by their religion. The impact was in terms of
having a eudaimonic orientation in life where they strive towards becoming an improved and
evolved human being. The only difference that came out was in their definition of 'being
religious'. For each one of them religion was found to be providing them with the path they have
to follow in life with variations being in terms of how the path was defined in terms of the
religion they belonged to such as Clove your neighbor as yourself" was the main motto for
Christians, following certain moral values and standards for Sikhs, to be compassionate for
Buddhists and being non-judgemental for Hindu and Muslim participants, Considering the
influence of religion on their well-being, striving towards growth, being a good human being,
compassion, acceptance and valuing life as purposeful and resilience were the life lessons that
participants imbibed from their religion.
Key words: Religion, eudaimonia, compassion, resilience, well-being, personal growth
A Study of Prevalence and Clinical Factors of Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder and
Schizoaffective Disorder in Chennai, India
By: Rishi Prasad (2016)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Suneet Varma
Abstract
Despite numerous studies on the overlapping features of Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder
considerable debate still exists about whether to view these two disorders as distinctly separate or
to understand them as part of the same spectrum of disorders. Additionally, there is limited data
available about the prevalence figures of Schizoaffective disorder in India. This research attempted to study the prevalence figures of Schizophrenia, Bipolar and Schizoaffective Disorders in a clinical population of Chennai, India and to examine the similarities and differences of these three disorders based on the scores observed in the BPRS, PASS, PAS and YMRS. This cross-sectional quantitative study was carried out with 140 patients (53 males and 87 females) who had previously never been diagnosed or treated for a psychiatric disorder. Convenience sampling was used to select the participants. Comparative results of the BPRS,
PANSS and PAS were analyzed using Analysis of Variance, In the Y MRS the t test was used.
A prevalence rate of Bipolar Patients was seen to be 3 1.43% (44 of 140 patients). Schizophrenia
had a prevalence rate of 55.7% (78 of 140) and 12.86% (18 of 140 patients) of the sample were
identified as suffering from Schizoaffective (Bipolar) Disorder. While BPRS and PANSS showed conflicting results, scores of Schizophrenia patients were found to be significantly different from Bipolar Disorder patients and also the Schizoaffective (Bipolar) Disorder patients in every item of the PANSS, The scores of the Schizoaffective (Bipolar) patients in PANSS were closer to that of the Bipolar Disorder patients than to that of the Schizophrenia patients,
Keywords — Schizophrenia, Bipolar, Schizoaffective Disorder.
Exploring the process of gendering in understanding "gender' as a social construct
By: Himani Singh (2016)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Alka Bajpai and Dr. Ishita Bharadwaj
Abstract
The dominant cultural ideology of gender is often understood to be that of a binary, which provides two choices in terms of an individual's genders, comprised of feminine and masculine, woman or man, or some other similar binary combination that denotes an expected action, display, or performance associated with a biologically sexed body. This culture of gender in which gendered bodies exist as a binary is also often linked with heterosexuality, which is viewed as the dominant driving ideology and strategy for the continuation of gender norms. The
present study was intended to explore and understand the notions of gender and the manner in
which the gender binary is constructed and perceived by participants. The issues or areas of inquiry around which data was generated to understand the gender binary and the processes that
maintain it were identified as: (l) Is gender viewed in binary form by individuals who are said to
be on different locations on the gender and sexual identity continuum? (2) How does the gender
binary come to exist? What are the processes that are involved in the construction of a
dichotomous view of gender? (3) What is the experience of non-heterosexual sexual identity in
the context of gender binaries? Interviews based on vignettes depicting everyday life situations
were conducted with twenty participants who located themselves at different points based on
their gender and sexual identities. Thematic networks analysis was used to analyses the data. The
findings of the study have been discussed around the social construction of gender as category,
experience and performance, and the processes underlying this construction, Implications for
future research and praxis have been discussed.
Keywords: social construction of gender, gender performativity, gender identity, sexual identity,
relationality, othering
Exploring masculine body image through the eyes of a steroid user
By: Ayushi Madan (2016)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Ishita Upadhyay
Abstract
We find ourselves in a world of relationships. We are born because of a relationship. The present
study aims to look into how an individual relates with the world around him vis-å-vis his body.
An attempt is made to explore the stories of men who take steroids to bulk up and gain a muscular body, knowing the kind of side effects steroid use can have. Previously a lot of
research has been done on Queer and female bodies, even the research done on men is mostly
quantitative studies. This study takes in depth interviews to explore life worlds of these men and
how they view themselves as getting affected by media, by peers, and by parents when it comes
to gaining an attractive body. I borrow from the social constructionist perspective to understand
how ideal bodies images are constructed through social interactions and what are the powerful
institutions in society that uphold and further these images. Yet, the individual is the receiver and
the upholder of normative body standards owing to his embeddedness in the world. For analysis,
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used and themes emerged, The overarching theme
was 'the marketization of the body'.
Academic Year: 2017
Sufi Psychology: Exploring Self Through Sufi Way And Music
Kaveri Mehta (2017)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Suneet Varma
The word psychology comes from a Greek word psyche, which means the vital breath/human soul (from the Greek Goddess Psyche, the Goddess of the soul). In the 1960’s post the emergence of the Third force, scholars became increasingly aware of the spiritual dimension of the human psyche. The renaissance of interest in Eastern spiritual philosophies, various mystical traditions, meditation, ancient and aboriginal wisdom made it absolutely clear that a comprehensive and cross-culturally valid psychology had to include observations from such areas as mystical states; cosmic consciousness; psychedelic experiences; trance phenomena; creatibity; religios and artistic experiments.
The present study explores the nature of (S)self and the soul through the Spiritual/Eastern perspective of Sufism and the psychological impact of Sufi music on the human consciousness. Sufism essentially consists of a path that teaches how to free oneself from the ego and rise to higher spiritual levels. It is the art of awakening the higher consciousness through submission to the Divine will. The paper explores how the Sufi path brings people to a state of wellbeing and proves to be a spiritual process of healing. Sufi music is highly evolved, transcendental form of music which is capable of elevating the human consciousness to the higher levels, propelling its listeners to a state of mystical ecstasy. In the present study which is largely a theoretical endeavor, an empirical component was added to enrich the study. Some well-known qawwals were interviewed to obtain a first account understanding of Sufi music and to comprehend their journey and experiences of being associated with the qawwali tradition. Basic themes from the interviews were identified and the findings indicate the effectiveness of Sufi music and its ability to elevate the soul to a higher plane of consciousness.
Keywords: Sufism, consciousness, spiritual, Self, Sufi music, transpersonal
Parenting Style and its influence on Tobacco and alcohol Consumption
By- Rashmi Azad (2016)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Gopal Chandra Mahakud
Parenting style and its relation to the behavior of children is now an emergent field of research in psychology and the other field of social sciences. Due to the theory of individual difference, each and every parent have their own parenting and child rearing practices. The style of child rearing practices and parenting style leads the changes in behavior of their children, which can be manifested overtly and covertly. Parenting style is not only affects the individual’s emotion, but also it affects, individual’s thoughts, feeling, shaping of personality and other psychological attributes. Parents act as a role model for their children in shaping of emotional, social and psychological behavior. Many researches have conducted to find out the relationship between parenting style and its effects on alcohol and tobacco consumption habit. A social and rational behavior is also due to the influence of parenting style. On the contrary the negative, maladaptive and antisocial behaviours are also the results from the negative, negligible and authoritarian parenting style. Similarly, the permissive and democratic parenting style influences some of the positive behavior such as substance use, substance abuse and many more. A child indulges in substance abuse activities or other such activities, if they saw their parents do indulge in such behaviour. Authoritative, authoritarian, permissive and neglectful parenting style has the direct effect on the behavior of their children. Besides that, the mental health of parents also directly or indirectly influences the behavior of their children and other dependencies. For example, depression, and other psychiatric disorders in parent affects badly to the behavior and day to day activities of their children and other dependencies. For the present study the data was gathered from a sample of (N=100) from alcohol consumers and (N=100) from tobacco consumers along with that they were asked to fill up a parenting style questionnaire to know about their parent’s parenting style and to know what kind of parenting is more responsible for substance consuming habit of an individual.
According to the data gathered it was found out that there is a positive co-relation (p<0.04) between negative parenting of mother and father with alcohol and tobacco consumption habit of an individual. Negative co-relation was found with positive parenting style of both the parents with substance consuming habits of the participants. Hence it can be concluded that parenting style does have effect on the life of an individual and can shape the way he is today either by faulty Modeling or by negative or positive parenting style. So, for better habit and better way of living for the child a parent has to be more optimistic and should adopt Authoritative parenting style so that the child grows up in a good and better environment.
Key Words: Parenting style, Dependencies, Substance abuse, alcohol consumption, tobacco consumption
Happiness of health professionals: An Exploratory Study
By- Nilisha Aggarwal (2016)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Swasti S. Vohra
Happiness is a very crucial aspect of life. Happiness is not just limited to personal life as it is equally important for professional life. Feeling of contentment and being happy in one’s job is quite imperative as it might influence other domains of life as well. An individual, regardless of their chosen profession, desire and deserves happiness.
The present study aimed to explore the happiness of health professionals as this field is very demanding and mentally exhausting. They remain surrounded by unpleasant and distressing situations all the time. In such a scenario their personal happiness might be get implicated. This study was conducted in clinics and private hospitals of New Delhi. The present study is an exploratory research. The subjects were selected by snowball and accidental sampling method. In total there were 15 subjects, including 5 doctors, 5 psychiatrists and 5 psychologists. For qualitative analysis, a semi structured interview was conducted and coding and thematic analysis were used. For quantitative analysis, frequencies of recurring themes was calculated.
The results indicated that for health professionals, happiness is a combination of calmness and relaxation, professional and personal contentment and positivity for self and others.
Empty nest syndrome being a cause of depression, stress, anxiety and loneliness among Indian women- in urban and semi urban areas
By- Shivani Khatri (2016)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Gopal Chandra Mahakud
Empty Nest is a common phenomenon that we get to see more than often now-a-days. It is the
feeling of sadness and grief when a child leaves home for the first time. With more stress on
career and education in the recent times, Indian society has become aware about newer opportunities that often require them to leave home. Empty-Nest transitions may be due to education, a job, getting married or just moving out to live an independent life. In such a situation, a mother is the most affected by decisions pertaining to children moving out. This can be and often is a stressful time for Indian mothers. They hold dear everything that is related to their children, and hence moving out can be seen as a life-changing event for most mothers. This change may be good or bad, and remains to be seen. However, it is assumed that it is a difficult time. Mostly, the variables that come to mind that are affected by this transition are depression (sadness), stress (of the new role), anxiety (about the child’s new life) and loneliness (being alone without loved ones). Also, since there are discrepancies in lifestyle pertaining to the locale of an individual, women in different places adjust using different means. Even other habits, hobbies and work determine how a mother deals with the empty nest transition. The present study, by surveying a sample of women (n=27) from semi-urban (n=15) and metropolitan (n=12) areas tries to evaluate the depression, anxiety, stress and loneliness of these mothers. It compares the two samples on two independent variables (semi-urban and metropolitan; working and non-working) whose effect needs to be seen on the four dependent variables mentioned above. The tests used to measure the dependent variables are Depression, Anxiety and Stress Questionnaire (DASS, 1995); the perceived Loneliness Scale (1999); and a self-developed structured interview.
The structured interview aims to understand the truth behind empty-nest and the factors that influence this experience. It also tries to infer the period of sadness after empty nest. The results are analyzed using the Pearson Correlation method to see whether the above variables correlate for mothers and then are compared using the Mann-Whitney-U test. The present study offers not only quantitative, but also qualitative insights in to the lives of empty-nest mothers in India.
Keywords: empty-nest, depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness
Exploring Forgiveness Through The Expressive Writing Paradigm
By- Naina Nagpal (2016)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Swasti S. Vohra
Despite the numerous benefits associated with forgiveness, forgiveness is something that we all struggle with at some point in life. Writing about thoughts and feelings associated with negative life events has been found to have physiological as well as psychological benefits. The purpose of the current study was to explore the process of forgiveness through the expressive writing paradigm. For this purpose, a total sample of 61 was collected, ranging from the ages of 20 to 33. 42 participants were assigned to the treatment condition and were instructed to write four expressive writing assignments – two focusing on emotional disclosure and two focusing on benefit finding. Measures of dispositional forgiveness, avoidance motives, revenge motives, benevolence motives and perspective taking were administered before and after the intervention. The 19 control condition participants were expected to complete two administrations of the quantitative measures after the same time gap as in the treatment condition. Analysis of the results showed that there was a significant increase in the measures of forgiveness and benevolence motives in the treatment group. There was no significant difference in the measures of avoidance motives, revenge motives, and perspective taking. There was no significant difference in the measures in the control group. The major themes of possible benefits as expressed by the participants were also identified. An in-depth analysis of five cases was conducted to further understand the process of forgiveness through expressive writing. The findings were discussed in detail.
Emotional Maturation, Family Relationship, Personality Type and the Relationship with gender Biasness
By- Ritika Yadav (2016)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Gopal Chandra Mahakud
There is a stigma attached to a boy being effeminate. Most of the people also believes that gender bias favours men, men have their own cross to bear. The awareness about the gender bias has now slowly spread over time. And it is believed that it will take a long time for this awareness to seep into the grassroots and translate into social change. Still in today’s world people says that women and men can never be equal. The social change begins at home. Parents have to learn to adopt an androgynous attitude towards bringing up their children. The family needs to give both sons and daughters the chance to live their lives free from the fetters of gender bias. There is a belief that women are more emotional than men and are labelled as master stereotype (Shields,2003). Men and women, youngsters and older and everybody else all have the same beliefs that women are more emotional than men (Belk and Snell,1986). There were two possibilities explained that exists behind it the first is that the men and women do not actually differ in their emotional responding regarding this view gender differences in emotional responding are an illusion created by the stereotypes that are so pervasive. Children are exposed to gender socializing messages from a diverse range of sources from institutions such as families and schools to cultural products such as television and books. These can be communicated overtly and explicitly, and they can also be communicated subtly, inadvertently and unobtrusively through cultural exposure to the interpretation of cultural beliefs about gender (Ridgeway et al 200 Gender differences in personality traits are often characterized in terms of which gender has higher scores on that trait. For example women are often found to be more agreeable than men (Feingold, 1994; Costa et al.,2001). 0) transmitted through indirect and often subtle gender messages, may influence children’s future educational and occupational trajectories.
Key words: Gender Difference, Personality Type, Family Relationship, Emotional Intelligence
To Enhance Positive emotions and attitude using expressive art.
By: Sanjoli Sakhuja (2016)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Swasti S Vohra
The purpose of this study was to discover the extent to which expressive art as a therapy can increases positive emotions and positive attitude. Expressive visual art as a therapy is simply the use of colours and different mediums (crayons, sketch pens, paints, art & craft etc.) to express and explore difficult emotions in a non-threatening way. The sample size of the study was 11 and it consisted of normal population adults of age group 20 years and above. The study followed a pre-post action research design and the intervention used was art as a therapy.
Positivity, Happiness and Optimism were measured pre-post intervention. Participants engaged
in 5 art sessions each, which had their own objectives and goals. The data was analyzed at the individual as well as group level. At the individual level the art session were discussed and at the group level Wilcoxon’s Signed Rank Test was used. None of the dimensions showed a statistically significant difference after the intervention. However there was an increase in Happiness and the External Security measure of Positivity though it wasn’t statistically significant. For Personal Optimism measure of Positivity and Optimism scale the scores decreased. To enhance optimism the interventions have to be planned for a longer time period. Introduction to Art as a Therapy is a new avenue and less explored in India. Through studies like
this awareness about art as a therapy can be created and spread.
Developing psychological interventions to enhance self-esteem in school children
By- Komal Vohra (2016)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Swasti S. Vohra
Although there is a growing body of research on self esteem amongst adolescents, relatively little research has focused on developing the interventions or strategies for overcoming low self esteem. Self-esteem is a crucial component of everyone’s life. It can shape how we develop during childhood and affect who we become as adults. Throughout childhood and adolescence, self esteem begins to develop. Developing a positive self esteem is important for adolescents in order to better their probability for a happy and satisfying adulthood. Of particular interest are students who are female. Much research has revealed that girls have significantly lower self esteem than boys (Harper and Marshall; 1991). Studies in a wide range of western countries have confirmed that adolescent females, regularly, have a lower sense of self-esteem as compared to adolescent males (Baumeister, 1993; Pipher, 1994).
The present study focused around designing and conducting interventions for young adolescent girls with low self esteem levels assessed through Coppersmith Self Esteem Inventory (1978) and Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (1965). This study evaluated the change in the level of self esteem of participants before administering the interventions and after administering the interventions. The research design followed a Pre Post test design. The study comprised of three phases, phase one i.e. pre testing followed by intervention phase and last phase including post testing. The quantitative data was analyzed using non parametric method. There are four objectives of the present research: (1) Design interventions for boosting self esteem of pre adolescent girls (2) To assess the current level of self esteem in a sample of young adolescent girls by administering Coppersmith Self Esteem Inventory (1978) and Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (1965) to obtain a pre intervention measure (3) Application of the interventions (4) Evaluation of the efficacy of the Intervention Program by administering Coppersmith Self Esteem Inventory (1978) and Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (1965) on the same sample of girls, again to obtain a post intervention measure.
The results from Wilcoxon signed rank test confirmed that there was a significant difference in the level of self-esteem of pre-adolescent girls, before conducting interventions (pretest) and after conducting interventions (posttest). Hence this proves the efficacy of the intervention program.
Management of Disruptive Behaviour Problems and Play Therapy Interventions in Middle School Children
By- Ramanpreet Kaur (2016)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: SPK Jena
The present study has been centred on the growing need for management of discipline problems in educational settings. The researcher has tried to investigate the effects of playtherapy and behaviour modification techniques on disruptive behaviour of middle schoolchildren. Literature on play therapy suggests that it has a positive influence on the social skills and behavioural problems of children. This study offers two hypotheses; (a) Play therapy interventions and behaviour modification techniques of token economy and time out will help decrease the disruptive behaviour of the children. (b) Students involved in a counselling and play therapy group will show more progress in adapting a classroom friendly behaviour than those who are not involved in the counselling and play therapy group. The researcher collected data through multiple methods such as checklist, video-recording and observation. The findings from the research indicate the positive effect of the intervention program on the experimental group. The teachers concur that there is significant positive change in display of behaviour in students who received intervention. There is tremendous scope to study the long-term effects of this intervention program in future.
To Enhance Positive emotions and attitude using expressive art.
By: Sanchita Johri (2016)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: SPK Jena
The present study will be focusing on behavioral development and intervention in urban slum children. The objective of the study is to enhance the behavior adaptive skills by providing behavior intervention on the 3 major domains of adaptive behavior which are communication skills in which sub-domains are receptive skills, expressive skills and written skills; socialization skills in which sub domains are interpersonal relationship, play and leisure and coping skills; daily living skills in which sub domains are personal skills, domestic skills and community skills, to function independently in their day-to-day routine by performing at par with their age. Convenience purposive sample of 10 children aged between 5 years-9 years, all government school going children from lower economic background were chosen for this study. ABA design was followed where in the pre-test and post-test, semi-structured parental interview was taken using the Vineland Adaptive behavior Scale. The result indicated that the social age of the children measured in pre-test improved in the post-test after they underwent various purposeful activities to increase their adaptive behavior skills and come in accordance with their chronological age. It was concluded that by exposing the child with activities that have a goal and a purpose in a playful way, children can learn better and faster and apply them in their daily school, home, social and community settings.
