Journal of Psychosocial Wellbeing (JPSW) is a biannual journal dedicated to advancing knowledge and fostering critical dialogue on the intersection of mental health, social factors, and cultural dynamics. Our mission is to provide a high-quality platform that is relevant, inclusive, and thought-provoking, representing the diverse voices and perspectives of mental health professionals, researchers, academicians, and scholars worldwide. JPSW invites original research articles, literature reviews, critical commentaries, case studies, and book reviews that explore the complex interplay of psychosocial factors. By emphasizing the social and cultural dimensions of mental health, JPSW aims to contribute to evidence-based practices, policy development, and a deeper understanding of psychosocial wellbeing. We welcome contributions that challenge conventional paradigms, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and address emerging issues in the mental health field.
Psychosocial Dimensions of Medical Social Work Practice: Roles, Job Satisfaction and Organisational Role Stress
Medical social workers play a crucial role in addressing the psychosocial dimensions of healthcare, yet their practice realities remain underexplored in the Indian context. This study explores the various roles, functions, job satisfaction, and organizational role stress of medical social workers using the qualitative case study method. Participants from government hospitals, private hospitals, and palliative care NGOs were selected from Thiruvananthapuram district in Kerala. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were used for data collection, and the data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that a wide range of psychosocial functions were performed by the participants, their nature varying across settings. The palliative care setting offered the greatest role clarity and autonomy, while private and government hospitals constrained their practice through institutional priorities and resource limitations. All participants reported higher levels of compassion satisfaction, which served as a protective factor against occupational adversity. Extrinsic dissatisfiers identified were lower remuneration, limited career development opportunities, and absence of professional supervision. Major organizational role stressors like role overload, role ambiguity, role erosion, and role inadequacy were identified, all of which created a psychosocial care paradox, where the medical social workers responsible for patient wellbeing operated within conditions that affected their well-being. This study, thus, calls for equitable career opportunities and professional status for medical social workers and the organizational adoption of a biopsychosocial model of healthcare, where psychosocial care receives equal importance as biomedical care.
Intersection of Sarcopenia and cognitive decline: An umbrella review using HOMA-IR and NIRS
Sarcopenia and cognitive decline frequently co-occur in ageing populations and share overlapping biological pathways, including physical inactivity, insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and altered muscle-brain signalling. Skeletal muscles, as a key insulin-sensitive and endocrine organ, may play a central role in linking metabolic dysfunction to neurocognitive impairment. However, the mechanistic integration of systemic metabolic markers and muscle-specific physiological measures remains insufficiently synthesized. Objective: To synthesize existing evidence on the interrelationships between sarcopenia, insulin resistance and cognitive decline with a specific focus on the roles of the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and nearinfrared spectroscopy (NIRS) as complementary metabolic and physiological assessment tools. Methods: A comprehensive umbrella review was conducted, including narrative reviews, systematic reviews, scoping review, methodological reviews and observational studies published between January 2000 and January 2026. Studies examining associations between physical inactivity or sarcopenia, insulin resistance, muscle or cerebral oxygenation and cognitive outcomes were included. Findings were synthesised qualitatively due to heterogeneity in study design and outcome measures. Results: Population-based studies consistently demonstrated strong associations between sarcopenia and elevated HOMA-IR, independent of obesity. Mechanistic and methodological reviews highlighted impaired muscle oxidative capacity and mitochondrial dysfunction as early features of inactivity and metabolic decline, reliably assessed using NIRS. Preclinical and integrative human evidence supported a muscle-brain axis mediated by insulin resistance, myokine dysregulation and neurotropic signalling, contributing to cognitive impairment. Conclusion: Sarcopenia represents a metabolically active contributor to cognitive decline rather than a passive consequence of ageing. Integrating HOMA-IR and NIRS provides a multidimensional framework for identifying high-risk individuals, monitoring intervention responses and advancing understanding of the muscle-brain axis across the lifespan.