Key words: behavior, development, intervention, adaptive
Effectiveness of EMG biofeedback in treatment of Migraine in adults
Submitted by: Tania Kapoor (2016)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. S.P.K. Jena, M.Phil, PhD
Background: Migraine is one of the most disabling of neurological disorders. (Ravishankar, 2010). The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified migraine among the world’s top 20 leading causes of disability. Furthermore, an added complication with migraine is that every individual has different triggers that cause migraine and at times a certain treatment that might have been effective earlier would cease to be so. Thus, the patient is left at the mercy of trying out different forms of pharmacotherapy along with their various side effects. Therefore, there is a need for alternate forms of therapy that would not only provide patients with relief but also have more lasting effects and zero to minimal side effects. Biofeedback is one such method of treatment for migraine patients which not only provides relief to patients but also owing to the absence of medications, this method claims to have minimal side effects. The present study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback in treatment of migraine in adult patients in reducing frequency and intensity of migraine in comparison with a control group. For the purpose of this study twenty patients between the ages 18-30 years, suffering from migraine with/without aura according to ICHD II (International Headache Society, 2004) for at least 6 months were recruited for the study. All participants were asked to self-monitor their headache frequency and intensity for six weeks. After one week participants were assigned to one of the two conditions: (a) self-monitoring of migraine episodes or (b) receiving biofeedback. After the first week participants in the biofeedback (experimental) group received EMG biofeedback sessions once a week for 4 weeks for 10 minutes each.
Participants in the control condition, that is, self-monitoring of headaches maintained a record of the frequency and intensity of their migraine episodes using a migraine diary and a Visual Analogue Scale respectively for a period of 6 weeks. Results indicated that for the participants in the experimental group there was a significant decrease in the frequency and intensity of headaches experienced during the six weeks of the study (average frequency of 2.3 decreased to 0.7 and average intensity of 5.72 decreased to 2.295). A similar change was not found in the case of frequency and intensity of headaches of participants in the control group (average of 1.8 decreased to 1.7 and average of 5.673 increased to 5.687).
Thus, it can be said that electromyographic biofeedback was effective treatment of migraine in adult patients in reducing frequency and intensity of migraine in comparison with a control group. The study provides support to the existing literature and understanding of biofeedback and migraine, further, keeping the said limitations in check, desirable results can be obtained that could further increase the accuracy of the results and provide information to the psychologist for subsequent research in the field.
Does Long-term Diabetes Mellitus increase the Risk of cognitive Dysfunction
Submitted by: Srishti Mitra (2016)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: SPK Jena
The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is rising worldwide and in India it is taking the form of
an epidemic. This research aimed at doing a preliminary study on the cognitive effects of diabetes mellitus. The proposed hypothesis was that on the domains of memory, psychomotor
speed and intelligence the diabetes group will perform poorer than the control group. For this
purpose 63 subjects were taken (32 diabetes and 31 control) in the age range of 15-60 consisting both of type 1 and type 2 patients. The tests used were the digit span test (DST), Digit symbol substitution test (DSST), Raven’s standard progressive matrices (SPM) and depression anxiety and stress scale (DASS-21). There were differences between the diabetes and no diabetes group. 47% of the diabetic participants showed poor or below average cognitive performance as compared to the control. Controlled diabetics had better IQ scores than uncontrolled diabetics, while no such effect was seen on memory or psychomotor speed. People with oral hypoglycaemic agent as their management strategy had more similar scores to the control than the patients who took intravenous insulin as a primary means of management. Also stress and anxiety has an effect on the glycaemic control of the person. The main causes proposed are episodes of frequent hypo and hyper glycaemia, cardiovascular diseases, brain abnormalities and amyloid build-ups. These findings have their limitations and may differ if the sample size is larger. These findings have implications for future research and on the treatment style adopted by physicians.
Effects of Cognitive-Behavioral Training of Children with Reading Difficulties
By: Umang Bharti (2016)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: SPK Jena
Abstract In the present study, the effect of cognitive-behavioral training was examined on reading skills of children having reading difficulties. To study the effect of cognitive-behavioral training total 5 children with reading difficulties were taken of age 9-12 year studying in grade 4-7 having average and below average intelligence level. Children with neurological impairment, mental retardation, emotional disturbance, uncorrected vision problems or hearing loss as causes of their reading impairment were excluded from the study. In the present study single case design was followed in which pre and post-test design was followed. Children were assessed on reading test and cloze test of both Hindi and English before and after the intervention. In the intervention children were taught phonological processing, sight words and diacritical signs (matras) along with this reinforcement, error correction, shaping and modeling were also used to shape a desired reading behavior in children. Results show that cognitive- behavioral training have a positive effect on the reading abilities of children with reading difficulties.
Mental illness and Advertisments: qualitative analysis of Psycho-pharmaceutical drug advertisements
By: Vaidehi Uberoi (2016)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: SPK Jena
The purpose of the study was to study the differences concerning the discourse of mental illness and its drugs in advertisements published in British Journal of Psychiatry and Indian Journal of Psychiatry. Further examine the attitude of the state towards mental illness, through the content portrayed in the published advertisements in the respective journals. The psycho-pharmaceutical advertisements were collected from the British Journal of Psychiatry (B.J.P) and the Indian Journal of Psychiatry (I.J.P) published within the time frame of 2009-2014. A total sample of 105 advertisements was collected from the two journals. Qualitative Content analysis was respectively applied to analyze the content of advertisements from both the journals. Both the analysis reflected the emergence of two umbrella categories under which the global themes were clubbed respectively. Four global themes emerged in the advertisements featuring in B.J.P that of; Drug, illness, Use of Symbolism and Overall Appeal. For the advertisements appearing in I.J.P three global themes emerged; Drug, use of symbolism and overall appeal. The British advertisements were more complete with a lot more manifested communication for the drug and the underlying illness, along with deep latent communication was done through the use of symbols to bring out the urgency to treat the illness. The Indian advertisements were not as complete in their communication about the drug and the illness as compared to the British advertisements. They lacked the manifested communication about the underlying illness and the latent content was limited to only the various kinds of positive relief gained from the drug. The Indian advertisements had more information regarding the promoted drug and its active utility in the life of the patient. The consistency of data was measured using inter-rater Kapa coefficient. The interrater reliability for the raters was found to be Kappa = 0.61 95% CI (0.504, 0.848) for the ads of B.J.P and of 0.63 95% CI (0.51, 0.842) for the ads of IJP showing substantial level of agreement amongst the raters.
REFERNCE: Vaidehi Uberoi (2016), Mental Illness and Advertisements; Qualitative analysis of psycho-pharmaceutical drug advertisements (Unpublished Master’s Dissertation), Supervised by Dr S.P.K Jena, Delhi University South Campus, New Delhi , India.
Comparison of EEG activity and auditory Memory Between Musicians and Non Musicians
By: Shibani Budhraja (2016)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: SPK Jena
The present research explored the relation between musical training and EEG activity specifically during an auditory memory test. While recording the psychophysiological data participant were asked to give responses on the measures of Auditory Memory in the Wechsler’s Memory test –IV . The Krusket Wallis test was used to compare the performance and corresponding EEG activity between the three groups, Non Musicians (NM), 6 self Trained Musicians (STM) and 6 Officially trained Musicians (OTM), N=22. The sample range from 18-29 years in terms of age (M(age)= 23.59 years, SD =1.96 years) and in terms of experience (Total Music Training) from 0 to 144 months (Mexp 47 months, SD= 49.36 months). A few significant EEG activity trends were observed, through the small sample size warrants that further research is required to understand these better.
Keywords: Musicians, non musicians , brain waves, EEG, auditory memory, correlation
Health of People of a Slum with Low Socio-Economic Status
By: Nitesh Kumar (2016)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: SPK Jena
The susceptibility of people living in slums for various kinds of disorders arises from their poor lifestyle and lower economic status. Substance abuse and alcoholism aid further chaos in domestic violence and cessation of development of the community. These factors directly or indirectly cause various health problems. Cardiovascular problems, depression and related illnesses, disorders related to eyes and ears and frequency of illnesses are most commonly found disorders in the slum community. Status of income plays a key role in the vulnerability to health. However, women are more prone to health issues than men. Presence and decay of organic waste in the vicinity, improper ventilation, congested areas and imbalanced diet are the major causes of health problems. So, a healthy lifestyle must be exercised for effective and healthy lives. As clear from the figures, the mean value and the corresponding morbidity risk is higher in females than males. This indicates that females are in much more danger zone than males.
Manifestation of Aggression and Hostile Behaviour In Youths From Privileged and Under Privileged Families and Its Relation With Locus of Control
By: Lamita C. E. Lyngdoh (2016)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Gopal Chandra Mahakud
The aim of the study is to see the manifestation of aggression and hostile behaviour in youths from privileged and under privileged families and its relation with locus of control. The objectives of the study were- 1. To find the manifestation of the three different variables, namely, aggression and hostility among the youth males and youth females, of the privileged and underprivileged families; 2. To find the presence of Locus of Control (LOC) in the youth males and females of the privileged and underprivileged families; 3. To find the relation between the all the three variables with each other in all the four participant groups; 4. To find the relation of aggression among all the participant groups; find the relation of hostility among all the participant groups and to find the relation of locus of control among all the participant groups. Alternate hypothesis; stating there will be a difference in the aggression, hostility and LOC seen in both the groups was maintained. The following are the hypothesis and the results - The hypothesis is that, there will be a difference in the relation between the all the three variables with each other in all the four participant groups. It was seen that there is a significant correlation in aggression in all the four groups (0.003**), hostility too showed a positive significant correlation at 0.000**, locus of control at p=0.008**. There will be a difference in the manifestation of the three different variables, namely, aggression, hostility and locus of control among the youth males and youth females, of the privileged and underprivileged families. The results showed that there is no correlation in the three variables in females from underprivileged section of society and males from privileged sections of the society. Females from privileged section of society show positive significant correlation in aggression and hostility (p=.355*) and hostility and locus of control has a negative significant correlation (p=-.443**). The males underprivileged showed significant correlation in aggression and hostility (p=.625**). The next hypothesis is that there will be a difference in the relation of aggression, hostility and locus of control among all the participant groups separately. The results showed that only female privileged and male underprivileged and female underprivileged and male underprivileged showed a positive significant correlation in aggression at p=0.031* and .002* respectively. As for hostility female privilege and male underprivileged showed a significant positive correlation at p=.000*. For locus of control female privileged and male privileged showed a significant correlation at p=0.38* and female underprivileged and male underprivileged at p= .011*. From the qualitative analysis using thematic network analysis by Stirling (2001), it was noted that males used more active aggression, were more frequently angry and hostile, showed more verbal and physical reaction to anger, and felt that there is difference in aggression based on age group, gender, SES and Education. Females used more passive form of aggression, felt and showed anger less frequently, show aggression and hostility through verbal and gestural ways and more experienced more physiological reaction during anger. The female participant expressed their views that anger is based on personality, culture and social background, along with gender and age differences. The ways of managing aggression is different in both the gender. Where the females use more behavioural ways to cope with anger issues and there is reaction formation. Males on the other hand use distraction and defense mechanisms. As for locus of control, males depend on external anchors to deal with difficult life situations; there is high degree of external control, where failure is attributed to self and successes to others. But there is an equal combination of taking accountability and holding fate less responsible. There is tendency to reach out for help when needed. Females tend to face important life situations with negative expression and it is a self destructive style of coping. They hold family very responsible for many things in life and have greater external attributions and only few attribute their successes to themselves. Most of them mentioned that their families play a very important role and reach out to them for help if needed, especially when there are emotional stressors. Most of the female participants hold themselves accountable and not fate. They belief in hard work and that it overpowers miracles. There were a few limitations that cannot go unnoticed. The study had a small sample size that cannot be generalized in the Indian population that is huge. The socio economic status is at the extremes here in India, where we see the richest and the poorest of people. The ones taken for the study were more from the middle class section and only some of them belonged to the upper middle class sections of the society. There were very few Indian research studies conducted in this area and a number of research studies added in the discussion and review are international studies. So therefore more Indian research would’ve added richness and reliable reference to present study. The advantages of the study are that this particular study even with the limitation adds new knowledge to the existing research studies conducted in this area. And also this research study gives a new direction, compared to the existing research studies. A new research study stating comparison and exploration in the field of aggression, hostility and locus of control in the population of privileged and underprivileged males and females is added, that can help future clinical psychologists to look into the matter more closely to reduce negative emotions like aggression and hostile behaviour and to normalize control of life situations and not attributing it to the external situations, but by taking responsibility and to those who have low control, should be increased otherwise it might lead to depression and dependency.
Keywords: Aggression, Hostility, Locus of Control, Privileged, Underprivileged.
The Efficacy of Music Therapy in Change of Adaptive Behavior of Participants with Intellectual Disability
By- Renasha Ghimire (2016)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. S.P.K. Jena
Music therapy was chosen for participants with varying levels of intellectual disability (ID) mainly due to the co-occurrence of cognitive impairment and behavioural problems. Thus, it was hypothesized that behavioural treatment, by administering reinforcement schedules in music therapy to participants with mental disabilities, would be effective in improving their adaptive behaviour. It has been assumed that the outcomes of the experiment will be subjected to the degree of intellectual disability present in the sample.
In the present study 8 participants were enrolled (5 males and 3 females) in the age (chronological age) range of 15-18 years (M = 15.5, SD = 0.64). The Behavioural Assessment Scale for Indian Participants with Mental Retardation (BASIC-MR) (Peshawaria & Venkatesan, 1992) was administered to the sample of respondents selected. The scale was used in order to evaluate the respondents' in adaptive behaviour with respect to mental retardation. After the baseline assessment, the selected group of 8 was initiated into a music therapy programme with reinforcements (positive and negative).
The most significant change in the participants was found in the domains of motor (p = 0.0002), learning (p = 0.0001), and domestic-social (p = 0.0001) [Part-A] and domains of Part-B (p = 0.0007) of the assessment after the assessment. These results suggest that individual music therapy helps facilitate the process of self-expression in participants with intellectual disability. Music was further seen to channelize aggression into unbridled creativity; rapport formation as a factor that resulted in better performance could not be ruled out. The findings of this pilot study can be extrapolated to larger mentally disabled urban population samples, which may contribute to the participant's higher chances of employability resulting from improved motor skills and psychosocial behaviour.
Keywords: Music Therapy, Adaptive Behaviour, Reinforcement, RAS
The Mental Health of caregivers of mental retardation
By: Jyoti Kanda (2016)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Gopal Chandra Mahakud
Mental Health is a concept of psychological state of someone who is functioning at a satisfactory level of emotional and behavioural adjustment mental health is a term used to describe either a level of cognitive or emotional wellbeing or an absence of a mental disorder.
Mental health is the successful performance of mental functioning, resulting in productive activities, fulfilling relationship with other people and the ability to adapt to change and cope with adversity from early childhood until late life, mental health is the springboard of thinking and communication skill. A caregiver is an unpaid or paid Person who helps another person in his or her impairment for activities of daily living most of the person with health impairment might use care-giving services to address their difficulties. However, it is assumed that it is a difficult time and situation. Mostly, the variables that come to mind that are affected by this condition are depression (sadness), stress, anxiety also there are discrepancies in mild mentally retarded caregivers and sub-average intellectual caregivers. Even other socio economic strata, poverty and education also determine how a caregivers deal with the mental retardation. The present study, by assessing sample of children (n=20) from sub-average intellectual IQ (n=20) and mild mental retardation area tries to evaluate the depression, anxiety, stress of these caregivers. Diagnostic single case research design will be followed for the entire study where each and every individual participant will be treated individually for diagnosis, the parent and the child data will be collected separately on the bases of material used. The tests used to measure the dependant variables are depression, anxiety and stress questionnaire (DASS, 1995) with the caregivers. The results are analyzed using the Pearson Correlation method to see whether the above variable correlate for caregivers and then compared using the Mann-whitney U test. The present study offers not only quantitative in to lives of caregivers in India.
Keywords: Mental health, depression, anxiety, stress
An in-depth exploration of the journey of cancer survivors
By: Deepti Kumar (2016)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Swasti S Vohra
The word cancer has always been a word to be found from and the diagnosis of cancer is not only life changing for the patient, but rather everyone in the person’s life. Most cancer research has been done with a focus on the medical aspects of the cancer patients. There has been growing concern to focus attention on psychological research on the challenges faced by cancer patients and their experiences post cancer treatment. There is a dearth of evidence particularly in the Indian context.
Against this background, the present research seeks to understand and explore the journey of cancer survivors. An in depth semi structured interview was conducted on six cancer survivors for an in-depth analysis of each individual participant. The present study has relied on the narrative approach to illuminate the journey of cancer survivors.
There are five objectives of the present research: 1. To explore and understand the journey of cancer survivors, 2. Understanding the importance of support system in a cancer patient’s life. 3. To explore the roles played by the patient’s religious or spiritual beliefs and will power, 4. To identify problems faced by patients due to changes in physical appearance and 5. To explore fear of recurrence post treatment. The results after the analysis showed that the diagnosis of cancer had a considerable impact on the participants leaving them in severe shock. Feelings of depression during hair loss were noted with a fear of recurrence after treatment. The family and the doctors played the most important roles as a part of the participant’s support system along with their religious and spiritual beliefs. Apart from this, positive themes of will power, gratitude and optimism were also noted in all the participants. Internet, social media and social stigma were also identified as three important factors which played significant roles in the participant’s journey of cancer.
Academic Year: 2017
The Witch as The Mother and The Daughter
By: Akanksha Mendiratta (2017)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Eric Soreng
Fairy tales are a part of almost every culture around the world and they usually provide clues as to the basic struggles of human beings, for they carry valuable statements in symbolic form about human nature. They usually dwell upon themes which have continued to intrigue all for hundreds of years; themes like love, magic, good and evil, which are some of the important themes present in these tales. According to Jungian analyst von Franz (1996) fairy tales “are the purest and simplest expression of collective unconscious psychic processes. Therefore, their value for the scientific investigation of the unconscious exceeds that of all other material”. The fairy tales are important because “they represent the archetypes in their simplest, barest and most concise form provide a template for exploring the growth of the psyche; the process of individuation” (von Franz, 1996). In fairy tales, the witch is often depicted as the most gruesome and evil of all the other characters, and people generally tend to overlook the positive side of the witch, that is, the mother and the daughter present in every woman’s psyche. In this dissertation, the Jungian tool of amplification is used to unravel that fairytale motifs are enriched by collective images, symbols, legends, and myths that are universal and consistent. A total of ten Grimms’ fairy tales are taken to understand the mother-daughter relationship. This dissertation postulates that how every woman lives before as a mother and only become a daughter in the evening of life (i.e. the later part of the life). Also, the dissertation shows the importance of the mother-daughter bond in every woman’s individuation. Furthermore, the dissertation tries to strip away the negative stereotypes attached to the infamous “witch” in fairy tales so that the character is able to enjoy greater open and positive expression. In this manner an attempt is made to outline the three aspects present in every woman’s psyche; a mother, a daughter and a witch.
The Hero Within: The Journey Of Manu And Karna
By: Priyanka Sharma (2017)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Eric Soreng
The notion of hero is a universal pattern in all mythologies, cultures and epics of the world. It connotes the adventurous, unique and explicit journey that entails many twists and turns experienced by the hero. Such mythological heroes, namely Manu and Karna, through the lens of Analytical Psychology, the school of Carl Jung, to examine the symbolism and archetypal significance of these heroes, so as to track the map of our own individual journeys of life, using their eternal imagery, exhibiting the hero in all of us. The primordial understanding of the creation of the world through the realm of myths was explored by the researcher, to explain its wider implications and relevance in present day and age, in order to equate the process of rebirth and re-creation in one’s own life journey. The researcher has also delved into the mythological significance of the two heroes, situating comparisons as well as universalities in varied texts to understand origination and hero myths, using the research tool as Archetypal Amplification, which refers to the assembly of parallels from the diverse sources of a primodial symbol to understand its omnipresence and deeper meaning with a wider reach. The impersonal significance for us even today’s times (Jung, 2012). The myths related to the heroes are investigated and analysed for determining a construction of a unique understanding stemming from the use of the theatrical basis of Jungian psychology. The magnitude of the mythological heroic acts, is understood as the process of discovery of the self, to uncover our heroism or humane in divine, in terms of Karna. Such significant mythological heroes namely Manu and Karna, explain the essential need of understanding our archic past as it aids in assisting in ego strengthening, as well as drawing sources of strength from the unconscious to accomplish tasks and emerge as heroes, as explained by Carl Jung (1968, p. 114). The magnitude of these mythological heroes sacrifice, courage, determination, initiation, struggles and obstacles are not far- fetched, as are experienced as shades of our life. The stages of evolution of heroes are shown in the progression of transition of our lives and its varied phases. The notion of “creation after chaos” was also examined and related to our lives through tracing the same from the archic origin of Manu’s flood legend. This explanation an in-depth understanding of the selected heroes in relation to world mythology and their significance for the modern man.
Unveiling Shiva: Exploring the Transformations in Shiva Bhakti
By: Sakshi Srivastava (2017)
MA Psychology
Dr. Suneet Varma
It is believed that he who is rejected by everyone will always find a refuge with Shiva. From time immemorial, the Hindus are worshipping God Shiva who is master of truth, beauty and bliss. The legend of Shiva, the man is told as a gripping fantasy in which Hindu myths are interpreted from a unique perspective and which explores philosophies such as the many versions of reality, karma, the character of societies, nature of evil and duality. To his devotees, Shiva is the entire universe and the core of all beings. The current study aims to understand Lord Shiva through means of transformation and building a meaning in his devotee’s life. The study focuses on tapping the contemporary relevance of Shiva in the modern world with the help of both primary resources (N=5 individuals who are firm believers and devotees of Lord Shiva) and secondary resources (textual material). A qualitative method study was adopted and involved the use of semi-structured interview as a method to collect data as the form of primary material for analysis. Thematic approach to analysis has been used to highlight and understand how individuals construct their understanding in life and undergo a transformation by the worship of Shiva via a few themes that were derived from the interview data and the literature. The study also tries to capture and highlight the contexts that lead to meaning and value-creation in life. Along with it, the analysis has been used to decipher the data given in the textual materials. The findings revealed that the journey to Shiva worship is unique to each devotee in a lot of ways however, yet there are certain striking chords of similarities in terms of the overarching that were contextualized like overcoming fearlessness as a result of worshipping Shiva and attaining or in the process of attaining a higher self as a result of bhakti (devotion). Other themes that broadly align themselves with the literature and the textual data available included inquiry into the self, varying images of Shiva, the journey to self-fulfilment and being self-adequate. For every devotee in the study, Shiva symbolized varying aspects of the self they wish to achieve in some way and hence, in the process helped them evolve and transform for a considerable extent.
Keywords: Siva, devotion, transformation, self-fulfilment, inquiry into the self.
The Body Beautiful: Intertwining Beauty and Intimate Relationships
By: Ritu Mudgal (2017)
MA Psychology
Prof. Nandita Babu
Abstract: Within our most significant relationships, notions of attractiveness and beauty are often factors that govern not only one's conceptions about an ideal partner, but also the choice of the same. Beauty may be considered to be a construct based on childhood impressions, influences and role models. Throughout our lives, we are bombarded with images that depict a prototypical physical appearance and ways to reach that – thus hinting that to be in an enviable successful relationship we need to fit into a certain notion of beauty. The present study focuses on exploring the directional relationship of construct of beauty, between an individual and larger societal structures, thereby exploring the process and pattern of interaction through relationships as one of the institution. The method of qualitative interviews, had been adopted for young adults, some who were in romantic relationship and some who were not in romantic relationship. It was found that beauty is held by the partner and serves as validation of the perceived attractiveness. Moreover, the body acts as a caste like status which is in a state of dynamic interplay with the individual, thereby enhancing susceptibility to the internalization of thin ideal. The mating market then targets such marginalized individuals who are negotiating constantly with their imperfections. Hence, the Osborn model holds true for the process of attraction in the Indian setting particularly for individuals in NCR. It was seen that individual's status of romantic relationship shaped their construct on beauty where different meaning making patterns emerged within the data which allied and dissociated at various point.
Song of A People: Experiences if coping, identity and struggle of Tibetan Musicians in Dharamshala
By: Shreya Bharadwaj (2017)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Suneet Varma
Abstract: This thesis is an ethnomusicological research aimed at understanding the role of traditional music in the lives of musicians belonging to the Tibetan community residing in the hills of Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. Largely, this work explored the role of music in three spheres: coping with stress, sustenance of ethnic identity and contribution to the on-going Tibetan movement. With the help of in-depth semi-structured interviews with six traditional musicians from the age group 27-32 years, the research sought to find the capacity of music to help the participants persevere through challenges of life, instill a sense of community and provide strength to partake in the movement to free Tibet. It was found that, for the musicians, music has therapeutic effects which helps them in the alleviation of any negative feelings like sadness and gives them strength in the faces of challenges faced by them on a daily basis. Furthermore, music helps in the sustenance of their identity by instilling in them a sense of familiarity and security. Through introduction of their music to their surroundings and thereby merging it with the local culture, the musicians strengthen their identity in a particular setting. Lastly, and since the lives of Tibetan people can not remain divorced from their political reality, the musicians contribute to the Tibetan movement by educating people about the Tibetan culture and Tibet, at large. They also partake in meticulous documentation and continuation of the legacy of Tibetan music by preserving and creating it, respectively.
Married Women’s Experience of Chronic Pain as Embodied Self: Reflections and Insights from a Phenomenological Perspective
By: Nidhi Udgirkar (2017)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Ishita Bharadwaj
Abstract: Chronic pain is recognized to be one of the most common and costly health problems in the late 20th century. The current study aims to look at the experience of pain that married women living with chronic pain undergo, through a cultural outlook. Given that research also shown that women are far more likely than men to develop chronic pain conditions, the question that arises is what could be the possible reason for such a disparity in the prevalence. Thus, the study essentially focuses on women with chronic pain, how they make sense of their own experiences, and how living with the chronic pain and difficulties with activities of daily living may influence how they construct the meaning of their lives, and the vulnerabilities and challenges they face. Furthermore, in the context of the culturally influenced notions regarding pain being considered as an integral part of womanhood, this study focused on the salience of bearing and tolerating pain, without voicing it emphatically, to the female gender identity. The method of qualitative interviews with a phenomenological research design was adopted for 8 women participants, exploring their narratives of Being in the (re)world.
Keywords: gender, phenomenology, pain, self
Experiential Encounter "Of" And "With" Parkinson Caregivers: An Existential Phenomenological Study
By Supreet Kaur Bhasin (2017)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Ishita Bharadwaj
Neurodegenerative diseases are immedicable and debilitating disorders. It includes Parkinson's, Alzeihmers, Huntington's, etc. The prevalence of and burden of Parkinson's Disease as per WHO reports have increased. The global increase in the aged population along with increased intensity and incidence of chronic illness places additional demands on the patience and endurance of caregivers. A review of the literature showed results about the economic burden and quality of life of the caregivers, however, less work has been done to understand the emotional and psychosocial wellbeing of the caregivers. the current study looked into the caregiving process of those whose family members were suffering from Parkinson's Disease, with the changing social milieu, in India such as urbanization, nuclear family, etc. It focused on developing a deeper understanding of the journey of their self-identity, the integrity of their ego, and navigation through varied roles demanded of them, by looking into their challenges, experiences and vulnerabilities. For this purpose, in-depth narrative accounts were gathered from eight participants. The insights gained were understood in the light of Existential Phenomenology. The findings of the study were centred on the experience of anguish, blurring of one's identity, and meaninglessness experienced due to uncertainty experienced during the course of the disease. Implications for future research and praxis have been discussed.
Keywords: Parkinson's disease, psychosocial wellbeing, narratives, ego integrity, vulnerabilities and Existential Phenomenology.
Exploring the Concerns Between Virtual and Lived Realities: A Study on Delhi University Students
By Anna Slathia (2017)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Ishita Bharadwaj
The purpose of the current research is to understand the experience of the women in virtual space. This virtual space included all virtual platforms like social media, search engines, Youtube, online facilities like internet banking, online shopping, and the like. The study focused on their perception of its functions. The sample consisted of ten colleges and University going female students from the University of Delhi. Data for this research was conducted via unstructured interviews. It was then analysed using Thematic Network Analysis in order to make sense about. Results showed that cyberspace is leading to a creation of another world that is sculpted by the user with social and cultural factors being the most influential decisive factors, people becoming restless, where relationship trajectory has changed, nature of connection has changed, created a sense of empowerment and despair at the same time. People's identity have fragmented and they are negotiation on a daily basis with different images they made for themselves. This had given them an alternate platform to express themselves and at the same time, it has made them more vulnerable.
Keywords: cyberspace, females, lived reality, virtual reality.
Exploring The Changing Face Of Gender And Work In Millenial Women: A Qualitative Study On Entrepreneurs Of Startups In Delhi
By Ms. Nilya Dutt (2017)
MA Psychology
Dr. Ishita Bharadwaj
In India, entrepreneurship has traditionally been considered a prerogative of the males. However, with changing circumstance and development of technology and globalization, women are no longer restraining themselves to the home front. Increasingly more and more women are becoming aware of these opportunities. even trying to join the bandwagon of entrepreneurs. In becoming an entrepreneur, this research paper sought to understand what makes millennial women take the path to entrepreneurship and more importantly how do they view their gender playing out in the workplace. Research findings suggest that women face many constraints. at the workplace and this is why the research paper also aimed to understand how do women continue on the path of entrepreneurship despite constraints related to finance, gender expectations and psychological barriers among many others.
For this six women were interviewed using the semi-structured qualitative interview method of data collection. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis developed by Braun and Clarke (2006), results of which have synthesized from both the perspective of each of the story of these participants as well as what it speaks about the situation at a macro level. With constraints of time, and also reflexivity - further reflexivity could be engaged to understand how women derive their sense of self and identity from their work.
Keywords: Women entrepreneurs, constraints, development, gender and entrepreneurship
Exploring the Process of Mother-Child Interaction in Children with Autism and Neurotypical Children
Ritika Marwaha (2017)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Nandita Babu
Abstract: the present study touches upon the confluence of two sensitive areas i.e. Autism and Parenting. The objective of the present research is to explore the mother-child interactions among neurotypical and children with autism. In order to address the delineated research question, semi structured interviews were conducted with the children and their parents. A sample of five children with autism and five neurotypical children in the age range 4-8 years along with their respective mothers were taken for the present study. The use of semi structured interview was made to understand the mother’s perspectives on the nature of mothering and which child rearing practices they adopt during this process. To further gather data regarding the sort of interactions that take place between parents and children, a modified version of the Strange Situation Task by Ainsworth et al., 1969 was made use of. The aim of forming this task was to compare how the child responds and performs while in the presence of a stranger and the mother, further exploring the relationship the child shares with his mother. Detailed observations were made on ways the child behaves, whether the child seeks help from the stranger and what mode of appreciation does the mother use to praise the child when he/she performs well on the given tasks. The discussion of results were carried out in reference to the delineated research questions. It was clearly noted that there were no as such significant differences in the way interaction takes place among the mothers of children with autism and the mothers of neurotypical children when viewed under different domains. The findings of the research will have important implications which were further discussed in the last section.
Keywords: Parenting, Interaction patterns, Attachment, Autism, Neurotypical.
Tracing the Course of Sibling Relationship in Middle Adults Though Life History Approach
Vanya Gupta (2017)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Nandita Babu
Abstract: In settings, especially in India, the sibling tie holds one the enduring and long lasting spaces among all relationships. Given its importance in adulthood and old-age, progress of sibling relationship in middle adulthood is faintly understood in research. Middle adulthood is not only a period where major life events takes place but also a transitional phase to old-age, thus, maintaining healthy family relationships becomes more critical, so as to have essential support, a sense of purpose and remove feelings of isolation. The study focuses how the sibling relationship evolves and takes shape with other emerging social relationships enquiring through participant's understanding and perception of the events through contextualization of their life experiences within the framework of their family, social and cultural setting. Retrospective accounts of life course transitions were collected using timeline interviews with two groups of middle adults from 3-5 full-sibling families, aged 45-50 and 55-60 years, for a total of 12 adults, using life history method. Being distinctive in many ways, a changed course of sibling relationship might be witnessed with sibling's position changing in hierarchies and moving in and out of the circle of family dynamics with altered focus on new social relationships but still persistent than some interpersonal associations. Life course examination of sibling relationship refocuses the importance of stable and dependable relationships on adaptive functioning in life, especially age. The study also adds to the understanding of other relationships in family unit, emphasizing the renegotiation and realignment of all ties. It highlights the continuity of the family of origin as well as our understanding of social change.
Key words: Sibling relationship, Middle Adulthood, life-history
Revisiting the Experiences of the Year 1984 Through Authenticating the Voices of Sikhs And Hindus
By: Harsimran Kaur (2017)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Nidhi Prakash
The impetus for the present research comes from the inspirational stories of courage and survival of Sikh families whose lives took a detour after 1984 Anti Sikh riots in India. In the year 1984, in India, took place a series of pogroms against Sikh community, by anti-Sikh mobs, most notably members of political party, in a response to assassination of the then Prime Minister. The present research work is an attempt to bring out the most authentic voices of the people who had been affected during and after the riots, directly or indirectly. Also, the research work dwelled into the experiences and perceptions of both the communities, Hindus and Sikhs, after 1984 riots, about each other and would attempt to understand how and in what ways these perceptions have changed, or impacted the collective psyche of the two communities and their relationship. The data was collected using semi-structured interview and was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed some common experiences for both the communities such as such as fear and helplessness and some unique experiences such as feelings of betrayal among Sikh participants and inconvenience caused during the riots among Hindu participants. In present times, the Sikh face a threat of survival and anticipate the happening of riots at any time, the Hindu anticipate violence only with Muslims. Both communities feel that the inter-communal relationships are normal in the present. Further justice of riots is equated to culprit punishment for all Sikhs and for some Hindu participants feel that financial compensation can relate justice. This research work is a step towards building peace as it will not only provide expression to the Sikhs whose lives have been affected deeply, but will also provide an opportunity to the Hindus who never viewed as perpetrators, to authenticate their side of the story, experiences and perspectives in injustice and provide a ground for negotiation, peace and harmony between the two communities.
Keywords: Massacre, Riots, Genocide, Identity, Communal, Coping, Sikh, Semi-structured interview, Thematic Analysis, Victims.
Academic year: 2018
Mental Health Awareness Among Adolescents
By- Surbhi Goel (2018)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Nandita Babu
The study examined the mental health literacy of a group of Adolescents, with particular reference to their ability to recognize symptoms of depression in their peers. The objective of the current study was to extend current knowledge about mental health literacy into an adolescent population group. Participants were Delhi adolescents, aged 14-15 years. Their mental health literacy was examined through a Depression Literacy Questionnaire and A Friend in Need Questionnaire that presented them with four scenarios of young people. The study presented respondents with vignettes of depressed person and sought to tease out knowledge of depression by comparing the depression vignettes with non-clinically depressed vignettes of teenagers. Participants showed a mixed ability to correctly recognize and label depression, although they were able to differentiate depressed and non-depressed scenarios in terms of severity and expected recovery time. Results are discussed in light of findings from Adolescent Mental Health Literacy considering results of both questionnaires. Overall the findings show that female participants were more likely to make a depressed diagnosis and showed more worry for the depressed vignettes than male participant. Among help seeking sources, counselors were chosen most often for the helpers of depressed teens, and friends and family/relatives followed this category. Nevertheless, label specificity in this case, recognition of depression, is associated with better knowledge of help seeking with regard to endorsing a wider range of professional help-seeking options, further emphasizing the importance of addressing the low rate of depression recognition.
An Exploratory Study of Experience of Happiness Among the Millennials Highlighting the Impact of the Nichiren Buddhist Practice
By- Kanika Mohan (2018)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Suneet Varma
The present study made an attempt at exploring the experience of happiness among millennials, highlighting the role of Nichiren Diashonin Buddhism. The research tried to comprehend how the youth of today experiences happiness in their day-to-day lives. Secondly, it tried to understand the link of happiness with social media, focusing on the social networking sites, a significant part of millennial’s generation. Thirdly, it identified the role of spirituality in the experience of happiness. For this purpose, a total of ten participants were approached. Five participants actively practiced Buddhism, while the other five did not. Their experiences were captured through semi-structured interview and were analyzed using thematic analysis. The research findings support the idea of training one’s mind through spiritual practices like chanting which has been immensely helpful to the participants, with respect to the usage of social networking sites, the overexposure has made both groups of participants aware of pros and cons, yet a slight difference was found in the orientation towards the usage of these sites having a different psychological impact. Overall the study supports the contribution of Buddhist spiritual practice in experience of happiness and dealing with the contemporary challenges of day-to-day life.
Delving into the Animated World: An Insight into Mother-Child Perspectives
By Avneet Batra (2018)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Ishita U. Bharadwaj
The revolution brought about by technology is fundamentally altering the ways human beings connect, communicate and thereby interact with each other. One of the most ubiquitous of media and technology is the television which presents the audience an amalgamation of visual and auditory stimulants along with a wide range of stories from both real and virtual realms. Centring around the world of children, television grabs their attention by using the multi-coloured and animated world of cartoons. Cartoons provide children with exuberant amount of new ideas, thus allowing them to enrich their world of fantasy as well as to improve their vocabulary and learn new games. Thus resonating with the above idea, extensive review of literature was done in order to gauge the current status of work in the realm of cartoons and children. Thus on the basis of all the information collected, it was decided that the account of both the mother and the child would be taken and the interview method would be used for the process of data generation. After this, data was collected from a sample of 14 participants (7 pairs of mother and child) on different occasions, which were then transcribed in order to begin with the process of data analysis. The process of data analysis was then divided into two stages, the stage 1 basically involved columns centred around a particular theme such as the Researcher’s Query, Academic Literature around the query, Participants verbatim, Reflexive Analysis lastly Attributes involved words/phrases that captured the true essence of the data. Following this the stage 2 involved the use of thematic network analysis, as the prime method of analysing the data. Therefore the salient global themes found using the method at the level of analysis of both the mother and child respectively were: Denial: Cartoon a source of entertainment and Disguised as Passivity of Television.
Keywords: Mother-Child, Cartoons, Thematic Network Analysis
Metamorphosis: Letters to Digital Communication: An Intergenerational and Intragenerational Analysis
By: Simran Kohli (2018)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Ishita Bharadwaj
The advent of technological advancement is constantly inclined to satiate the need to move fast with time. The similar need is also reflected in the form of communication used by people in today’s time. The shift from handwritten letters to writing e-mails and text messages does not only indicate a transition in the mode of communication but also in the realm of emotion and cognition involved in its process. The present research therefore intended to explore the realm of transition in communication from the era of letter writing to modern day of instantaneous communication. Therefore, narrative inquiry was made from a sample of twelve participants who once engaged in letter-writing and now engaging in digital discourse. Inquiry was also made from eight participants belonging to the generation who did not engage in letter-writing. Finally, thematic network analysis was done across three levels – Intergenerational analysis and Intra-generation analysis (within the generation engaged in letter writing and within the generation not engaged in letter writing). The global themes across three levels of analysis were – Unproclaimed self-love and Unintended emotions (Generation engaged in letter writing), Temporal Impulse and Scripted Self and Beyond (Generation not engaged in letter writing) and Dissolution of temporal flow of epistolary interactions (Intergenerational Analysis).
Keywords: communication, letters, thematic network analysis, instantaneous communication, epistolary exchanges, temporal impulse, scripted self
Child Sexual Abuse: Reflection from the Thriver’s and Perpetrator’s perspective
By Sween Sharma (2018)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Ishita Bharadwaj
The study intends to explore the issue of CSA, which is spreading like an epidemic in India, by incorporating primary data and textual data CSA. The primary data was collected from the experts who are working on the same and the text consists of the popular media including movies from late nineties and from the contemporary times, the study intends to shed light on the transition between the content and the depiction of content based on the selected movies. The text from popular media also includes episodes of reality-based shows depicting child sexual abuse. The print media was another component, which included the news articles from a popular newspaper, focusing on the pre and post –protection of children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) cases, highlighting the transition in reporting of these cases. Another component of text analysis includes the books by Indian Authors, which are exclusively focusing on CSA in India. For the data generation narrative inquiry was used and semi-structured interviews were taken. The text was analyzed by the use of discourse analysis and finally the amalgamated data from all the sources was analyzed through thematic network analysis. The major global themes were centeredaroundthe catalyzing property of media in CSA in the process of stigmatization and experience of victimhood. The perspectives of the perpetrators as well as the victims were explored in the study.
Keywords- Child sexual abuse, textual data, primary data, narrative inquiry, discourse analysis, thematic network analysis, POCSO, stigmatization and victimhood.