Suicide is a complex, multifactorial phenomenon and growing public health problem. Most of the physical health problems are rarely the sole cause for a suicide and are often compounded by other issues. The presence of physical conditions is a risk factor for suicidal behaviour. Aims: To explore about how the physical illness/pain precipitate suicide. Methods: For this, literature has been looked for manually as well as through electronic resources like PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Global Health, Google Scholar, IndMED, JSTOR, and Research Gate. The abstracts of relevant papers were independently examined by author. Out of eighty five, there were fifty two papers met the criteria for the analysis. Conclusion: There is strong association between physical health like “high blood pressure, heart attack/stroke, chronic headache, chronic pain, migraine, back pain, respiratory conditions, epilepsy, cancer, heart disease or attack, stroke, HIV/AIDS, sleep disorders, insomnia, traumatic brain injury, coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, neurological conditions, diabetes, osteoporosis, chronic pulmonary disorder, incontinence, renal failure or disease, hearing or vision impairment, congestive heart failure, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, asthma, cerebral infarction and diabetes, chronic ischaemia, gastrointestinal, sensory impairment, chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis ,ehlers-Danlos syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic Lyme disease, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, restless leg syndrome, liver disease, male genital disorders, arthritis/arthrosis, malignant diseases, Huntington’s disease, stage kidney disease” and suicide. Understanding these associations may help to develop suicide prevention strategies.
Psychosocial Interventions as Predictors of Parental Resilience and Child Mental Health in Inclusive Education Settings: An Integrative Narrative Review
Background: Psychosocial interventions focusing on emotional support, coping skills and parent – teacher cooperation have proven to be revolutionary systems to enhance parental resilience and child mental health. Objective: To combine existing theoretical and empirical literature regarding psychosocial interventions as predictors for child mental health and parental resilience within inclusive education environments. Method: Narrative review with systematic components was undertaken through the use of databases like Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, ERIC and Taylor & Francis. Keywords used were psychosocial interventions, parent training, psychoeducation, parental resilience, family resilience, parental coping, child mental health, emotional wellbeing, inclusive education and family support programs. English peer-reviewed publications published between 2000 and 2025 were searched. Quantitative data synthesis or meta-analysis studies also included. Results: Thematic analysis identified that psychosocial interventions enhance parent's emotional regulation, coping and social connectedness – core indicators of resilience – which predict improved emotional and behavioural adjustment among children in inclusive settings. Family-centered and school-based collaboration interventions were the most consistent in yielding benefits. Conclusion: Psychosocial interventions are essential predictors of resilience and well-being among parents and children in inclusive education. Parent-school partnerships, community support systems and emotional literacy can be fortified to build resilient ecosystems critical to success in inclusive schooling.
Grief among the Children and Adolescents during the COVID19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of children and adolescents. Millions of children worldwide have lost loved ones due to COVID-19, making bereavement during childhood one of the most traumatic experiences, often associated with a range of immediate and long-term risks to social, emotional, and physical well-being. This review aims to summarize current evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on grief in children. Evidence from the scientific literature indicates that the severity of grief in children is influenced by multiple risk factors, which may contribute to the development of prolonged grief disorder (PGD) among children and adolescents who have lost family members due to COVID-19.
Efficacy of Pranayama Practice in Enhancing Psychosocial Well- being of Adolescences
Background: Pranayama or breathing techniques, are important not only for supplying fresh oxygen and strengthening the lungs but because they have a direct effect on the brain and emotions. Pranayama presents a powerful, natural, and scientifically supported approach to improving adolescent mental health Adolescence is a transition phase and a period of growth between childhood and adulthood. Aims- To evaluate the application of 'Yogic Pranayama' on academic performance in relation to well-beings (emotional well-being, psychological wellbeing, social well-being, spiritual well-being, self-awareness well-being, and physical well-being) of boys student. Materials and Methods: This is experimental research, 240 adolescents between the age group 14-16 were randomly selected and divided into two equal groups (control and experiments). Data was collected using Data were collected using Wellbeing Inventory, grouped into 6 different dimensions- emotional well-being, psychological well-being, social well-being, spiritual well-being, self-awareness well-being, and physical wellbeing. Results Pranayama is useful and cost effective approach. Eight week of pranayama practice significantly enhance the psychosocial well -being of adolescence especially in the area of emotional well-being, psychological well-being, social well-being, spiritual well-being, self-awareness Well-being, and physical Well-being on experiment group. Conclusion: Pranayama improves focus, health, posture, confidence, and stress control of the adolescence. Schools should include yoga/Pranayam in daily routine. So, that student feels more active, calm, and ready to learn.