Relationship of Personality Traits and Perceived Parenting with Procrastination in College Students
By- Sonam Chandhok (2018)
MA Psychology
The purpose of present study was to explore procrastination and its relationship with big five personality traits and dimensions of perceived parenting in undergraduate students. A sample of 120 undergraduate students (60 males and 60 females) within the age range of 18-22 yrs was drawn from various colleges in Delhi. The participants completed Lay’s Procrastination Scale, NEO Five Factor Inventory (NEO FFI) and Scale of Parenting Style. The data was analyzed using Pearson’s product moment correlation and stepwise multiple regression. Independent t-test was also employed to examine the gender differences in procrastination.
The results reflected a strong association between personality traits and procrastination in undergraduate students. Conscientiousness and extraversion were found to significantly and negatively related to procrastination. On the other hand, neuroticism was found to have a strong positive relationship with procrastination. Furthermore, a significant inverse relationship was found between perceived parental responsiveness and procrastination. Perceived parental responsiveness was also found to significantly predict procrastination in college students. Besides, no difference was seen between males and females in procrastination. The study has implications for parents, educators and counselors.
Exploring Perspective Taking Ability of Children Teaching Their Younger Sibling and Mother on a Drawing Task
By: Bhavika Mittal (2018)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Nandita Babu
The study examines the cognitive sensitivity through perspective taking ability of children (6 and 8 years old) in a context where they provide instructions to their younger sibling and a mother on a drawing task. Taking other's perspective is an ability where an individual infers other's states of mind and intentions by being sensitive to their need. Early childhood interactions and teaching behaviours with siblings shape the mutual understanding and communication clarity in children. In the present study a group of 12 pairs of siblings from their natural home-based setting were considered where 6 pairs of 6 years old siblings and 6 pairs of 8 years old siblings were giving instructions to their 4 years old younger sibling as well as an adult (mother) on a drawing task. In this purposeful dyadic situation, the task of the older sibling was to give instructions to their younger sibling and mother so that they draw the same figure without seeing it. The process of instruction giving continues till the correct figure was drawn. The instruction given by the older sibling was recorded for various trials and transcribed and analysed to see the process of change of instructions over trials. From the results it was explored that perspective taking abilities were present in both 6 years old and 8 years old participant as they showed sensitivity in their behaviour across developmental ages. Individual differences were also observed in children as they used different teaching styles and behaviours.
Relationship of Locus of Control and Environmental Coping Styles with Responsible Environmental Behavior in Adolescents
By Kriti (2018)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Nandita Babu
The present study investigated the relationship of locus of control and environmental coping styles with responsible environmental behaviour in adolescents. Age and gender related differences in the involvement of responsible environmental behaviour were also studied. This cross-sectional research was conducted on a sample of 150 adolescents. The sample consisted of equal number (i.e. 50-50-50) of students from the age groups of 12, 14 and 16 year-olds. Responsible Environmental Behaviour Seale (Jindal & Bajwa, 2010), Levenson's Locus of Control Scale (Vohra, 1992), and an Environmental Coping Scale were employed for the purpose of this study. 3*2 factorial design was used to understand the age and gender related differences in responsible environmental behaviour. The data was statistically analysed using Pearson Coefficient Method of Correlation and Stepwise Multiple Regression. The results of the study showed a developmental decline in responsible environmental behaviour among adolescents. Significant gender differences in responsible environmental behaviour were also observed. Internal and chance locus of control were significant predictors of responsible environmental behaviour. Problem-focused and de-emphasising coping also significantly predicted responsible environmental behaviour. The findings of the study has implications for students and educational institutions.
Marital Satisfaction Among Young Adults: The Role of Gender and Personality Factors
By: Aashima Jindal (2018)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Nandita Babu
Indian society is changing the way marriage has been seen since ages and marital satisfaction is gaining increasing concern the society. It refers to the state in which there an overall feeling of happiness among couples and contentment with their married life and with each other, The present study aims to explore the impact of individuals’ personality on their marital satisfaction. Also, it aims to study the differences among working and non-working women and gender differences in marital satisfaction. Sample consists of 118 married people comprising of 44 males and 74 females (35 working and 39 non-working women) completed measures of personality and marital satisfaction in addition to demographic details. Results of statistical analysis reveal that there is no significant difference among males and females and even among working and non-working females with respect to marital satisfaction. Further, the results show that for males, among the five dimensions of personality there is a positive correlation between two dimensions of personality (extraversion and openness) and marital satisfaction while the neuroticism is negatively correlated to marital satisfaction. In addition, two variables also predict marital satisfaction (extraversion positively while neuroticism negatively). While for females, among the five dimensions of personality there is a positive correlation between four dimensions of personality (extraversion, openness, agreeableness and conscientiousness) and marital satisfaction while the neuroticism is negatively correlated to marital satisfaction. In addition, two variables also predict marital satisfaction (conscientiousness positively while neuroticism negatively).
An Exploratory study to understand the prevalence of internet addiction and its correlation with social support and social health
By: Anjali (2018)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Priyanka Anjan Rao
"This study aimed to see the prevalence of internet addiction among students and correlation between social support, internet addiction and social health. The study examined the correlation between internet addiction and social support that is available and its satisfaction with these people. This study examine the effect of internet addiction on the social behaviour which includes the dimensions like interaction with home and family, friendships, and social and community life , Getting along Attendance at religious services, Level of group activity, Visits to homes of friends /relatives and Voluntary group membership . The participants has randomly recruited from different colleges of Delhi and completed a succession of self-completed questionnaires including the internet addiction test (IAT; Young, 1998), The RAND Social Health Battery, The Social Support Questionnaire(Irwin G. Sarason, 1983). The sample consists of 150 students (76male and 74 female) students of different institutes. This study sees the effect of demographic variables over the internet addiction and correlation of internet addiction between social health and social health. The quantitative data were analysed using the finding means, frequencies, t-test and Pearson’s correlation to find out the relation between internet addiction and other variables. The finding of the study indicated that the prevalence of internet addiction among students is really high. 87% students fall under the category of internet addiction. The Pearson’s correlation indicates (r= -.374) which show there is a negative correlation between both internet addiction and social support. Pearson’s correlation is (r = -.234) for internet addiction and the social health, which shows that they are negatively correlated. The t- test results shows that there is no significant difference between males and females score on the prevalence of internet addiction and as well as on the social support and social health.
Keywords: Internet addiction; social support; school Student; college students; social health."
Spirituality and religiosity as coping mechanisms in the management of depression in the Indian context
By Bhoomika Gupta (2018)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Gopal Chandra Mahakud
"The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of spirituality and religiosity based interventions in the management of depression in the Indian culture. The objective of the study was to assess the differences in depression, religiosity, and spirituality between the pre- intervention condition and post-intervention conditions. Furthermore, the study attempted to assess the relationship between depression, religiosity, and spirituality in the pre-test and post- test conditions. For this purpose, the data was collected from respondents in a small group design belonging to the age group of 25-55 years. The outpatient population was screened for depression using case history and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI IA) given by Aaron Beck (1978). The total sample size was 30 participants, out of which 7 were males and 23 were females (N=30, n1=7; n2=23). The three scales, namely, Beck Depression Inventory by Aaron Beck (1978), Religiosity Scale by Deka and Broota (1985) and the Spiritual Personality Scale by Husain, Luqman, and Jahan (2012) were administered on them. Also, the interventions were provided to the participants over ten sessions. The results of the present study revealed a significant decrease in depression in the post-intervention condition, along with a significant increase in spirituality in the post-intervention condition. Furthermore, the results suggest a significant positive correlation between religiosity and spirituality (r=0.551). The most severe cases of depression presented in the study successfully showcase the effectiveness of spirituality and religiosity based interventions in dealing with depression.
Keywords: depression, religiosity, spirituality, intervention.
Relationship between supernatural belief, existential crisis anxiety, spiritual Intelligence, subjective wellbeing and quality of life among young and elderly in Delhi, NCR
By: Kirti Tyagi (2018)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Gopal Chandra Mahakud
"Due to advent modernization, urbanization, and raising competition, humans are continuously pushing themselves beyond their actual limits to achieve infinite happiness. The young generation is constantly working hard to fulfill their dreams and desires, but in this stressful journey to achieve the desirable, they are getting trapped into a series of doubts, crisis and tension regarding their life choices and more specifically life in general which provided an impetus for the present research. The study aims at investigating two developmental age groups i.e. young and elderly. The present study is an exploratory analysis adopting mixed methodological approach to study supernatural belief, existential anxiety, spiritual intelligence, wellbeing and quality of life among elderly and young (both male and females) population in the age of range 18-85 years of Delhi/NCR belonging to different socioeconomic status, religion, and education background. In order to fulfil the purpose of the study, Supernatural belief scale by Jong et al. 2013, Existential concern questionnaire by Vincent van Bruggen (2017), Spiritual intelligence self-report inventory by David king (2008), Dinner’s life satisfaction scale (1985), and WHO quality of Life –BREEF (2003) were adopted for data collection. Based on review of literature measures indicated satisfactory reliability and validity. The present research used mixed methodological approach to analyses the present variables, in addition Pearson correlation and one way Anova was calculated to validate the formulated hypothesis, further, semi- structure interviews were analyzed using content analysis. A significantly positive Inter-correlation was found between the variables of supernatural belief, spiritual intelligence, well-being, and Quality of life amongst both young and elderlyparticipants. Similarly a negative and significant inter-correlation was found between the existential anxiety and supernatural belief, existential anxiety and spiritual intelligence, existential anxiety and well-being, existential anxiety and quality of life for both the population. In addition a zero correlation was found between existential anxiety and supernatural belief amongst young population. Furthermore, Significant mean differences were found among all the four groups (elderly male, elderly female, young mal, and young female) on supernatural belief, existential anxiety, spiritual intelligence, wellbeing and quality of life. Concluding it can be said that by increasing spiritual intelligence and supernatural belief, existential anxiety can be lessened, similarly low existential anxiety leads to higher wellbeing and quality of life among both the population. The study also reports a high relation between spiritual experience and life satisfaction along with better quality of life. It seems that the elderly and young different from each other in their belief in supernatural belief, the amount of existential crisis they experience, the level of spiritual inclination and experience, amount of wellbeing and the quality of life they live."
An exploratory study on attitudes of adults towards crimes, criminals, punishment and law enforcement in relation to personality and demographic variables
By: Kritika Rajeev Chauhan (2018)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Gopal Chandra Mahakud
"Crime is a preordained part of civilization. It has always affected the masses by one means or another. From theft to cyberbullying to terrorism, various forms of crimes have emerged over time and technology advancement. The common man is susceptible to many of these. Furthermore, the risk for the same increases with demographic variables such as low SES, sex (Armborst, 2017) and even education (Mayhem & Kesteren, 2011). Nevertheless, authorities have attempted to reduce the same, often through means of Punishment and Sentence. Key players among them are Police and Law Officials. Crime and the reactions of these key figures have repercussions for the common man, and hud & Chauhan, 2018; In Press), and Big Five Inventory (John & Srivastava, 1999), were administered to the sample. The data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive inference included frequency, percentage, means, and standard deviation. Inferential statistics involve Pearson Product moment correlation, and Independent t-Test to present correlations and comparisons of means respectively. Results revealed a statistically significant difference in Attitudes towards Punishment and Sentence across gender. Marital status reveals a statistically significant difference in attitudes for the Dimension of Attitudes towards Theft and Cybercrime. A strong significant difference has been noted among working and non- working participants for the dimension of Attitudes towards Juvenile Offenders. Statistical significant differences in attitudes towards Constructive Moral Code of Law Enforcement of across marital status and age. Intra- scale correlation reveals that there is a significant correlation between attitudes towards heinous crimes and Attitude punishment and Sentence across various demographic groups. Hence, punitiveness is moderately correlated with attitudes towards atrocious Crime, and Criminals as well as Attitudes towards Police and Law Officials. The personality dimension of Agreeableness is commonly associated with Attitudes towards Police and Law Officials, especially for dimensions of Attitudes towards Role of Law Enforcement, and Constructive Moral Code. The implications and the limitations of the study have been discussed as well.
Keyword: Crime, Punishment, Law Enforcement, Attitude, Personality."
Manifestation of aggression and hostile behaviour in youths from privileged and under privileged families and its relation with locus of control
By: Lamita C. E. Lyngdoh (2018)
MA Applied psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Gopal Chandra Mahakud
"The aim of the study is to see the manifestation of aggression and hostile behaviour in youths from privileged and under privileged families and its relation with locus of control. The objectives of the study were- find the manifestation of the three different variables, namely, aggression and hostility among the youth males and youth females, of the privileged and underprivileged families; find the presence of Locus of Control (LOC) in the youth males and females of the privileged and underprivileged families; find the relation between the all the three variables with each other in all the four participant groups; find the relation of aggression among all the participant groups; find the relation of hostility among all the participant groups and to find the relation of locus of control among all the participant groups. Alternate hypothesis; stating there will be a difference in the aggression, hostility and LOC seen in both the groups was maintained. The following are the hypothesis and the results - The hypothesis is that, there will be a difference in the relation between the all the three variables with each other in all the four participant groups. . It was seen that there is a significant correlation in aggression in all the four groups (0.003**), hostility too showed a positive significant correlation at 0.000**, locus of control at p=0.008**. There will be a difference in the manifestation of the three different variables, namely, aggression, hostility and locus of control among the youth males and youth females, of the privileged and underprivileged families. The results showed that there is no correlation in the three variables in females from underprivileged section of society and males from privileged sections of the society. Females from privileged section of society show positive significant correlation in aggression and hostility (p=.355*) and hostility and locus of control has a negative significant correlation (p=-.443**). The males underprivileged showed significant correlation in aggression and hostility (p=.625**). The next hypothesis is that there will be a difference in the relation of aggression, hostility and locus of control among all the participant groups separately. The results showed that only female privileged and male underprivileged and female underprivileged and male underprivileged showed a positive significant correlation in aggression at p=0.031* and .002* respectively. As for hostility female privilege and male underprivileged showed a significant positive correlation at p=.000*. For locus of control female privileged and male privileged showed a significant correlation at p=0.38* and female underprivileged and male underprivileged at p= .011*. From the qualitative analysis using thematic network analysis by Stirling (2001), it was noted that males used more active aggression, were more frequently angry and hostile, showed more verbal and physical reaction to anger, and felt that there is difference in aggression based on age group, gender, SES and Education. Females used more passive form of aggression, felt and showed anger less frequently, show aggression and hostility through verbal and gestural ways and more experienced more physiological reaction during anger. The female participant expressed their views that anger is based on personality, culture and social background, along with gender and age differences. The ways of managing aggression is different in both the gender. Where the females use more behavioural ways to cope with anger issues and there is reaction formation. Males on the other hand use distraction and defense mechanisms. As for locus of control, males depend on external anchors to deal with difficult life situations; there is high degree of external control, where failure is attributed to self and successes to others. But there is an equal combination of taking accountability and holding fate less responsible. There is tendency to reach out for help when needed. Females tend to face important life situations with negative expression and it is a self destructive style of coping. They hold family very responsible for many things in life and have greater external attributions and only few attribute their successes to themselves. Most of them mentioned that their families play a very important role and reach out to them for help if needed, especially when there are emotional stressors. Most of the female participants hold themselves accountable and not fate. They belief in hard work and that it overpowers miracles. There were a few limitations that cannot go unnoticed. The study had a small sample size that cannot be generalized in the Indian population that is huge. The socio economic status is at the extremes here in India, where we see the richest and the poorest of people. The ones taken for the study were more from the middle class section and only some of them belonged to the upper middle class sections of the society. There were very few Indian research studies conducted in this area and a number of research studies added in the discussion and review are international studies. So therefore more Indian research would’ve added richness and reliable reference to present study. The advantages of the study are that this particular study even with the limitation adds new knowledge to the existing research studies conducted in this area. And also this research study gives a new direction, compared to the existing research studies. A new research study stating comparison and exploration in the field of aggression, hostility and locus of control in the population of privileged and underprivileged males and females is added, that can help future clinical psychologists to look into the matter more closely to reduce negative emotions like aggression and hostile behaviour and to normalize control of life situations and not attributing it to the external situations, but by taking responsibility and to those who have low control, should be increased otherwise it might lead to depression and dependency.
Keywords: Aggression, Hostility, Locus of Control, Privileged, Underprivileged."
Personality traits, well-being, and sprirituality in poets and non-poets: A comparative and correlational study
By: Pankaj Narayan (2018)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Gopal Chandra Mahakud
"Poets have benefited the world throughout the ages in their own way. Poets use poetry as a tool for penning down their thoughts, feelings, and emotions with the uniqueness and creativity of mind involved, in order to express something through words. Poetry in itself is a spiritual endeavor that acts as a mode of self-expression and imparts a broad range of emotional and intellectual benefits that are useful for personal growth including selfimprovement, emotional and psychological coping, healing and developing relationships. Therefore, an attempt was made to explore differences in personality, well-being, and spirituality among poets and non-poets. The present study had nine objectives, (1) to find out difference in personality traits between poet and non-poet participant; (2) to see difference in levels of well-being between poets and non-poet participants; (3) to exploredifferences in spirituality between poet and non-poet participants; (4) to find out relationship bet ween personality traits and well-being in poets; (5) to find out relationship between personality traits and well-being in non-poets; (6) To find out relationship between personality traits and spirituality in poets; (7) to find out relationship between personality traits and spirituality in non-poets; (8) to find out relationship between well-being and spirituality in poets; (9) to find out relationship between well-being and spirituality in non-poets. On the basis of these objectives and empirical evidences available nine hypotheses were formulated. Data was collected 50 poets and 50 non-poets on the basis of purposive sampling. The Big Five Inventory (BFI) by John and Srivastava (1999) was used to measure personality trait dimensions, well-being was measured through Friedman Well-Being Scale by Philip Friedman (1998), and Spiritual Personality Inventory (SPI) by Akbar Husain (2013) was used to measure spirituality. The collected data was analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM SPSS) for both descriptive and inferential statistics. For the comparative analysis students’ t-test was used. The results of the study indicated that poets scored significantly more on personality traits of Agreeableness and Openness than non-poets. No significant difference was found in well-being of poets and non-poets, however, poets scored more on self-esteem/self-confidence sub-scale of well-being than non-poets. poets were found to be more spiritual and having a more noble attitude to others than non-poets. For correlational analysis Pearson product moment correlation was calculated. Extraversion was found to be positively related to well-being and Neuroticism negatively correlated to well-being in poets. In non-poets Conscientiousness (positively) and Neuroticism (negatively) correlated with well-being. No significant relationship was found between personality traits and spirituality in both the groups. Spirituality and well-being were not found to be correlated with each other in both the groups. However, spirituality correlated positively with sociability in poets. Also, a significant relationship was seen between self-esteem/self-confidence and moral rectitude part of spirituality in poets. Four out of the nine hypothesis were partially (3) and fully (1) accepted (1,3, 4, 5) and rest of the five hypotheses were rejected (2, 6,7,8,9). The present study adds to the existing literature that explores personality, well-being, and spirituality, and their relationship in the creative population.
Key words: Poets, Non-Poets, Personality, Well-being, Spirituality"
Gender Based comparison of self- esteem in young adults
By: Sabreen Siraj (2018)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Gopal Chandra Mahakud
"Self esteem has become a hot topic for researchers since it has been observed to be playing a crucial role instudying the though process, behavior and its outcomes in people‟s life. Self esteem has now been related to many clinical conditions including clinical depression, eating disorders, self inflicting harm, and failure in work life and relationships and even in suicide ideation. How self esteem impacts an individual to an extent that he or she becomes a dysfunctional in carrying out daily life chores is of great importance. Also, if self-esteem influences people in extreme ways then finding out the sources of disrupted self-esteem is of equal importance. One‟s social environment is believed to play a major role in shaping his or her views about the self and others hence it is of significant important that how socially and culturally laid standards of conduct impacts individuals and their self concept. One of the most prevalent social roles are concerned with gender that are directly or indirectly enforced on people and sometimes have devastating impacts on a person‟s wellbeing. This study thus aims to demonstrate such gender related sources of differences in self-esteem and the nature of those differences. To carry out the present study 60 college going students were administered the self esteem scale by Santosh Dhar and Upinder Dhar (SES-DU). Out of these 60 participants 29 were females and 31 were males. The participants were administered the scale consisting of 23 items. The scale measures the overall self esteem of the individuals along with the scores on six sub domains. The six sub domains are as follows- positivity, openness, competence, humility, self-worth and learning orientation. The data was analyzed using SPSS. Firstly, descriptive analysis was done bases on the demographicvariables which were- gender, age, caste, religion and educational qualification. After that, inferential statistic was applied and test was used to compare both the genders on the scores on the sub domains and over all self-esteem.From the results it was found out that no significant difference in the scores of the male and female participants exist on the total score of SES-DSDU. However, the male participants scored higher on two of the sub domains than the female participants.
Keywords: Self-esteem, Self- concept, Gender, Young Adults, Positivity, Openness, Competence, Humility, Self- worth and Learning orientation"
Effectiveness of expressive arts techniques, Mandalas and written Disclosure Paradigm on general psychological and physical health
By: Swati (2018)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Gopal Chandra Mahakud
"Expressive arts acts as a bridge between the conscious and unconscious mind. Artistic expression can inspire an individual in unexpected ways and can even help to reach a meditative state of mind. Creativity, imagination, release and reflection are the main aspects of expression through arts. The aim of the present study was to explore and assess the effectiveness of expressive art therapy techniques, Mandalas and Written Disclosure paradigm on general psychological and physical health. And it was hypothesized that “Mandalas and written disclosure paradigm will lead to significant positive change in the general psychological and physical health”. The process helped to get an understanding about the nuances of creative expression, The present study used a single case design approach wherein thorough analysis of 6 participants were done. The design of the study was ABA. For the purpose of assessing the effectiveness of the art therapy techniques: Expressive Writing and Mandala drawing (intervention), pretest and posttest scores of four tests were compared. Firstly MMSE (Mini Mental Status Examination) was assessed. And for the purpose of finding changes in psychological health DASS and CMI were also administered. Then after that the Zung self-rating Depression Scale was done. The one-month long intervention period included pretests of these four questionnaire followed by intervention and finally the posttest. And for analysis of Mandalas the self-interpretations of the participants was taken and themes were generated from it. Empirical evidence was found to validate the participants interpretations. The analysis of expressive writing included extracting verbatims from the participants writings. And after a thorough analysis, the results revealed that the intervention was effective in case of Participant 1, Participant 2, Participant 3 and Participant 5, with slight decreases in scores of Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, Cornell Medical Index and Zung self-rating Depression Scale and increase in Mini Mental Status Examination scores. And the introspective reports also supported the subjective effectiveness of intervention for these participants.
Mandalas help to gain clarity to spiritual growth. The process of creating Mandalas is healing and it generates good health and well-being. And Expressive Writing counteracts the stress of inhibiting emotions and helps in a cathartic release.
Keywords: Expressive arts, Mandalas, Written Disclosure paradigm, Creative Expression"
Effect of cognitive Behavioral Therapy on tobacco abusers and alcohol abusers
By: Vandita Tewari (2018)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Gopal Chandra Mahakud
"Researches exploring the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy have shown that, CBT has been an effective measure to treat tobacco abusers and alcohol abusers. Especially, according to a number of studies CBT in combination with a number of other therapies like contingency management, behavioral support etc. is much more effective.
The present study was done to examine the effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on alcohol abusers and tobacco abusers. The data was collected from East Delhi, both from urban and semi-urban or slum areas. The statistics used for the data analysis was Mann-Whitney U Test. The findings from the Mann-Whitney U test suggests a significant difference between pre-test and post-test for tobacco addicts (p<0.05). There was also a significant difference between pre-test and post-test for alcohol addicts (p<0.01).
Addiction of any sorts is at rise. Every other person is addicted to something or the other but the most common remains to be tobacco addiction and alcohol addiction. These two can be seen in every other household. People are getting aware about it but there is no knowledge about its treatment other than medication, which only the client can have a record of. Hence, a much more effective and handy technique is necessary for its treatment in combination with medication. Hence, the study was conducted not just to study the effectiveness of CBT but also to impart knowledge about this technique.
The limitations of the study include small sample size, homogeneous sampling, inefficiency of the tools used to measure the level of addiction in a short-time span and CBT being effective for just a short period of time. The paucity of research in this area demands greater research attention. Different research methods such as an experimental method and qualitative methods can also be used to gain a holistic understanding of this area.
Key Words: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Tobacco Addiction, Alcohol Addiction, CBT, Addiction"
Death anxiety and quality of life in rural and urban elderly: A correlational and comparative study
By: Zebaish Varma (2018)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Gopal Chandra Mahakud
"The present study was done to examine the relationship between death anxiety and quality of life in rural and urban elderly. The data was collected from 120 people from South Delhi and Bor Garh Village, New Delhi. The statistics used for data analysis include Pearson Product Moment Correlation, ANOVA and post-hoc analysis. The findings from correlation suggest no relationship between death anxiety and quality of life. The findings from ANOVA suggest that there was a statistically significant difference that was found between urban male and rural male, urban male and rural female and urban female and rural female, respectively on self-esteem (p<0.05). There was also a significant difference that was found between the goals and values (p<0.05) of urban male and rural male and urban male and rural female. It has also been found that the learning, helping behavior, social support system and death anxiety showed a significant difference (p<0.05) in urban females and rural females. Also rural males and rural females were found to be significantly different in their sense of community. The limitations of the study include small sample size, non-random sample, lack of appropriateness of the study concept for the target population and the self-report measure induces socially desirable responses in the participants. The paucity of research in this area demands greater research attention. Different research methods such as an experimental method and qualitative methods can also be used to gain a holistic understanding of this area.
Keywords: Death anxiety, quality of life, urban males, urban females, rural males, rural females."
Understanding Attachment and coping styles of adults who have lost a parent: An exploratory study
By: Manvi Sharma (2018)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Gopal Chandra Mahakud
"Parent-child relationship is considered the most sacred and valuable relationship providing as the building block for further relationships that would be formed later in life. Losing a parent can be a paralyzing and highly distressing life event which can affect an individual’s cognition, physical health, behavior and emotion. This connection has a transient nature as it keeps changing and evolving throughout lifetime. In the early years, guardians sustain, support and guide their children’ development, the focus is more on nurturing the child.Losing a loved one, especially a parent can lead to an emotional turbulence making an individual feel hopeless, helpless and abandoned thereby reflecting this void and emptiness in one’s intimate relationships due to the uncertainty of anyone leaving him or her at any moment in life. However, the feeling of loss or grieving is also subjective in nature due to individual differences and certain factors determining the intensity of the loss and reflecting in an individual’s thoughts and feelings. Mourning is the process followed by loss, which has no defined time period per se, as in the case of loss of a parent, the grieving or the mourning period can be a lifelong process. The demise of a parent can evoke sentiments of weakness, misfortune, yearning; a strong need to have a parent around 'perpetually' to share our future achievements and offer help in our critical crossroads. The objective of the present study was to explore and understand the effects of this irreplaceable loss on an individual’s attachment and coping styles. To meet the purpose of the study, in-depth interview was conducted and themes were emerged from the transcribed data case by case using interpretive phenomenological analysis. The themes emerging from each interview were examined out of which the commonly occurring themes were closeness, spiritual outlook, acceptance, emotional support and sense of responsibility.
Keywords: Loss, attachment, coping, mourning, spiritual outlook, acceptance, emotional support."
Aggression Among Teachers:A Study On Its Correlates And Managing It Through An Intervention
By: Mili Aggarwal (2018)
Ma Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Vibhuti Gupta
Abstract:
The study was divided into two parts, wherein the first part of the study aimed to study the aggression among the teachers and its relationship with empathy and quality of student teacher relationship. Data was drawn from 111 teachers, teaching at various levels (Pre-primary, Primary, Middle and High) and across various types of school (Government, Private, Public and Trust). Due to lack of equivalent cases across the different types of school government, public and trust schools were taken together as welfare schools and private school was taken as commercial school. Three scales were given to the teachers to assess their aggression (Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire-Short Form), Empathy (Toronto Empathy Scale) and quality of student-teacher relationship (STRS-Short Form). The result depicted a negative and significant correlation between Aggression and Empathy; Aggression and quality of student-teacher relationship; Aggression and Age of the teachers and Aggression and years of service. We also found there wasn’t any significant difference between the Aggression, Empathy and Quality of Student teacher relationship of the teachers at welfare and commercial school. Lastly we saw that Pre-primary teachers were higher in aggression than Primary, Middle and High school teachers. Thus in the 2nd part of the study, an intervention was developed and given to 15 pre-primary teachers, where we saw that the intervention was successful in bringing about a decrease in aggression and increase in empathy & quality of student teacher relationship. There wasn’t any significant difference found in a single day intervention and three day intervention and finally, the effect of the intervention also remained constant after a gap of one week in the delayed posttest for a one group.
Keywords: Aggression among teachers; Empathy; Student-teacher relationship; intervention
An Analysis of Stress in Undergraduate, Postgraduate and Doctorate Students: Prevalence, Sources and The Coping Strategies They Used
By: Harpreet Kaur (2018)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Gopal Chandra Mahakud
Abstract
Undertaking higher education has become requisite to survive and prosper in the current world. Along with the perks and benefits that follow undertaking higher education, there is also a downbeat aspect attached to it. Stress in a student’s life is unavoidable and requires constant use of techniques or strategies to deal with such stressors. A student experiences stress from different areas of life such as academic, personal, interpersonal as well as environmental or social stressors. In this regard the current study thus aims to explore the prevalence of stress; sources of stress and the coping strategies students use to deal with such stressors. The student population is further segregated on the basis of the degree they are pursuing, i.e., undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate students. The main objectives designed for the study were (1) to identify the prevalence of stress, sources of stress and coping strategies used between undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate students. (2) to identify whether there is a significant difference between undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate students based on their gender, and (3) to identify whether there exists a significant relationship between prevalence of stress, sources of stress and coping strategies used by undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate students. 10 hypotheses were designed for the current study catering to the needs of the objectives and analysis of the collected data was done accordingly. Data for the current study was collected using random sampling procedure. A sample size of 238 students was selected for the current study divided among undergraduate (n1=88), postgraduate (n2=108) and doctorate (n3=42) students under the age group of 17 to 34 years. The assessment instruments used for the current study are (a) Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen et al., 1983) for assessing prevalence of stress, (b) a self-constructed and standardised Sources of Stress Scale consisting a list of 31 items divided on the basis of academic, interpersonal, intrapersonal and environmental sources of stress. Finally, (c) Brief Cope scale (Carver, 1997) was used for assessing the coping strategies used by the students. All the three scales were standardised using a pilot study done on the same group of population. The resultant reliability and validity results indicated their acceptability and usability in the current context. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 17 was used to analyse the collected data using descriptive and inferential statistics measures, i.e., Mean, Standard Deviation, t-test, One-way ANOVA and Pearson product moment correlation.
The results of the study are depicted in tabular and figurative format which shows that out of the total student population (n=238), 85.22% undergraduate students, 85.18% postgraduate students and 76.19% doctorate students are experiencing either moderate or higher levels of stress. The most stressful source for all the group of students was intrapersonal source i.e., stress arising due to personal issues and conflicts. Least source of stress arise from environmental source i.e., sources relating to other than one’s immediate self, categorised within daily hassles. An analysis of the use of coping strategies indicate that the most used coping strategies are acceptance, active coping and positive reframing for students having low perceived stress while students having high perceived stress mostly use self-blame coping strategy. The least used coping strategy for all group of students is substance use. The results of the inferential statistics administered using t-test, One Way ANOVA and Correlation. The correlation analysis revealed that there is a significant relationship between prevalence of stress, sources of stress (and its domains) and 14 coping strategies used by each group of students depicting that all the three domains are partially related to each other. Using t-test, effect of gender was assessed on the three domains foe each group of students individually and then combined. Results of the t-test revealed that gender does not have a significant impact on major of the variables although a significant effect is only seen on 4 variables namely, interpersonal sources of stress, use of self-distraction and positive reframing coping strategies where females scored significantly higher than males. Males scored significantly higher than females on the use of substance as a coping strategy.
Analysis done using One Way ANOVA and post-hoc comparison of the resultant data showed that undergraduate, postgraduate and the doctorate group of students do not differ from each other in prevalence of stress, sources of stress and use of coping strategies except for significant difference on academic sources of stress (postgraduates scoring higher than doctorates), instrumental support (undergraduates and doctorates scoring higher than postgraduates), behavioural disengagement (undergraduates scoring higher than postgraduates) and self-blame (Undergraduates scoring significantly higher than postgraduates). The overall findings of the study indicate that some of the null hypotheses were retained (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7) while others were rejected and an alternate hypothesis was accepted (8, 9 &10).
Implications of the current study include providing effective feedback to the student population about the prevalence of stress, sources of stress and the use of coping strategies by them which would be productive for them to analyze and make use of active coping strategies instead of negative or avoidant coping strategies. Further, designing teaching programmes and special aids for students undergoing stressors in their academic life is also an initiative of the current study which will ultimately contribute towards reduction of stress and improvement of mental health in students.
Keywords: Stress, sources of stress, coping strategies, undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate students, perceived stress scale, brief cope.
Academic year: 2019
THE ARCHETYPAL EXPERIENCE OF LOVE: ANALYSIS OF FOUR TALES FROM MAHABHARATA
By: Ujjaini Kushari (2019)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Eric Soreng
Love as a concept is strangely vague and despite multiple research endeavors, it retains certain mystery about itself. The present study was undertaken to decode certain aspects about love in intimate relationships. Research was conducted to understand the archetypal experience of love in the Indian context. For the purpose of this study, four tales from Mahabharata was taken and Jungian analysis was conducted using archetypal amplification. The process of analysis revealed the significance of striving for inner psychological and outward relational balance, the importance of children (metaphorical), and essence of generational love experience, among other things. The study opens avenues for further exploration in the area of generational experience of love, and also by taking into consideration a varied milieu of text that represents the Indian psyche better.
Reframing the "Feminine" in the Women's Empowerment discourse: An Interpretive
Phenomenological Account of Working Women
Submitted by: Archisha Bhattacharjee (2019)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Ishita Upadhyay
Abstract
Empowerment is recognized as one of the most important dictums in the field of
Development in contemporary times. The current study intends to examine the lived
experience of empowerment in working women in order to get an insight towards the forces
that govern the female psyche by adopting an Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis
Framework. Given that the work that surrounds the theme of empowerment, it is seen that
women are accorded a vulnerable position within the positivistic paradigm of research. Through a qualitative research paradigm this study focuses on women with access to basics needs of experiencing empowerment such financial resources and employment on how they make sense of their experiences highlighting the (un)lived experiences of women by looking at the construction of the female psyche in conjunction with the social reality that one is a part of. The findings on the study shed light over how women seemingly oscillate between constructed sense of self and the culturally scripted self — highlighting the paradoxes that are deeply infused at the psychological level that translates into every day operation.
Keywords: Gender, Empowerment, Self, Female Psyche
Right now and beyond: qualitative study on the challenges of millennials search for meaning in life
By: Mitakshara Medhi
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Ishita Upadhyay
Abstract
The present studies seek to understand how the millennial generation constructs meaning in their lives, and the challenges they face in doing so. This comes from the understanding that today's times are those of rapid and continual stimuli owing to the development in technologies, and the Internet. The millennial generation was born into this era, and have lived their Ivies intricately with social media. For this study, 14 participants (7 females, 7 male) were selected majorly through snowball sampling. A semi-structured interview schedule, constructed by the researcher, and reviewed by expert, and peers, was devised for data generation. The participants were then interviewed according to the schedule, and asked about their lives. After the data was generated, transcripts were made, and coded. After the coding, the hermeneutic phenomenological method of analysis, based on Gadamer's understanding was used for analyzing the data, along with the researcher's reflections and positions being explicated. Results found seven themes, and one grand theme. The themes included a desire for timelessness: to live on in the collective memories, in search of independence: to be beyond parental of stagnation, traveling as an escape from monotony, the concrete idea of a distant and abstract purpose, a chaotic inner world, and the hero that emerges victorious through suffering. The grand theme that emerged was Rapid Contraction and Extraction of Self.
Keywords: meaning in their lives, challenges, millennial generation, hermeneutic
phenomenological method, Self.
THE MILKMAID AND THE COWHERD: UNDERSTANDING THE DISCOURSE OF
RADHA KRISHNA AND ISSUES AROUND LOVE AMONG METRO CULTURE
By: RAJESWARI BANERJEE (2019)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Ishita Upadhyay
Abstract
The present body of work, 'The Milkmaid and the Cowherd : Understanding the Discourse of Radha Kirshna and Issues Around Love Among Metro Culture' aimed at exploring the various
representations of Radha Krsihna, as received from the participants belonging to the metro culture. It also aimed to explore the understanding of honor killings, a contemporary issue
around love and witness how it co-existed with the worship of Radha Kirshna, whose love was
considered to be bereft of social labels. A common man imitation of the same would be received
with punishments and social ostracization. These two points of inquiry were tried to be explored
through the use of a semi structured interview. The fifteen participants of the study were divided
into two groups the expressive and non-expressive arts group. The data gathered was analysed
using a process of thematic analysis introduced by Braun and Clarke. The results showed that for
the expressive arts category, the representation of Radha Kirshna was through the lens of bhakti
whereas for the other group, it was witnessed from the lens of the physical body, drawing
inspirations form commercial media. As far as the co-existence of the Radha Kirshna tradition
and honor killings was concerned, it was seen to be the result of the God fearing acts of people
rather than actual devotion to God, these themes have been further discussed.
Insights Into The Relational Facets Of Self Harm: A Qualitative Study
By: Avilasha Sengupta (2019)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Ishita Upadhyay
Abstract
The present study aimed to examine the existing perspectives around self-harm. The study also aimed at examining the dyadic relationships in the experience of self-harm. With an assumption of the self being more than the physical boundaries of an individual, the researcher attempted to understand the bonds developed between self-harming individuals and their 'others' with a focus on the harmer's location of the self. For the purpose of the research 2 focus group discussions were conducted, including 25 male participants (mean age: 16 years) belonging to the lower socio-economic population. The findings of the research revealed an impact of disordered relational spaces in terms of familial violence on the repeated patterns of behaviour in new associations among adolescents. The research also found media to be a strong influence in the conceptualization of relational spaces and in determining the behavioural patterns among adolescents.
Keywords: Self Harm, Familial Violence, Media Influence, Adolescents
REFUGEE SURVIVAL IN DELHI: A NARRATIVE ANALYSIS
By: DIVYANSHI PANDEY (2019)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: DR. ISHITA BHARADWAJ
Abstract
The history of migration is as Old as the history of human beings. Movement was seen as a
way of life that ensured survival. Similarly, adversities and suffering are marked as obligatory elements of the human experience. Together, it is only natural to expect traces of migration because of extreme adversities scattered throughout history, However, migration has been seen to take multiple forms. The present research focuses on those individuals, who are classified as 'refugees' because of a forceful displacement from their homes, that has led them seeking asylums in other nations. Following the said- unsaid trajectories of refugee experiences, the present research aims to explore how these individuals then empower themselves, and realize their inspirations as they navigate through the spaces in the host nation. A narrative analysis was used to explore how the refugee individual interpret their experiences and are in turn shaped by them, through the stories they present, under the power structures of politics, border, identities and difference, grounding it in the context of their living. The major findings of the research were surrounding the ideas of Identity and Identity reconstruction. This was seen inherently connected to the state and the governance which was politically impressing certain ethnic identities, leading to a questioning of the very freedom that was sought in the host nation, the narratives presented by the participants also delivered a working understanding of collective witnessing of trauma and then its implications on Encountering the psychic other where we saw, how even the 'self" within the individual, at times, was othered.