Comparative Analysis of Burnout among Medical and Psychiatric Social Workers in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Background. Medical and psychiatric social workers carry the psychosocial work of the clinical team, including counselling, discharge planning, welfare linkage, and rehabilitation. Heavy caseloads and emotional labour place them at risk of burnout, yet comparative data on the two cadres in India are scarce.Objective. To assess and compare burnout between medical social workers (MSWs) and psychiatric social workers (PSWs) in a government tertiary care setting in North India.Methods. A hospital-based cross-sectional survey enrolled 100 social workers (50 MSWs, 50 PSWs) by purposive sampling. Burnout was measured with the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), covering personal, work-related, and client-related domains. Continuous variables were compared using the independent samples t-test and categorical variables using the chi-square or Fisher's exact test. A two-tailed p < .05 was treated as significant.Results. PSWs scored higher than MSWs on all three CBI domains: personal burnout (26.16 ± 1.55 vs 24.74 ± 3.10; mean difference 1.42, 95% CI 0.45 to 2.39; p = .005), work-related burnout (27.40 ± 1.56 vs 26.26 ± 2.57; mean difference 1.14, 95% CI 0.30 to 1.98; p = .009), and client-related burnout (27.72 ± 1.75 vs 26.42 ± 3.51; mean difference 1.30, 95% CI 0.20 to 2.40; p = .021). Effect sizes were moderate (Cohen's d = 0.47 to 0.58). The groups also differed in marital status, religion, education, employment type, domicile, and posting. Conclusion. PSWs reported greater burnout than MSWs across all CBI domains, and the null hypothesis was rejected. Because the cadres differ on several background variables, the difference is associational rather than role-specific. Support should be directed toward psychiatric and contractual staff, alongside action on the structural conditions linked to higher burnout.
Identification of Difficulties and Efficacy of Intervention Strategies for Students with Specific Learning Disabilities: A Mini Study
Background: Children with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) generally face significant challenges in academic skills, particularly in reading, writing, and arithmetic. These issues may have hampered their educational improvement, even though they have an average or higher-than-average intelligence. Objective: This mini-study aimed to determine the usual challenges experienced by students with SLD and to assist them by recording the effective techniques they may use to improve their academic performance. Methods: For the present study ten (10) participants were selected which were diagnosed by a licensed psychologist, aged 8-18, with SLD. Researchers collected comprehensive case histories on every participant and tested their academic skills using the Grade Level Assessment Device (GLAD). In order to familiarize themselves with the available support system mechanisms, data was collected through GLAD, observations and interviews with the parents and their children. Results: The results consistently indicated specific areas of difficulty, particularly in reading, spelling, comprehension, computation, and solving mathematical word problems. On the contrary, multiple strategies were found to be remarkably effective. The multisensory teaching approach is one of them, in which more than one sense is used to promote learning, in the segmenting of tasks into smaller, manageable steps; the utilization of visual aids in explaining information; and making repeated practice possible. The results underscore a vital conclusion an accurate, scientific evaluation is crucial. Conclusion: It is the absolute and first step that enables a teacher to adapt interventions successfully. This research efficiently fills the gap amid clinical diagnosis and sound workable classroom blueprints, eventually focusing on boosting learning gains and empowering students with SLD
Relationship between Parenting styles and self-esteem among Adolescents
Background: Parenting is considered to be a combination of biological and social process. Parenting style is one of the exogenous factors, participating both in the etiology of psychopathology and in the healthy development of a child. Objective : To study the relationship between parenting style and self-esteem among adolescents. Methods: A survey was conducted using convenient sampling methodology on adolescents (n=100),using two questionnaires namely, Adolescent Parental Attitude four factor questionnaire by Shyny TY (2017) and Rosenberg’s self-esteem scale (1965). The collected data was analyzed using descriptive analysis tools such as mean analysis, Pearson’s correlation and inferential analysis tools such as one sample t test as well as independent samples t test. Conclusion: The findings of the study revealed that there exists only a negligible correlation between authoritative parenting style and self-esteem among adolescents. There were no significant difference between levels of self-esteem among males and females. Self-esteem in adolescence is affected by various other factors in different magnitudes and parenting attitude also falls under this category. The study did not establish any strong relationship between authoritative parenting and self- esteem and this could also be the case since parenting is a wide concept and varies across cultures and even situations, it is difficult to measure with accuracy.
Big Five Personality Traits and Sexual Orientation: A Focus on Conscientiousness in Gay Men
Background: Research into the intersection of personality and sexual orientation remains relatively sparse, despite the established centrality of the Big Five model in differential psychology. Conscientiousness, encompassing, self-discipline, orderliness and goal-directed behavior have received particular theoretical interest as a trait potentially modulated by minority stress and identity management processes in sexual minority men. Objectives: To examined whether self-identified gay men differ significantly from heterosexual men on measures of Conscientiousness and the broader Big Five personality profile, and explored potential mediating roles of minority stress, identity concealment, and community connectedness. Methods: A community-based sample of 412 adult men (204 gay, 208 heterosexual) in the United Kingdom completed the NEO-PI-R, the Minority Stress Scale, and the Gay Identity Questionnaire via an online platform. Between-group comparisons, multiple regression, and mediation analyses were conducted. Results: Gay men scored significantly higher on Conscientiousness (M = 61.4, SD = 9.2) relative to heterosexual men (M = 56.8, SD = 10.1; t (410) = 4.87, p <.001, d = 0.48). They also scored higher on Agreeableness and Openness to Experience. Minority stress partially mediated the Conscientiousness difference (indirect effect β = 0.14, 95% CI [0.07, 0.23]. Community connectedness emerged as a positive moderator. Conclusions: Gay men demonstrate elevated Conscientiousness compared to heterosexual male peers, a pattern partially explained by adaptive responses to minority stress. Findings contribute to a growing literature linking social identity processes to dispositional self-regulation, with clinical and public-health implications for understanding protective personality factors in sexual minority populations.
Incidence, Prevalence, Method and Mode of Suicide: A Brief Overview
Background: Suicide is death caused by injuring oneself with the intent to die. Every minute, four males and six females need inpatient treatment due to suicide attempts. Males die from suicide at twice than female and their attempts result in death three times more often than female attempts. As per Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, there is 1 death every 11 minutes. Seventy-seven present of global suicides occur in low- and middleincome countries. Aims: To explore about Incidence, Prevalence, Method and Mode of suicide. Suicide rates were also varying in the different parts of the country. Methods: For this, literature has been looked for manually as well as through electronic resources like PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Global Health, Google Scholar, IndMED , JSTOR, and Research Gate . The abstracts of relevant papers were independently examined by author .Out of eighty one there were fifty four papers met the criteria for the analysis. Conclusion; Information about suicide in India is limited, but it is an important and growing public health problem. Towards methods of suicide, hanging and poisoning is very common in India, while in United States 55% men and 31% females were commit suicide with the guns.The incidence, prevalence, mode and method of suicide depend on the culture, economic, sociocultural belief, availabilities of materials of the particular regions and social conditions in the respective country.
Exploring effectiveness of creative therapies in inclusive school setups: A Comprehensive Review
The concept of creative therapies helps to understand an individual with or without disability holistically. It helps an individual to express themselves through their hidden talent. It will make an individual mentally and physically fit. Creative therapies are alternative of traditional therapies so it will make the learning of an individual with or without disability effective, innovative and enjoyable too. This comprehensive review aims to analyze existing literature and identify gaps in implementing creative therapies in inclusive schools and recommend some strategies that will foster inclusivity and promotes independence, self-reliance, good communication, psychological well-being. This is a narrative review approach in which articles, thesis, journals published between 2010 to 2025 were searched through databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, Google scholar, ResearchGate using keywords like creative therapies, art therapy, music therapy, inclusion, dance therapy. A total of 20 relevant studies were shortlisted that were based on inclusion criteria (focus on different creative therapies in an inclusive environment that promotes holistic development of child). These reviews sought from Indian and western context and highlight that there were many factors like individual, societal, environmental, socioeconomic that create barriers in inclusivity and its outcomes affect the overall well-being of an individual with disability.
Perceived Stress and Coping Strategies among Individuals with Bipolar Affective Disorder and Control Group
Bipolar Affective Disorder (BPAD) is a recurrent, episodic condition in which individuals face ongoing stress due to the unpredictability of mood episodes. Worry about relapse, disruption in daily life and emotional instability adds to this stress. It is crucial to observe perceived stress and coping strategies for better treatment outcomes in BPAD. Aim: To assess and compare the perceived stress and coping strategies in individuals with BPAD and normal Control. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among individuals with bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) receiving treatment from the outpatient department of CIIMHANS, Dewada, Chhattisgarh, India, and normal controls recruited from nearby areas (Tendesara and Kopedih). A total of 50 individuals with BPAD and 50 normal controls were selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using a socio-demographic datasheet, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the COPE Inventory to compare stress levels and coping strategies between the two groups. Results: Individuals with bipolar affective disorder showed significantly lower use of coping strategies across all domains and reported higher levels of perceived stress compared to normal controls. All coping domains were negatively correlated with perceived stress, indicating that lower coping skills were associated with higher stress levels. Conclusion: Individuals with BPAD experience higher stress and maladaptive coping than normal controls. Strengthening coping skills and improving stress management may help enhance emotional stability and overall functioning in this population.