Keywords: migration, refugee, displacement, narrative analysis, trauma, encountering
Exploring The Self Through The Intersection Of Death And Violence In Popular Media: A Qualitative Study
By: Nilanjana Bordoloi (2019)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Ishita Bharadwaj
Advancement in technology and wide spread globalisation is a result and in turn contributed to multifarious forms of media. Popular media has weaved into every space of our life in an intricately finer (in) visible thread of the ‘I’ as a consumer. The present research investigates our intersection with existential concerns around death and violence through exploration of self. For the purpose of the study three forms of media particularly film, internet news and social media has been taken. Semi structured interview has been used as a method of data collection for a total of 13 participants and analysis was carried out using Thematic Analysis by Braun and Clarke (2006).
Keywords: self, media, technology, globalisation, consumer, existential, death, violence
Qualitative Study of Lived Experiences of Nurses of Cancer Patients: From “Me” to “We” and “We” to “ Me”
By: Manya Krishna (2019)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Ishita Upadhyay
The present study was conducted with an aim to build an understanding about the lived experiences of nurses through their encountering of cancer patients. For the present study a sample of 12 nurses of 30 to 54 years of age from oncology wards of government and service hospitals were taken. Existential Phenomenological Approach was taken as the methodology to make sense of their experience in order to develop a deeper, holistic understanding of their encountering with cancer patients. The data was collected through semi structured in depth interview of nurses which took place in oncology wards of the hospitals.
The data was analyzed using thematic network analysis and three main global themes namely caregiving across space and time, from “me” to “we” at “personal level” and “we” to “me” at societal level and idealization of caregiving which emerged. The pertinent themes which were culled out were search, engagement and harmonization with space to “be”, time: as a healer and reminder, loss of today as loss of tomorrow, caring for and being cared for, holding back part of oneself in order to balance whole, taking responsibility of being but not getting consumed by it, unaddressed burnout, perpetual state of experienced dissonance, and evading sense of accountability in the face of uncertainty. The findings of the study have implications as they clearly hint towards creation of spaces in the medical setup which accommodate the being of the nurses in their entirety.
Keywords: Lived Experience, We, Me, Caregiving, Phenomenology
THE ROLE OF PERCEIVED PARENTING ON THE QUALITY OF ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP AND PERSONALITY OF YOUNG ADULTS
By VANDITA SHARMA (2019)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: PROF. NANDITA BABU
The present study investigated the relationship of perceived parenting with quality of romantic relationship and personality traits in young adults. Gender difference in the perception of parenting is also compared. Further, it explores perceived parenting as predictor of intimacy, passion and commitment in romantic relationship. This cross-sectional research is conducted on across a sample of 150 participants (67=Males, 83=Females) who are presently in romantic relationship and their age ranges from 20-25 years. Parenting Scale developed by Bhardwaj et. al. (1998), Sternberg’s Triangular Love Scale (STLS, Sternberg, 1998) and Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Revised-Short From (EPQR-S; Eysenck, Eysenck, & Barrett, 1985) were used for data collection. The data was statistically analysed using Pearson Coefficient Method of correlation and Stepwise Multiple Regression method. The results of the study showed that all modes of parenting are significantly and positively correlated with intimacy. However, only four modes of parenting are found to have significant relationship with passion and commitment. No gender difference is seen in perception of parenting. With respect to personality traits, psychoticism and neuroticism are significantly related with parenting, whereas extraversion has non-significant relationship.
Keywords: Perceived Parenting, Love components, Personality traits, Romantic Relationships.
Examining the Role of Belief, Desire, and Outcome Information on Moral Judgements of Negligent Conduct
By: Vagisha Joshi (2019)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Nandita Babu
The study aimed to explore the influence of information about the agent’s desire and belief (mental state) and the outcomes of their actions, on participant’s judgements of wrongness and punishment, in cases of negligence. It was hypothesized that wrongness judgements would be influenced primarily by mental state information, whereas punishment judgements would be influenced by both mental states as well as outcome information. 63 participants (n= 32 for Experiment 1 and n= 31 for Experiment 2), within the age group of 18-25 years were recruited. The study used a repeated measures design, where the participants responded to eight scenarios corresponding to eight different experimental conditions. A repeated-measures ANOVA was used to analyse the data so obtained. It was found that wrongness judgments were primarily influenced by outcome information and punishment judgements were influenced by both the mental state as well as outcome information. The results are discussed in light of the present literature and the implications of the findings are highlighted in cases of ethical decision making in the context of negligence.
Key Words: Moral Judgment, Negligence, Belief, Desire, Consequence, Wrongness, Punishment
A Cross Cultural Study of Body Image and Social Anxiety among Adolescents and Young Adults
By: Mohammad Farid Fahiz (2019)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Nandita Babu
Body image and social anxiety are the most common concerns of people nowadays. The concept of body image is now globally studied and known to be a multidimensional construct, consisting of appearance evaluation, appearance orientation, body areas satisfaction, and overweight preoccupation. Further, social anxiety disorder is a concern of public scrutiny or embarrassment in social situations. It is one of the most common mental disorders all around the world. In this cross cultural study, an attempt has been made to compare the differences in body image and social phobia between Afghans and Indians. The objective of the study was to investigate the perception of body image and social anxiety of male and female adolescents and young adults across the three age groups from India and Afghanistan. A Multidimensional Body Self Relation Questionnaire (MBSRQ) and Leibowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) were used to collect data from 245 participants in both countries; Afghanistan (n = 119) and India (n = 126). The research found that there is a strong cultural effect on both perception of body image and social anxiety. It is also indicated that Indians have higher level of social anxiety than Afghans. The effect of gender and age on social anxiety was found to be significant. Females had higher level of social anxiety than males and adolescents have higher level of social anxiety than younger adults. The limitation and scope for future study have been discussed.
Keywords: Body image, Social anxiety disorder, culture, gender differences, adolescents, young adults
A Comparative Study of Pro Social Behavior of Children Belonging to Joint and Nuclear Families
By Iram Fatima (2019)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Nandita Babu
Pro social behavior is a highly valued form of social behavior that has a range of effects from psychological functioning to social adjustment of the children. Understanding pro social behaviour within the context of family is an important area of research since families provide children with ongoing opportunities to develop pro social skills. The major goal of the current study was to investigate the differences in terms of family structure on pro social behaviors of children, i.e. to examine whether children belonging to joint families differ significantly in terms of exhibiting pro social behaviors than children belonging to nuclear families. Another objective was to study and identify the developmental pattern of pro social behaviors through the ages of three to five by determining whether there is a significant difference in the pro social behaviors of 3, 4, and 5-year old children. The study made use of the tasks to assess the pro social behavior in a sample of 90 children belonging from different family structures and age groups. A 2*3 ANOVA on SPSS was used to analyze the data. It was found that children from joint families were significantly higher in terms of pro social behavior than children from nuclear families, however no such significant difference is seen across different age groups. The interaction effect of family type and age on pro social behavior was also not significant. The findings suggest that pro social behaviors of the children are affected by the family structure with which the children grow up. Further research is needed to clarify specific socialization processes, including the qualities and types of interactions that form the basis of pro social development in children.
Role Of Emotion Regulation And Self-Compassion On Resilience
Of Medical Practitioners
By Sophia Sharma (2019)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Nandita Babu
The present study was conducted with the aim of understanding the role of emotion-regulation and self-compassion on resilience of medical practitioners. The study also examined the interrelationships among all the variables and find out the significant predictors of resilience. The research investigated the age and gender differences among doctors on each of these variables. For this purpose, data were collected from 120 doctors falling within the age bracket of 25-45 years and 46-68 years. Psychometrically sound instruments were used to assess the participants on each of these variables. The Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (Connor and Davidson 2003), Emotion Regulation Scale (Gross and John, 2003) and Self-Compassion Scale (Neff, 2003) were employed for the purpose of this study. 2×2 factorial design was used to understand the age and gender related differences in resilience, emotion regulation (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression) and self-compassion. The data was statistically analysed using 2 way ANOVA, Pearson Coefficient Method of Correlation and Linear Multiple Regression. Thematic analysis was used to draw out major themes from the interview data. The findings of the study revealed significant age and gender related differences in resilience, cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression and self-compassion. In addition, cognitive reappraisal and self-compassion were found to be significantly positively related to resilience while expression suppression is significantly negatively related to resilience. These variables were significantly and positively related to each other too. Also, cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression and self-compassion significantly predicted resilience. The findings of the study have implications for doctors and healthcare organizations.
The Relationship Between Academic Procrastination And Anxiety Amongst Undergraduate, Postgraduate, And Doctoral Students: A Correlational And Comparative Study
By: Ms. Vaidehi Mishra (2019)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Gopal Chandra Mahakud
Academic Procrastination and Anxiety are two psychological factors that are on the rise in the educational setting. Students from elementary schools to higher levels of education, including research and doctoral students are not free from these two factors. Procrastination, especially of academic nature, and anxiety are concepts that seem to go hand in hand. When people procrastinate, they invariably feel anxious about their act. Some studies have confirmed the relationship between academic procrastination and anxiety in relation to education. According to Knaus (1998) almost 90% of the student population and 25% of the world’s population have reported their procrastination as chronic. Moreover, the penchant to postpone work is observed as a self supposed behavioral issue (Solomon & Rothblum, 1984). Students are aware of their acts of procrastination and this is shown by McCown and Roberts (1984) who discovered that a large number of students alleged that their tendency to procrastinate interfered with their performance on academic tasks hence increasing their anxiety and stress. A few studies have also found the relationship between academic procrastination and anxiety in reference to educational level. Chapell et. al. (2005) conducted a study in which he compared the anxiety scores of undergraduate and postgraduate students. It was found that the higher the GPAs of the students, more the anxiety in the female students as compared to the male students. The study also showed that postgraduate students experience a higher degree of anxiety as compared to graduate students. The study stated that the higher the level of education, more the anxiety. The level of stress is considered to be on the rise with the increase in the educational level (Saber et al., 2012). There are very few studies on academic procrastination done on postgraduate students and barely any on doctoral students. Most of the studies in this domain are done on high school students and a few on undergraduate students. There is a lack of research on the correlation between academic procrastination and anxiety as well for students pursuing higher education. Not more than three studies have been done in the Indian setting on academic procrastination and barely any have been done correlating it with anxiety and comparing the results amongst undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students. Although studies have been conducted in this field, there is a stark difference between developed and underdeveloped countries when it comes to the number of studies conducted. Therefore, the present study was planned and conducted to see the relationship between academic procrastination and anxiety and the comparison of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students in relation to these two psychological factors. The data was collected from the campuses of various Universities in the Delhi-NCR region. The Tuckman Procrastiantion Scale (Tuckman, 1991) and the State-Trait Anxiety Test (Vohra, 1991) were used the collect the data. The questionnaires were distributed to each individual in their classroom or outside the departments in places such as the canteen or the lawns using proper ethical guidelines. From this study it was concluded that academic procrastination and anxiety increased with the level of educational qualification; this was especially observed in the case of academic procrastination. Doctoral students emerged as the group who has a high tendency to procrastinate and feel anxiety, both trait and state, as compared to Undergraduate or Postgraduate students. Postgraduate students also had a higher level of procrastination as compared to Undergraduate students, although their scores on anxiety were not significantly different. Nevertheless, it was seen that all three groups of participants correlated highly on both academic procrastination and anxiety.
Keywords: Academic Procrastination, State Anxiety, Trait Anxiety, Anxiety, Procrastination, Undergraduate Students, Postgraduate Students, Doctoral Students
Family Environment, Social Contagion And The Prevalence Of Deliberate Self Harm Among Indian College Students.
By: Eileen Potsangbam (2019)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Priyanka Anjan Rao
The present study entitled ‘Family Environment, Social contagion and the Prevalence of Deliberate self harm among Indian College Students’ is undertaken keeping in mind the lack of research on self harm among community samples in India, the lack of research on the social contagion of self harm in the Indian context and Indian self harm research in general. Research studies from all over the world suggest that College and School students are the most under studied as well as highly vulnerable section when it comes to self harm. The bulk of Indian studies concerning deliberate self harm were carried out in either general or psychiatric hospital settings in relation to either psychotic, developmental or other types of disorders. Klonsky (2007) stated that moving toward self harm research among community samples could provide better and well rounded answers regarding this phenomenon and aid in the growth of interventions targeted at the community level.
The aim of the present study was to investigate four aspects of Self harm behaviour in the Indian context among both the undergraduate and post graduate population. The difference, if any, in the prevalence of Deliberate self harm behaviours among male and female college students in India; Their methods and motivations for self harm; The influence of family environment on their Self harm behaviours; and Finally, their experiences and opinion regarding the Social contagion of self harm tendencies. This study made use of quantitative measures wherein data was collected from 94 undergraduate and post graduate participants using the Functional Assessment of Self mutilation (FASM) by Lloyd (1997), and the Family Environment Scale (FES) by Sanjay Vohra (1997). The participants also answered three questions that were carefully devised by the researcher to shed light on their insight and experiences regarding the probable contagion of this phenomenon. This study’s theoretical basis is the functional approach to deliberate self-harm, as well as the environmental model that posits that the contagion of self harm occurs due to circumstantial influences.
The findings of the study show that 36 of the 94 participants have/had a history of Deliberate Self Harm. Out of these 36 people, 17 were male and 19 were female. T- test indicates that there is a significant difference in the prevalence of Deliberate self harm among the males and the females in the sample (p=.000; p<0.05). Findings from the FASM point out that, primarily in the past year, the most common method used for self harm in this study include ‘cutting or carving the skin’, ‘self-hitting’, ‘pulling hair’, ‘picking at wounds’ and ‘biting themselves’. Further, the motivation for self harm for the majority of the participants was to ‘feel relaxed’, ‘punish yourself’ and ‘to stop bad feelings’. Findings from the FES indicate that the families of individuals without a history of Deliberate Self Harm score higher on the dimensions of Competitive Framework, Cohesion, Expression and Organization, than individuals who have a history of Deliberate Self Harm. Interestingly, however, Moral Orientation scores are higher for the families of Individuals with a history of self harm. Furthermore, findings of the study indicate that 30 of the 36 participants who have a history of self harm may have acquired or experienced episodes of co-occurrence of deliberate self harm by way of social contagion.
Further, implications of the study comprises of the need for continued studies on the phenomenon of social contagion of self harm in a larger sample; the methods and motivations reported by Indian University Students, who self harm, that are not as prominent in other studies; and further research on the family dimensions as endorsed by the FES in relation to self harming and non-self harming individuals, so as to have more empirical support.
The present study was relatively successful in its endeavor to explore this manifestation of vulnerability within the youth in India. The findings indicate the need for greater understanding and awareness among the masses about the phenomenon of self harm, as well as need for interventions targeted toward the college going youth.
Key words: Deliberate self harm, community samples, young adulthood, Indian context, social contagion, family environment.
An Exploratory study to understand the correlation between "Selfie and Narcissism".
By: Sarika Singh Kharwar (2019)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr.Priyanka Anjan Rao
The purpose of the present study is to see the narcissism with respect to the Selfie. The aim of the study is to see the correlation of selfie with narcissism. For collection of data questionnaire is used as a primary source. The selfie behavior scale, and for knowing the relationship of narcissism with respect to Selfie, using hypersensitivity Narcissism scale given by H.A Murrey (1938). These questionnaires are used tool for data collection. In this study the participants were students and randomly selected from different schools and colleges, with in age groups 14 years to 28 years both male and female. Google form and survey method is used as a method for data collection. The quantitative data were analyzed t test to find the differences between selfie and narcissism in male and female with respect to level of selfie. The findings suggest that there is significant difference between selfie and narcissism in male and female. Pearson correlation revealed a positive relationship between selfie and narcissism. There is a lack of researches is focusing on the psychological consequences of selfie and its correction with narcissism. Outcomes of study help to understand the patterns of selfies.
Keywords: Selfies, Selfie, Hypersensitivity Narcissism
A PERSPECTIVE TOWARDS MINDFULNESS, COPING, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL- BEING THROUGH THE LENS OF VIPASSANA
By: GUNJAN SHARMA (2019)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Avinash Kumar
ABSTRACT Seeing things as they are- the essence of Vipassana is something that has been studied by various researchers under the umbrella of mindfulness. Vipassana, as a practice of meditation is beyond the concept of mindfulness itself. This area of research is still growing, encompassing the field of meditation as a practice towards improved overall functioning of human beings. A multitude of investigative attempts in this direction have been categorized as indigenous and therefore, criticized by many as unscientific, subjective, and limited in scope. The present study is a foot forward in the direction of statistically and objectively understanding Vipassana as a practice of meditation and a way of living, which has spillover effects in other areas of life like perception of stress, coping behavior, psychological well-being, and overall state of mindfulness. This research initiative, hence, aims at understanding the effect of vipassana meditation on dispositional mindfulness, perceived stress, and coping styles of adults. Secondly, it also aims at assessing the relationship between mindfulness and the variables of stress, coping, and psychological well-being. For this, the researcher adopted various measures of assessment including, the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, PWB or Ryff’s Psychological Well- Being Scale, and Coping Styles Questionnaire. Data was obtained from 70 adults, both, meditators and non- meditators. Meditators’ sample included 35 individuals, comprising both males and females who practice vipassana meditation. Nonmeditators included also 35 individuals, comprising both, males and females who do not practice vipassana. The hypotheses were- there will be significant difference in average dispositional mindfulness of meditators and non- meditators; there will be significant difference in the coping styles of meditators and non- meditators; there will be significant difference in the psychological well- being of meditators and non- meditators. The research hypotheses were tested for significance using the t- test. Correlational analysis at the intra- sample level was also done to study the relationship between various variables, operant in both the samples, meditators and non- meditators. The hypotheses were- there will be significant positive correlation between mindfulness and psychological wellbeing; there will be significant positive correlation between mindfulness and personal growth aspect of psychological well- being; there will be significant positive correlation between mindfulness and self - acceptance aspect of psychological well – being; there will be significant positive correlation between mindfulness and positive relations aspect of psychological well – being; there will be significant negative correlation between mindfulness and emotional coping; there will be significant negative correlation between mindfulness and avoidance coping. The findings of the study were in congruence with six out of nine hypotheses.
Key words: vipassana meditation, mindfulness, psychological well-being, coping styles, meditators
Mental Health, Physical Health & Social Health of Primary Caregivers Of Hiv Aids And Cancer Patients: A Comparative Study
By: Himani Bector (2019)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Gopal Chandra Mahakud
Abstract
A caregiver is a member of an individual‘s immediate social network such as parent, spouse, guardian, etc. who assists them in their daily routines and activities (PharmacoEconomics, 2008). Their roles entail caring for an individual suffering from chronic illnesses and taking care of their mundane needs which is tedious and straining for them. Furthermore, despite the essential roles played by caregivers, their roles are gravely undermined since the past. Acting as a caregiver for a person suffering from a chronic disease, this stress is escalated exponentially. Pertaining to the stress/strain of taking care of an individual(s) paired along with neglect of their significant economical contribution and loss of important opportunities (both professional and personal), caregivers experience substantial physical and mental drain out. With an extent to examine and understand this phenomenon the researcher conducted the present study with an aim to investigate the level of severity of Physical Health (PH), Social Health (SH) and Mental Health (MH) of the caregivers of HIV AIDS and Cancer patients. The researcher further wanted to understand the relationship between Physical, Social and Mental Health of Primary Caregivers of HIV AIDS and Cancer Patients and compare the Physical Health, Social Health and Mental Health of Primary Caregivers of Cancer and HIV AIDS Patients. They study was conducted on a sample of 60 participants following purposive random sampling. The participants were selected from the I.P.D. and O.P.D. Departments of government hospitals in the Delhi NCR region. The participants were divided into two groups namely n1 (Primary caregivers of AIDS Patients) and n2(Primary caregivers of Cancer Patients) consisting of 30 participants each. Three inventories were used to assess the physical, social and mental health of the participants: Self- Developed and Standardized Physical Health Inventory, Self- Developed and Standardized Social Health Inventory and Mental Health Inventory (MHI- 38; Veit, 1939) respectively. The data was analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive analysis included computing of frequency, percentage, range, mean and standard deviation. Inferential statistics involved computing Pearson Product moment correlation and Independent samples t-Test to present correlations and comparisons of means for participants of both the groups respectively.