Early Intervention and ABA-Based Therapeutic Outcomes in a Child with Mild Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Comprehensive Case Study
This case study presents the developmental profile and therapeutic progress of XYZ, a female child diagnosed with mild ASD at the age of two years. The study documents her developmental concerns, early intervention history, and subsequent enrollment at a therapy center following family relocation. A comprehensive five-day observation and multi-domain assessment revealed challenges in eye contact, attention, expressive language, articulation, behavior regulation, and sensory processing.A three-month ABA-aligned intervention plan was implemented, focusing on skill development, speech and language enhancement, social interaction, and emotionalbehavioral regulation. Supplementary strategies, such as park-based tasks, functional home activities, peer-pairing, and reinforcement systems, further facilitated her growth. Significant improvements were observed across expressive communication, emotional stability, attention span, social adaptability, and articulatory accuracy. Over the course of one year, XYZ achieved age-appropriate developmental and behavioral functioning. She now demonstrates strong academic and co-curricular performance, with no major developmental concerns. The case highlights the importance of early intervention, consistent parental involvement, and individualized ABA-based therapy for favorable outcomes in children with mild ASD.
Psychosocial Issue among School Going Adolescence
Background: The psychosocial problems among school-going children are a growing concern and significant challenges for individuals, families, and society at large. These adolescents are also vulnerable to psychosocial problems because of physical and physiological changes. Protecting adolescents from adversity, promoting socioemotional learning and psychological well-being and ensuring access to mental health care are critical for their health and well-being during adolescence and adulthood. Aim: This study aims to investigate and explore about psychosocial issue among School Going Adolescence. Methods: For this, literature has been looked for manually as well as through electronic resources like PubMed, Google Scholar, JSTOR and Research-Gate. Conclusion: The mental health problem as well as behaviour and emotional issue are very common among adolescence. There are needed collective efforts of mental health professionals, families, educators, and policy makers to address the complexities of adolescence and guide the implementation strategies to promote, protect and restore mental health positively to the adolescence.
Quality of Life in Later Years: Perspectives from Residents of Old Age Homes
Background: Quality of life (QoL) in later life is shaped by a complex interaction of physical health, psychological well-being, social relationships, autonomy, and environmental conditions. With the increasing institutionalization of older adults, understanding the factors influencing QoL in old age homes has become a critical public health concern. Methodology: A systematic review of literature published between 2000 and 2024 was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, JSTOR, and ResearchGate. Inclusion criteria focused on empirical and theoretical studies involving elderly residents (60+) living in old age homes. Studies were screened based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and relevant findings were synthesized qualitatively. Results: This review synthesized findings from Indian studies conducted across multiple states, encompassing approximately 1,100 elderly participants residing in old age homes. The pooled evidence indicates that nearly 28.8% of institutionalized elderly experience poor overall quality of life, with considerable impairment observed across physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains. Gender differences, cultural context, economic dependency, and the extent of family involvement were found to significantly influence residents’ experiences and perceived well-being. Conclusion: Enhancing the quality of life of elderly residents in old age homes requires a comprehensive and holistic care approach. Integrating mental health services, strengthening social engagement, promoting autonomy, and adopting person-centered care practices are essential. Such measures can help transform old age homes into supportive environments that preserve dignity, autonomy, and overall well-being in later life
Transition Planning: A Review of Vocational Training for Persons with Intellectual Disability
Vocational training is very important to make oneself independent. It is important for everybody especially if we talk in context of Persons with Intellectual Disability it is very important for them to lead a better life. It is essential to make a transition plan at prevocational stage that will develop functional academics and some job readiness skills and will lead a person towards different job setups like open employment, supported employment, self-employment, group employment. This review aims to analyse existing literature and identify gaps in vocational training and recommend some strategies to strengthen skill development. This is a narrative review approach in which articles, journals, thesis, government publications published between 2015 to 2025 were searched through databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, using keywords like vocational training, skill development, prevocational skills, employment for persons with disabilities. A total of 10 relevant studies were shortlisted that were based on inclusion criteria (focus on employability of persons with disability, placement in jobs, skill-based education). These reviews highlights that there were many factors like individual, societal, environmental that will impact education and employability of persons with intellectual disabilities and that will create a gap in vocational training and this will become a reason behind job mismatching among persons with intellectual disabilities. The research gap seen in policy making what policy makers promise and what beneficiaries experience. If policy makers address barriers faced by persons with intellectual disabilities and design policies that will cater the needs of persons with Intellectual disabilities, implementation of reasonable accommodation, transition planning from prevocational to vocational.