Results of the study revealed that the comparison of both the Groups n1and n2 across the three domains of physical, social and mental health revealed that apart from a few domains there was a significant difference amongst various variables when it comes to comparison of Physical, Social and Mental health of Primary Caregivers of HIV AIDS and Cancer Patients. Correlation amongst the three scales also elucidated to significant correlations between some variables of the inventories hence, implying that physical, social and mental health are intercorrelated and a severe impact on one will also manifest in the other two dimensions of health. The implications and limitations of the study have also been discussed.
Keyword: Primary Caregiver, Cancer, HIV-AIDS, Physical Health, Social Health, Mental Health
IMPACT OF SUBSTANCE USE ON DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY IN CRIMINAL AND NON-CRIMINAL ADOLESCENTS: A COMPARITIVE STUDY
By: Nandini Ajay Kumar (2019)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Gopal Chandra Mahakud
Abstract
Objective. The aim of the present study was to see the relationship between substance use, anxiety and depression of criminal adolescents and non-criminal adolescents. Besides that, the researcher also intended to find out the difference of substance abuse, anxiety, and depression between criminals and non-criminals further dividing male and female from both criminal and non-criminal population.
Method. This study was conducted on adolescents presently living in the rehabilitation centres. It was hypothesized that (1) there will be a significant relationship between substance use and depression in adolescent criminals; (2) there will be a significant relationship between substance use and depression in adolescent non-criminals; (3) there will be a significant relationship between substance use and anxiety in adolescent criminals; and, (4) there will be a significant relationship between substance use and anxiety in adolescent non-criminals. For the purpose of this research, a sample of 120 employees was chosen according to purposive random sampling. There were three scales used for the purpose of data collection. For screening substance use Drug Abuse Screening Test was used. For assessing the level of depression among adolescents, Beck‟s Depression Inventory was administered. And, for assessing the level of anxiety, Beck‟s Anxiety Inventory was administered.
Results. Results showed that for criminal males, substance use and depression were found to be significantly correlated. For criminal females, there was a positive correlation between all the variables. In non-criminal males, it was found that substance and depression were negatively correlated, however, with anxiety it had a positive correlation, and, in non-criminal females too, there was a negative correlation between substance use and depression, and a positive correlation between substance use and anxiety. Lastly, analysis of variance was done to see the comparison difference between the four groups, which came out to be significant.
Keywords: Substance Use, Depression, Anxiety, Adolescents, Criminal, Non-Criminal Substance Use, Depression, Anxiety
A Study of /Self-concept, Individual Efficiency, Virtual psychosocial and other factors of Mental Health among Males, Females, Married and Unmarried Adults of Indian Population
By: Ritu Yousuf (2019)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Gopal Chandra Mahakud
For all people, mental, physical and social wellbeing are essential and joined strands of life. As our comprehension of this relationship develops, it turns out to be perpetually obvious that psychological wellness i.e., mental health is vital to the general prosperity of people, societies and nations. In a scenario like this, the understanding of mental health and the factors that are constantly are involved in affecting the state of mind becomes essential to better understand and benefit the treatments in cases of mental health illnesses. Individuals live around such numerous number of factors that influence the pattern of thinking, feeling and the behavioral components. Studying these factors is a prerequisite in understanding the psychology of an individual, viz the mental understanding to study behavior better. In the current time, there is a lot of pressure from various sectors of educational and corporate importance, which are mandatory to survive in the community as its integral part, in a tight situation as such the constant stressors must be learnt to be dealt with in order to avoid and prevent any imbalance to the psychological functioning of the individuals. Thus studying and understanding them in detail is of crucial importance to a healthy life, only when the understanding is clear is when mental health can be kept sane, and in complete harmony. In this current study, the level of Self-concept, Individual efficiency, Stress, Anxiety, Psychosocial Positive Receptivity, Virtual Psychosocial Positive Receptivity, Psycho vocational stability, depression and adaptability are analysed among males, females, married and unmarried adults in the sample population (n=200). The understanding of these factors was found to have a significant effect on mental health through the scale constructed, Mental health scale (MHS). It was found that there was a significant relationship in all these parameters among males, and also among females. There was a slight significant difference in the levels and impacts of these parameters between males and females in the sample adult population. It was found that there was a significant relationship in all these parameters among married and unmarried adults. There was a significant difference in the levels and impacts of these parameters between married and unmarried in the sample adult population. An understanding this can be further explored for the effect these parameters have on the psychological process and eventually on the mental health of individuals.
Relationship Of Emotional Quotient, Social Quotient And Intelligence Quotient With Depression, Stress And Anxiety In Female And Male Adult Population In Delhi-Ncr
By: Bhavya Saluja
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Gopal Chandra Mahakud
ABSTRACT
Intelligence in any form such as social, emotional and general, is necessary for a smooth social, professional and personal life of an individual. The assessment of these attributes is necessary because the person having low general, social and emotional intelligence may have different difficulties and mental health issues in their life. Even today in many of the developing, under developed and even in the developed countries, people are not serious and not ready to accept that their mental health issues, daily hassles, problematic lives are related to their psychological capitals. Therefore, the present study was planned to assess and investigate the Emotional Quotient (EQ), Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and Social Quotient (SQ) levels and to examine their relation to different mental health issues such as Stress, Depression and Anxiety in both male and female adult population. In this the researcher collected information from a total of 100 adult participants aged 18-30 those who are going to start a new phase of life. The assessment of psychological attributes can help the researcher and even the participants for better interventions and for future improvements. For the collection of information, the researcher used various tools such as Schutte’s Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT, 1998) for assessing emotional quotient ; Tromso Social Intelligence Scale (TSIS, 2001) for measuring social quotient; Culture Fair Intelligence test (CFIT, 1949) for measuring intelligence quotient; DASS scale for measuring depression, stress and anxiety levels (1995). Following the ethical guidelines of research and test conduction, the entire data of the present study was collected by referring to the respective manuals of the tools used. The result of the present study indicates that there exists a significant positive correlation between EQ and SQ, a significant negative correlation of stress, anxiety and depression exists with respect to both EQ and SQ.
The results also indicate a significant positive correlation among the variables of stress, depression and anxiety. It can be concluded that assessment of general intelligence, social intelligence and emotional intelligence are necessary for every individual especially at the time of adolescence and adulthood because these variables are the most important psychological attributes that can predict the positive and negative aspects of life. The present study can direct the parents, school authorities especially teachers to build emotional, social and general intelligence of the students/children that can prove to be helpful in the management of their daily hassles at the present and even in future.
Keywords: depression, anxiety, stress, social intelligence, social quotient, emotional intelligence, emotion quotient, general intelligence, intelligence quotient.
‘Crushing The Stress’: An Experimental Study On The Positive Impact Of Casual Video Games In Indian Context
By Asmita Jain
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Vibhuti Gupta, PhD.
Abstract Research on Casual Video Games in the Indian context are focused on exploring the negative ramifications of gameplay such as addiction and sedentary lifestyle effects. With the growing rise of video game therapy and the increasing use of casual games for cognitive training and stress relief in applied settings, there is a need to analyze the positive ramifications of casual video games in India. In this research study, two positive benefits of casual games are looked at: stress relief and cognitive benefits. The research is an experimental design study that aims to examine these positive effects in contrast to an assigned control task. The design is a repeated measures design in which 30 participants, between the ages of 18-28y act as their own controls. The study analyzes the impact of popular American casual game, Bejeweled Classic on stress; measured through blood pressure, heart-rate and state anxiety; and reaction time through the Stroop Task. The data was analyzed using a paired sample t-test.
Results did not support the first hypothesis that casual video games reduce stress. The second benefit, however, that of cognitive benefits of casual games, was found to be statistically significant by a p value of 0.01. The study is useful in contributing to the literature of Indian studies that examine positive ramifications of casual games and proposes alternate game designs that maybe more applicable for the Indian population. Keywords: casual video games, stress relief, cognitive benefits, repeated measures design
The Relationship Of Fear Of Missing Out With Self- Esteem, Loneliness And Social Networking Addiction In Indian College Students: A Correlational Study
By: Megha Dhoundiyal (2019)
Ma Applied Psychology
Fear of Missing Out or FoMO is the fear that others are having more rewarding experiences. It often manifests in the form of anxiety and constantly checking social networking sites. Young people are especially vulnerable to FoMO. The present study was conducted to find the relationship between FoMO and self-esteem, loneliness and social networking addiction in a sample of Indian college students. A total of 160 (89 females and 71 males) participants took part in the study. They were between the ages of 18 and 25- a demographic that forms one of the highest social networking site users. It was found that FoMO correlated negatively with self-esteem and positively with loneliness and social networking addiction. This implies that increases in levels of FoMO are associated with decreases in levels of self-esteem. On the other hand, increases in FoMO are also linked to increases in levels of loneliness and social networking addiction. It was suggested that FoMO fuels excessive use of social networking sites which exposes the user to negative consequences such as lowering of selfesteem, increasing loneliness and greater social networking addiction.
Key words: FoMO, self-esteem, loneliness, social networking addiction
Impact Of Infertility On Emotional Stability And Quality Of Relationship In Marriage
By: Pooja (2019)
Ma Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Priyanka Anjan Rao
The inability to conceive is a stressful situation that affects both husbands and wives. The consequences of infertility impacts psychological wellbeing and marital relationship. As per NIPO 70% women and 50% men considered childlessness to be one of the most significant and distressful life event faced by an individual. The present study explored the relationship among males and females regarding emotional stability and quality of relationship in marriage. A sample of 100 individuals were taken (male -50, female-50) were chosen , in the age range of 25-30 and 31-35 infertile using purposive sampling technique. There were 3 scales which were administered on the participants, namely emotional stability scale by Sanjay Vohra and relationship assessment scale by Hendrick. The result of the study concluded (a) There is a significant difference between males and females regarding emotional stability.(b) There is no significant difference between males and females regarding quality of relationship. (c)The correlation analysis between quality of relationship and emotional stability is found to be positive. Though ,the strength of the relationship concludes to be moderately positive
EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ATTITUDE TOWARDS HELP-SEEKING, MASCULINITY AND EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IN MEN: A MIXED METHOD APPROACH
Submitted By: Pooja Rawat (2019)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Priyanka Anjan Rao
ABSTRACT It has been established that men are less likely to seek help for psychological concerns, making them more susceptible to Mental Health concerns. In light of these findings, the current study aims to explore the relationship between Help-seeking, Masculinity and Emotional Intelligence in men. Using a mixed method approach, the study employs both quantitative and qualitative methods to present a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between these variables in real life. The objective of the current study is (a) to study the relationship between Attitudes towards professional Help-seeking, Masculinity and Emotional Intelligence, (b) to study the Attitudes towards professional Help-seeking, Masculinity and Emotional Intelligence in Student and Working males, and (c) to study the subjective experiences of males with regard to Mental Health, Emotional Expression and Masculine roles. The study consists of 155 males, both Working and Student, aged between 18-28 years of age. The study employed a demographic questionnaire, Attitudes towards Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale Short-Form, the Gender Role Conflict Scale-Short Form, and Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test was used to gather the quantitative data. iii For the qualitative data, the Interview schedule was prepared, based on the objective of the study and review of literature, aimed at exploring the subjective experiences and understanding of the participants. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics for the quantitative data, i.e., correlational analysis, Multiple regression and t test. While Thematic Analysis was used to derive themes from the narratives of the participants. It was found that Attitude towards Help-seeking, Masculinity and Emotional Intelligence bear a significant correlation. The results state that both Masculinity and Emotional Intelligence are strong predictors of the Attitudes towards Help-seeking in men. Moreover, significant differences were found between the Working and Student groups on the three variables under study. And through the qualitative analysis, six key themes around their conception of health and especially Mental Health, their experience with Help-seeking, Emotional expression and living with “toxic” Masculinity were discussed. Therefore, interventions are required that are targeting the masculine norms and promoting emotional skills in men from early stage of life, to encourage help-seeking behaviour. Concludingly, these interventions that lead to increased help-seeking will be consequential in their overall Mental Health and Well-being.
Exploring The Relationship Between Physical Activity, Psychological Wellbeing, Body Appreciation And Perceived Stress
By: Gurmanprit Kaur (2019)
Ma Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Priyanka Anjan Rao
Abstract
The value of several forms of physical exercise, activity and sport in the promotion of health is universally recognised. The present research compared the psychological well-being, body appreciation and perceived stress of people who regularly participate in different forms of physical exercise with people who don’t engage in any form of physical exercise. For the purpose of the research, a total of 108 people aged between 19 and 45 years were targeted to fill the questionnaire measures of psychological wellbeing, body appreciation and perceived stress. The main findings of the study state that persons engaging in regular physical exercise or activity perceived themselves as having more self-acceptance, environmental mastery, personal growth, autonomy, positive relations with people which together states an overall better psychological wellbeing than the people who are inactive in physical exercise. Moreover, they also sense more appreciation for their body and lesser perceived stress than the non- exercisers.
Keywords: Physical activity; Psychological well-being; body appreciation; perceived stress.
Human Intelligence: A Corollary Of Genome And Habitat
By Tripureshwari Paul
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. S. P. K. Jena
Abstract
We are born with nature molded by nurture. Studies have confirmed the productive role of genes and environment on an individual. This study examines the relationship of parental genotype values on the intellectual ability of their children. Keeping in mind that academic achievement- learning capacity of student through normative education, a function of exposure to family environment & pathology with intellectual quotient of the individual. Purposive sampling was used and children between ages 11 & 12 years and their respective parents were involved. The results found significant relationship of Offspring IQ to Parental IQ, maternal IQ demonstrating higher values of correlation. Female IQ was significant to maternal IQ and male IQ was significant to paternal IQ. With Academic Achievement not significantly correlated to IQ, it was determined that Competitive framework, freedom to expression and Recreational Orientation in family affect child’s academic performance.
Keywords: academic achievement, environment, family environment, family pathology, genotype, intelligence quotient, maternal IQ, paternal IQ
Relationship between Emotional Intellegence, personality type with marital adjustment and satisfaction
By: Nikita Chaudhary (2019)
MA Applied Psychology
ABSTRACT
The Aim was the present study is to see the relationship between personality type, emotion intelligence with Marital Adjustment and Marital satisfaction. The study was conducted on 60 married couple on 60 married couple. The marriage variable was divided into two groups they were love marriage and arrange marriage both the group had 30 pair of marriage couple. the result of the study suggested in relation to male arrange married participant indicate that there is a negative correlation between extraversion and marital satisfaction .and marital adjustment negative although there is a positive correlation between extraversion and marital adjustment positive similarly through personality trait agreeableness, consciousness , neurolosim , and openness are positively correlated with marital adjustment positive but it is not significant. the present study is going in favor of the arrange marriage. Therefore, from the result of the present study and from the empirical evidences it can be suggested that before taking an imp decision for marital relationship everyone should go for psychological assessment and counselling that can improve the happy and marital life with high marital satisfaction and will minimize the marital conflict in divorce.
Keywords: Marital Adjustment, Marital satisfaction, Personality traits, Emotional Intelligence, Marital conflicts.
Exploring The Experiences of Bullying By Teachers In School: Perspective Of College And University Students
By: D. Srivalli (2019)
Ma Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Priyanka Anjan Rao
Abstract
The problem of abuse by teachers in the form of corporal punishment, neglect, and emotional harm in schools is prevalent. The impact of the same is well documented. The present study attempts to understand the experiences of the bullying by teachers in school, and its impacts. The study focused on both the bullying an non bullying teachers. The data was collected from 100 college and university students. The questionnaire used was based on S.Twemlow and P. Fonagy (2006) study . The questionnaire had four sections namely a) Demographic profile B) Dynamics of male and Female Bullying teacher, and C) impact of bullying. It also included open ended question regarding instances of bullying in accordance to mixed method approach. Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), by Dr. Morris Rosenberg was also used to check whether there is correlation between the two.
Keywords: Bullying teachers, Non-bullying teachers, abuse, emotional harm, Self esteem
Relationship between Parenting Styles and Drug Addiction in male Juvenile Delinquents: A co-relational study
By: Sayesha Goel
MA Applied Psychology
ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to observe the effects of parenting styles on juvenile drug addiction. We started with a hypothesis that there will be a significant contribution of parenting styles on adolescent drug abuse and children of Authoritarian parenting would be more susceptible to drug abuse. The study has been designed as a non-experimental exploratory survey method of research. The participants in this study were hundred adolescent inmates of the SPYM Juvenile de-addiction Centres. The measures used in this were Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire (PSDQ – G1), developed by Robinson et al. (2001). Items on the PSDQ-G1 are similar that to the items on the original PSDQ, however, the items are reworded to assess an adolescent’s perception of how he or she is/was parented during childhood. The second scale used was the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-20), was designed by Harvey A. Skinner and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada, to provide a brief, self-report instrument for screening, clinical case finding and treatment evaluation research. This study also conformed to the earlier studies that concluded that children of authoritarian parenting are generally more responsible for substance use in children than children of authoritative parents. Authoritative parenting has been found to have the best outcomes regarding adolescent substance use. Many previous studies have, specifically, shown that authoritative parenting is responsible for less use of tobacco, alcohol and illegal substances and drugs in children and adolescents. Permissive parenting has thrown up mixed results, some studies show that permissive parenting is linked to higher rates of substance use, while on the other hand other researchers have shown the opposite association. This study did not take into consideration items such as, having substance-using parents and deviant peers, which as per some earlier studies have been acknowledged as an important predictor of adolescent substance use, and the influence of peers seems to be greater than that of parents. And so more research focused on these is required.
The Effects of Media Exposure And Personality Traits On Body Image
By: Khamsuanmung Tonsingunder
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Priyanka Anjan Rao
Abstract
Body image has been an issue of concern since ages. However, there has been an increase in research on this topic in recent years as a result of the rise in reports of body dissatisfaction and its effects. Literatures on body image have suggested different factors for the construction of body image. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of media exposure and personality traits on body image. It is focused on examining whether media exposure has an effect on body image, whether personality traits play a role in body image, and to see whether there is a difference on body image among males and females. For this purpose, data was collected from a total of 200 participants – 100 males and 100 females. A non-experimental correlational design was used. The participants were measured on three domains using three different measures: the Eating Disorder Inventory-3-Body Dissatisfaction subscale to measure body dissatisfaction, the Sociocultural Attitudes towards Appearance Questionnaire-3 (SATAQ-3) to measure media influence, and the Big Five Inventory (BFI) to measure personality traits. It has been found that media exposure has a negative influence on body image causing more body dissatisfaction. Personality traits are also found to be related with body image; higher neuroticism leads to more body dissatisfaction, while higher levels of conscientiousness and openness to experience lead to lower body dissatisfaction. It was also found that females have higher body dissatisfaction as compared to males.
Doctor-Patient Relationship: Assessing their Clinical and Relational Empathy: A Correlational Study
By: Himani Sapehia (2019)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Priyanka Anjan Rao
ABSTRACT
With ever so increasing illnesses and with that the increase in medical world, do all the patients are treated the way they should be? And most importantly do doctors/clinicians actually care what circumstances the patient is in? With ever so increasing population of our Country, this question becomes important to be answered, and to our surprise it hasn’t been answered yet. So, to assess if the fast moving city of Delhi does have empathetic doctors, and what they call it as clinical empathy, we did a study to evaluated clinicians self-assessed empathy and perceived empathy of their patients. This was done with the help of 4 different scale, two of paired for each category (physicians and patients). Clinicians were assessed using International Reactivity Index (IRI) and Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy (JSE) HP version. And for patients we used Consultation and Relational Empathy scale (CARE) and Jefferson Scale of Perceptions of Physician Empathy (JSPPE). After scoring, analysis was done by calculating their correlation with the help of Pearson’s Correlation, ttest is also used to assess what gender has an effect on patient’s scores and further ANOVA is used to compare specialties of physicians with their self-assessed clinical empathy. This study shows us there is no correlation between doctor’s self-assessed empathy to that of patient’s perceived empathy.