Disability and suicide: A Brief Overview
Background: Suicide among persons with disabilities is a complex and pressing public health concern. People with disabilities often face a range of social and economic adversities. These adversities results in poorer mental health as well as functional limitation. These functional limitations have been found to be predictive of suicide, with psychiatric comorbidities increasing the risk for suicide. Aim: This study aims to investigate and explore about how disability affects suicide. Methods: For this, literature has been looked for manually as well as through electronic resources like PubMed , Google Scholar. JSTOR, and ResearchGate. Conclusion: Research on suicidal behavior for people with disability (PWD) suggests they experience higher risk than people without disability and call for focused attention to the mental health of PWD including suicide prevention efforts that accommodate their needs.
The Conscious Mind and Behaviour in Indian Context
The exploration of consciousness and behavior has long been a fundamental inquiry in both Eastern philosophy and Western science. Indian philosophical traditions such as Vedanta, Yoga, Buddhist, Jainism thought offer rich, multifaceted accounts of the conscious mind and how it shapes human behavior. These ancient frameworks not only present sophisticated metaphysical and epistemological insights but also provide practical pathways through meditation, ethical living, and self-transcendence. This article examines the conscious mind and behavior from the perspective of Indian philosophy by critically analyzing classical texts and contemporary reinterpretations. Several Indian philosophy approaches and methods were discussed. Empirical findings from recent meditation and neuroscience research to demonstrate how these traditional insights continue to inform modern theories of cognition and self-regulation. The Indian perspective on the conscious mind and behaviour offers a holistic framework, A conscious mind helps guide behavior in the right direction, but understanding the main components of the conscious mind (manas, citta, buddhi, ahamkara etc.) is difficult.
The role of parental bonding, social support, spirituality and forgiveness on happiness among undergraduate students of Kolkata
Happiness is a positive emotional state which is subjectively defined by individuals. According to the Indian tradition happiness is considered as a spiritual pursuit, that is by turning inwards, establishing in one’s self, and realizing one’s true nature can give happiness. Parental bonding and care seems to be significantly tied up with happiness. “Spiritual personality takes a holistic view, which requires spiritual virtues, positive outlook on life, spiritual discipline, goodness, spiritual service, and moral rectitude. Social support is widely recognized as having beneficial influences on physical health, psychological health and overall well being. People who are inclined to forgive their transgressors tends to be more agreeable, more emotionally stable and some research suggests, more spiritually or religiously inclined than people who do not forgive their transgressors. The purpose of the present study was to study the role of parental bonding, social support, spirituality and forgiveness on happiness among undergraduate students of Kolkata. The sample for the present study consisted of 508 samples (253 females &amp; 255 males). The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between happiness with forgiveness, social support, parental bonding and spirituality. It can be concluded that no significant difference is found between male and female undergraduate college students of Kolkata in terms of happiness and coincidentally it has been found that the mean of happiness with regard to male and female are found to be closely similar to each other. Furthermore, it has been found that parental bonding, social support, forgiveness and spirituality have a definite role in predicting happiness among undergraduate students of Kolkata. The study can be helpful for conducting appropriate intervention.
Social Work in India: Stuck in Childhood or Ready for Change?
The social work profession in India, though nearly a century old, continues to face developmental, structural, and identity-related challenges. Despite significant contributions to social welfare, social workers struggle for recognition due to societal misconceptions, cultural barriers, and their frequent relegation to subordinate roles. Persistent issues such as caste hierarchies, gender norms, and political interference often impede their ability to implement sensitive interventions effectively. The discipline’s overdependence on Western theories has also hindered the evolution of indigenous frameworks. A lack of regulatory mechanisms, non-uniform curricula, and disparities in training quality weaken professional credibility. Additionally, limited government integration of trained social workers, unstable NGO funding, inadequate compensation, emotional burnout, and insufficient mental health support further undermine the sustainability of the profession. Strengthening regulatory bodies, enhancing educational standards, improving workplace conditions, and encouraging research and evidence-based practice are crucial for advancing professional social work in India.