Keywords: Clinical empathy, Physicians, Patients, Perceived Empathy
EXPLORING PSYCHO SOCIAL COMPLEXITIES OF WORKING MOTHERS: A GROUNDED THEORY
By: Nishtha Grover (2019)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Vibhuti Gupta
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to understand the psychosocial complexities involved in new mothers who were also working. For this purpose a qualitative design was adopted which combined semi structured interview as a tool of measurement and grounded method of exploration as a method of analysis. 10 married women who had children in the age range of 0-6 years and were working were chosen from Delhi-NCR area. An interview schedule was created to examine and search for categories which affected the transition to new motherhood. Each semi structured interview was done 2 times with every participant to gain an enhanced understanding of their psycho social worlds. Grounded theory method was used for analysis and to formulate categories from the transcribed interviews. Memos were referred back and forth for a deeper consideration of the true feelings and emotions that were shared during the session. The results revealed 5 major categories that affected new mothers who were working. These included – identity, work life balance, body image issues, marital satisfaction/dissatisfaction and sense of fulfilment. An interesting model emerged from the data which has not been established in Indian sector of working mothers till date which is –The stages of a working mother which included 5 interdependent levels which each mother went through.
Keywords- working mothers, motherhood, identity, stages of working mother, worklife balance, marital issues.
Effectiveness of Expressive Art Techniques, Mandalas On Emotional Intelligence and Mood of young Adults
By: Thounaojam Tarcia (2019)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Priyanka Anjan Rao
Abstract
Expressive arts therapy is an integrative approach that combines psychology and the creative process to promote emotional growth and healing. Expressive arts therapy believes that every individual has an innate ability to express their emotions through artistic and creative outlets. The aim of the current study was to assess the effectiveness of expressive art technique: mandala drawing on emotional intelligence and mood of young adults. For assessing the effectiveness of the mandala drawing intervention, 10 young adults participated in the study.The current study used a single case design approach, ABA. The participants were first administered with two tests, Emotional Intelligence scale and PANAS scale and the mandala drawing intervention on the three topics: mandala depicting joy and love, mandala depicting current mood and mandala depicting perception of self were provided followed by the post-test of these two tests. A total of 5 sessions took place including the pre-test, intervention, and post-test. Analysis of the pre-test and post-test scores of Emotional Intelligence and PANAS was done by using Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. The results revealed that mandala drawing intervention has
Keywords: Expressive arts, Mandalas, Emotional Intelligence, Mood, Wilcoxon Signed Ranked Test.
Family Environment, Social Contagion And The Prevalence Of Deliberate Self Harm Among Indian College Students.
By: Eileen Potsangbam (2019)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Priyanka Anjan Rao
Abstract
The present study entitled ‘Family Environment, Social contagion and the Prevalence of Deliberate Self harm among Indian College Students’ is undertaken keeping in mind the lack of research on self harm among community samples in India, the lack of research on the social contagion of self harm in the Indian context and Indian self harm research in general. Research studies from all over the world suggest that College and School students are the most under studied as well as highly vulnerable section when it comes to self harm. The bulk of Indian studies concerning deliberate self harm were carried out in either general or psychiatric hospital settings in relation to either psychotic, developmental or other types of disorders. Klonsky (2007) stated that moving toward self harm research among community samples could provide better and well rounded answers regarding this phenomenon and aid in the growth of interventions targeted at the community level.
The aim of the present study was to investigate four aspects of Self harm behaviour in the Indian context among both the undergraduate and post graduate population:
The difference, if any, in the prevalence of Deliberate self harm behaviours among male and female college students in India; Their methods and motivations for self harm; The influence of family environment on their Self harm behaviours; and Finally, their experiences and opinion regarding the Social contagion of self harm tendencies.
This study made use of quantitative measures wherein data was collected from 94 undergraduate and post graduate participants using the Functional Assessment of Self- mutilation (FASM) by Lloyd (1997), and the Family Environment Scale (FES) by Sanjay Vohra (1997). The participants also answered three questions that were carefully devised by the researcher to shed light on their insight and experiences regarding the probable contagion of this phenomenon. This study’s theoretical basis is the functional approach to deliberate self-harm, as well as the environmental model that posits that the contagion of self harm occurs due to circumstantial influences.
The findings of the study show that 36 of the 94 participants have/had a history of Deliberate Self Harm. Out of these 36 people, 17 were male and 19 were female. T- test indicates that there is a significant difference in the prevalence of Deliberate self harm among the males and the females in the sample (p=.000; p<0.05). The findings from the FASM indicate that, primarily in the past year, the most common method used by the participants in this study for self harm include biting themselves, self-hitting, pulling hair, picking at wounds and cutting/carving the skin. Further, the motivation for self harm the majority of the participants was to ‘feel relaxed’, ‘punish yourself’ and ‘to stop bad feelings’. Findings from the FES indicate that the families of individuals without a history of Deliberate Self Harm score higher on the dimensions of Competitive Framework, Cohesion, Expression and Organization, than individuals who have a history of Deliberate Self Harm. Interestingly, however, Moral Orientation scores are higher for the families of Individuals with a history of self harm. Furthermore, findings of the study indicate that 30 of the 36 participants who have a history of self harm may have acquired or experienced episodes of co-occurrence of deliberate self harm by way of social contagion.
Further, implications of the study comprises of the need for continued studies on the phenomenon of social contagion of self harm in a larger sample; the methods and motivations reported by Indian University Students who self harm that are not as prominent in other studies; and further research on the family dimensions as endorsed by the FES in relation to self harming and non-self harming individuals, so as to have more empirical support.
The present study was relatively successful in its endeavor to explore this manifestation of vulnerability within the youth in India. The findings indicate the need for greater understanding and awareness among the masses about the phenomenon of self harm, as well as need for interventions targeted toward the college going youth.
Key words: Deliberate self harm, community samples, young adulthood, Indian context, social contagion, family environment.
Assessing The Level Of Burden And Resilience Experienced In Parents Of The Children With Mental Retradation
By: Sarita Punia (2019)
Ma Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Priyanka Anjan Rao
Abstact
Mental retardation is a disability which is due to the intellectual and cognitive impairment of the child during or after the birth of the child and because of which the child is having IQ below 70. It is being categorized as the impaired social, mental, adaptive skills of the child. Because of the disability the child faces number of problems which may include physical, social, and emotional challenges which stress the child. Mental retardation is the disabilities which affects not only the child but the whole family. The sigma and discrimination the whole family go through is what break the family relation and the support system. The study aims to examine the burden and resilience experienced by the family member of the child with mental retardation. Zarit burden interview was used for examination their level of burden and for measuring there level of resilience, Cannor- Davidson resilience scale was administered. The interview was taken from 20 parents of mentally retarded children. The finding of the study stated that there was significant difference observed among parents of children with mental retardation on the bases of gender (male and female) the result are statistically significant at 0.01 level. There was also significant difference observed on the bases of locality (urban and rural) at 0.05 levels of significance. The result showed that there is negative correlation between burden and resilience among parents of children with mental retardation at 0.05 levels of significance. As thematic analysis was done the most experience stress among parents of children with mental retardation was the concern about the future of their child. Majority of the parents experience burden related to financial problems, lack of social support and their child health and future. Because of which their mental, physical, and social health is negatively affected. There should be intervention programmes which can be conducted by hospital or school seating to help and support the parents and their children with mental retardation. To increase awareness and stress management, relaxation techniques can be explained by the mode of workshops.
Key work - Mental Retardation, Cognitive Impairment, Resilience, Burden
- OTHER (MISCELLANEOUS)
Understanding the Dynamics of Sibling de-identification Process in a Two Sibling Dyad
By: Arushi Bhatia (2016)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Nandita Babu
Abstract
Sibling relationships are emotionally powerful and critically important not only in childhood but over the course of a lifetime. Siblings form a child's first peer group, and children learn social skills, particularly in managing conflict, from negotiating with brothers and sisters. The current literature on sibling de-identification addresses a theoretical oversight of the entire phenomena rather than addressing the common influences and dynamic nature that govern the de-identification process. The present study tried to study the phenomena of de-identification in siblings through a qualitative lens without keeping any pre-conceived domains or categories to study the differences between two siblings. The aim of the study was to gain a better conceptual understanding of the de-identification process in siblings and to study the factors / mediators influencing this process. These effects were also studied as a function of age and gender configuration within the sibling dyads. The sample comprised of 12 sibling pairs (24 participants) with a maximum age gap between the siblings being 2 years. Personal and combined in-depth interviews were taken to meet the objective of the study and the data was then analyzed using the 'Thematic analysis' approach. The differentiation was found to be higher in same-gender siblings compared to opposite-gender siblings and with regard to birth order, it was seen that later-born siblings are more likely to identify with their earlier-born sibling's behavior than the reverse highlighting role of parents, identity struggle in adolescence, Lack of acknowledgement as some of the crucial indicators of the de-identification process.
Key words: Sibling De-identification, Adolescence, Gender, Qualitative lens.
Development of Theory of Mind and Moral Reasoning During Early Childhood Years
By Mehreen Fatima (2018)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Nandita Babu
Theory of mind and Moral reasoning are two separate but related domains of social cognition. Theory of mind refers to the ability to impute mental state to oneself and others, whereas moral reasoning refers to the ability to make judgments about rightness or wrongness of behaviour. The present study examined the developmental pattern of theory of mind and moral reasoning, as well as the relation between the theory of mind & moral reasoning in children. Theory of mind & moral reasoning tasks specifically designed for the present study were administered on ninety 3-year old, 4-year old & 5-year old children. It was found that the three age groups differ significantly from each other in both theory of ‘mind scores & moral reasoning scores, and that both the abilities tend to get better with age. Also, children with developed theory of mind performed significantly better on moral reasoning tasks, as compared to children with under-developed theory of mind. The analysis of responses given to the theory of mind tasks revealed that the explanations given by children get more complex with age. In case of moral reasoning tasks, the children moved from giving consequence-based responses to intention-based responses. It suggests that explanations given by children also tend to get more sophisticated and sensible with age. However, more research is warranted to arrive at any concrete conclusion.
Role of Sibling Sex Compositions in the Development of Gender Role Attitudes Across Ages
By- Sukanya Chakraborty (2018)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Nandita Babu
The study explored the role of sibling sex compositions (younger brother-elder brother, younger brother-elder sister, elder brother-younger sister and younger sister-elder sister) on the development of gender role attitudes across ages (8,10 and 12 year olds). The sample consisted of younger siblings (N=215) from a 2-sibling household, living in a nuclear family in New Delhi. Three tasks were administered: (a) ascribing gender appropriate labels, (b) selecting a protagonist for non-gender specific stories, and (c) the children’s attitudes towards Women Scale (Antill, Cotton, Russell & Goodnow, 1996). The objectives were to examine the development of gender role attitudes across sibling sex compositions and ages; the pattern of choice of response for male and female characteristics; and pattern of gendered response across domains of excellence. Results revealed that children’s’ gender role attitudes showed a main effect of sibling sex compositions and age, but no interaction effect. Chi square analysis revealed a gendered response pattern on the domains of sports, bravery and courage, and freedom of choice. Male sibling with an elder brother attributed excellence to males, while female siblings with an elder sister attributed excellence to females. 8-year-old children attributed excellence to males, more than 10 and 12 year olds. Finally, percentage based analysis revealed that male siblings with an elder brother categorized most words as male characteristics, while very few words were chosen as female characteristic across all compositions. With an increase in age, categorization became less demarcated in nature, as 12 year olds attributed more words as characteristic of both genders. The study may have implications in children’s’ ability self-concepts, self-worth and efficacy, family dynamics and conflict, and help develop interventions.
The Effect of Language Switching, Mode of Presentation and Cognitive Style on False Memory in Bilinguals Across Ages
By: Taru Parnika Srinete (2018)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Nandita Babu
The research aims to investigate the effect of mode of presentation, switching of languages during encoding and retrieval and cognitive style on false memory in bilinguals across ages. For the purpose, a sample of 174 English Hindi bilinguals from young children to middle aged adults, were recruited. The participants were exposed to four language combination word lists including two same languages and two different languages during encoding and retrieval. The word lists were presented in two modes- visual and auditory. Also, an instrumental music and picture were exposed to see their impact on false memory. It was found that participants gave higher veridical recall in same language retrieval and higher false recall in alternate language retrieval. There was no significant difference found between two modes indicating that auditory and visual modes have equivalent effect on false recall. Field dependence, another variable, showed a direct and positive significant relation with false memory and increased with increase in age. Effect of age on false memory was also found to be significant. The research has academic and theoretical implications as well.
Keywords- False memory, language combinations, mode of presentation, field dependence, age differences.
THE CONCEPT OF LIE AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING AND FALSE BELIEF UNDERSTANDING IN 5 AND 6 YEARS OLD CHILDREN
By Radhika Khurana (2019)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Nandita Babu
The present study explored the role of false belief (FB) understanding and executive functioning
(EF) in understanding of the concept of lie in 5 and 6 years old children. The concept of lie
includes both telling and detecting a lie. Further, nonverbal semantic leakages observed in
children while telling a lie and the cues used while detecting a lie were explored of both ages
separately. 60 children of 5 years (n=60) and 60 children of 6 years (n=60) were selected for the
study (n=120). Half of the sample from each age group (n=30 each) was administered telling the
lie task and the other half (n=30 each) was administered detecting the lie task. Day night stroop
task for inhibitory control and backward word series task for working memory were
administered to assess EF, while FB task were used to assess FB understanding. The results
showed a significant increase in understanding of the concept of lie (as a whole), EF (total),
inhibitory control, working memory and FB understanding in 6 years old, however no significant
effect of condition (telling or detecting the lie) was observed on lie scores. The variables were
found to be significantly correlated with each other and it was also noted that EF as a whole and
inhibitory control in particular were significant predictors of FB understanding and concept of lie. The study also found that 5 years old show more nonverbal cues giving away the lie as compared to 6 years. Furthermore, 6 years old were able report the nonverbal cues they observed
while detecting a lie better than 5 years old.
Theory of Mind and Sibling Relationship Quality in Adolescents: The Role of Birth Order and Gender Based Sibling Groups
By: Betina Abraham (2019)
MA Psychology
Supervisor: Prof. Nandita Babu
The present study looked into how theory of mind development and sibling relationship quality differ across the varied sibling groups based on gender composition, namely brother-brother (n=30), brother-sister (n=30) and sister-sister (n=30) dyads, as well as across birth order, including, older (n=45) and younger sibling (n=45). The participants were 90 adolescents, aged 10 to 15 years, who participated as sibling pairs. The data analysis revealed a significant difference across the birth order in the factor pertaining to ‘power’ within sibling relationships, wherein, the older siblings were observed to have greater power within the sibling relationship dynamics. However, no significant differences were found between the gender based sibling dyads on their sibling relationship, as well as cognitive and affective theory of mind development. A significant impact was also observed on the perceived power within sibling relationships, as a product of the interaction of birth order and gender based sibling groups. The multiple correlation analysis carried out revealed that warmth and closeness within sibling relationship is significantly positively correlated with cognitive theory of mind, indicating that increase in warmth within sibling relationships is likely to positively impact development of cognitive theory of mind, in the case of adolescents. However, other factors of sibling relationship quality, namely, conflict, power and rivalry were found to have no significant correlation with the cognitive and affective aspects of theory of mind development.
The Relationship Between Academic Procrastination And Anxiety Amongst Undergraduate, Postgraduate, And Doctoral Students: A Correlational And Comparitive Study
By: Vaidehi Mishra (2019)
Ma Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Gopal Chandra Mahakud
Abstract
Academic Procrastination and Anxiety are two psychological factors that are on the rise in the educational setting. Students from elementary schools to higher levels of education, including research and doctoral students are not free from these two factors. Procrastination, especially of academic nature, and anxiety are concepts that seem to go hand in hand. When people procrastinate, they invariably feel anxious about their act. Some studies have confirmed the relationship between academic procrastination and anxiety in relation to education. According to Knaus (1998) almost 90% of the student population and 25% of the world’s population have reported their procrastination as chronic. Moreover, the penchant to postpone work is observed as a self-supposed behavioral issue (Solomon & Rothblum, 1984). Students are aware of their acts of procrastination and this is shown by McCown and Roberts (1984) who discovered that a large number of students alleged that their tendency to procrastinate interfered with their performance on academic tasks hence increasing their anxiety and stress. A few studies have also found the relationship between academic procrastination and anxiety in reference to educational level. Chapell et. al. (2005) conducted a study in which he compared the anxiety scores of undergraduate and postgraduate students. It was found that the higher the GPAs of the students, more the anxiety in the female students as compared to the male students. The study also showed that postgraduate students experience a higher degree of anxiety as compared to graduate students. The study stated that the higher the level of education, more the anxiety. The level of stress is considered to be on the rise with the increase in the educational level (Saber et al., 2012). There are very few studies on academic procrastination done on postgraduate students and barely any on doctoral students. Most of the studies in this domain are done on high school students and a few on undergraduate students. There is a lack of research on the correlation IV between academic procrastination and anxiety as well for students pursuing higher education. Not more than three studies have been done in the Indian setting on academic procrastination and barely any have been done correlating it with anxiety and comparing the results amongst undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students. Although studies have been conducted in this field, there is a stark difference between developed and underdeveloped countries when it comes to the number of studies conducted. Therefore, the present study was planned and conducted to see the relationship between academic procrastination and anxiety and the comparison of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students in relation to these two psychological factors. The data was collected from the campuses of various Universities in the Delhi-NCR region. The Tuckman Procrastiantion Scale (Tuckman, 1991) and the State-Trait Anxiety Test (Vohra, 1991) were used the collect the data. The questionnaires were distributed to each individual in their classroom or outside the departments in places such as the canteen or the lawns using proper ethical guidelines. From this study it was concluded that academic procrastination and anxiety increased with the level of educational qualification; this was especially observed in the case of academic procrastination. Doctoral students emerged as the group who has a high tendency to procrastinate and feel anxiety, both trait and state, as compared to Undergraduate or Postgraduate students. Postgraduate students also had a higher level of procrastination as compared to Undergraduate students, although their scores on anxiety were not significantly different. Nevertheless, it was seen that all three groups of participants correlated highly on both academic procrastination and anxiety.
Keywords: Academic Procrastination, State Anxiety, Trait Anxiety, Anxiety, Procrastination, Undergraduate Students, Postgraduate Students, Doctoral Students
The Effect Of Valence And Arousal On Vigiliance: An Experimental Study
By: Simran Gupta (2019)
MA Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Vibhuti Gupta
Abstract
The study examined how valence and arousal of images influence sustained attention. ‘‘Spotlight of attention’’ theory suggests that positive affect broadens, and negative affect narrows, one’s aperture of attention, whereas the arousal theory literature suggests that arousal level is what modulates attentional focus, with highly arousing affect capturing attention, regardless of valence. In the experiment, a Mackworth clock test was used to index the influence of valence, and arousal, on vigilance. Positive or negative images were displayed and their emotional responses were noted through PANAS. Findings suggest that positive valence level of images modulates the influence on sustained attention.
An Exploratory Study into Understanding the Prevalence of Internet Addiction and Its Correlation Between Internet Addiction, Social Support and Social Health in The Light of Demographic Variations.
By: Anjali (2018)
Ma Applied Psychology
Supervisor: Dr. Priyanka A. Rao
Abstract
This study aimed to see the prevalence of internet addiction among students and correlation between social support, internet addiction and social health. The study examined the correlation between internet addiction and social support that is available and its satisfaction with these people. This study examines the effect of internet addiction on the social behavior which includes the dimensions like interaction with home and family, friendships, and social and community life, getting along Attendance at religious services, Level of group activity, visits to homes of friends /relatives and Voluntary group membership. The participants have randomly recruited from different colleges of Delhi and completed a succession of self-completed questionnaires including the internet addiction test (IAT; Young, 1998), The RAND Social Health Battery, The Social Support Questionnaire (Irwin G. Sarason, 1983). The sample consists of 150 students (76male and 74 female) students of different institutes. This study sees the effect of demographic variables over the internet addiction and correlation of internet addiction between social health and social health. The quantitative data were analyzed using the finding means, frequencies, t-test and Pearson’s correlation to find out the relation between internet addiction and other variables. The finding of the study indicated that the prevalence of internet addiction among students is really high. 87% students fall under the category of internet addiction. The Pearson’s correlation indicates (r= -.374) which show there is a negative correlation between both internet addiction and social support. Pearson’s correlation is (r = -.234) for internet addiction and the social health, which shows that they are negatively correlated. The t- test results shows that there is no significant difference between males and females score on the prevalence of internet addiction and as well as on the social support and social health.
Keywords: Internet addiction; social support; school Student; college students; social health."