Suicide is a major public health concern. It is death caused by self-directed injurious behavior with intent to die as a result of the behaviour. Suicide risk assessment is a structured approach and is the process of evaluating an individual's likelihood of dying by suicide. The approach used by healthcare professionals to identify individuals at risk of dying by suicide. There are so many instruments for the detection and assessment of suicide risk likeSuicidal Ideation Attributes Scale , Reasons for Living Inventory , The Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised, Suicidal Affect Behavior Cognition Scale , Modified Scale for Suicide Ideation , Suicide Intent Scale , Scale for Suicide Ideation , Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale , Brief Suicide Safety Assessment for Patients Who Screen , Ask Suicide-Screening Questions ,The Nurses' Global Assessment of Suicide Risk, Sheehan Suicidality Tracking Scale, P4 screener. The BSI and the C-SSRS were the two most frequently mentioned as a standard tool for the clinical evaluation of individuals. Both were frequently used and equally important.
Counseling: An Art of Healing and Mental Wellness
Counseling is an interpersonal helping process. This service is poorly defined and presently anyone at all with little or no training can offer these services. It was often misunderstood as a profession in India earlier and needs in the Indian context emerge against the background of tremendous social change. Available counselling services are largely based on Western approaches to psychology. There are various model, approaches, methods, and steps technics of this .These approaches have been widely criticised as not being relevant to the Indian cultural context. India's ancient traditions offer a wealth of psychological insights and concepts that hold significant potential for modern application. Despite its potential, counselling psychology remains an underdeveloped field in India, lacking cultural relevance and validity. There is needed to incorporate the traditional Indian values and philosophies e.g., yoga, mindfulness, Ayurveda etc.
Background: We all, once in our life face stress though how we handle it can make all the difference. Stress creates greater physiological demands. More energy, oxygen, circulation, and therefore more metabolic cofactors are needed e.g. vitamins and minerals. Aims: To explore about the importance of diet and its relation to manage stress. Methods: This paper is based on a narrative review of existing literature, including peerreviewed articles and reports related to stress and nutrition. Conclusion: Stress not only influences the choice of food of a person but also the quantity of the food eaten. Stress can be managed well with the help of a nutritious and well-balanced diet. It is a powerful therapeutic tool to reduce stress as well as benefits that improve brain functioning, shore up immune function, lower blood pressure, improve the circulation, and reduce toxins from the body. There are complex carbohydrates, proteins (tryptophan, phenylalanine and tyrosine, theanine) Vitamin C, Vitamin B, Magnesium, and Selenium. These nutrients play a very specific and important role in stress management.
Spirituality and Addiction Disorder: A Comprehensive Review
Addiction disorder is a complex condition with biological, psychological, social, and several other dimensions. This comprehensive review explores the role of spirituality in both the prevention and treatment of substance use and behavioral addictions. Drawing from a wide range of interdisciplinary research, the paper examines how spiritual practices, beliefs, and communities contribute to resilience, meaning-making, recovery, and longterm abstinence. Theoretical models such as spiritus contra spiritum, genospirituality, and forgiveness-based recovery are discussed alongside empirical findings that demonstrate spirituality as a protective factor— particularly among adolescents and young adults. Evidence shows that spiritual engagement enhances coping mechanisms, identity transformation, community support, and emotional healing. Furthermore, the review addresses the integration of spirituality into clinical settings through evidence-based interventions including spiritually modified cognitive-behavioral therapy, culturally adapted models, and spiritual direction. It also highlights challenges such as cultural diversity, exclusion risks, negative religious coping, and clinician training gaps. Emerging directions suggest the value of trauma-informed spiritual care, mystical experiences, and narrative identity in recovery. The review concludes by advocating for holistic, patient-centered approaches that ethically and effectively incorporate spirituality into mainstream addiction treatment and recovery frameworks.
A Critical Review of Psychological and Spiritual Dimensions of Sufi Music
Sufi music, deeply intertwined with Islamic mysticism, serves as a profound medium for spiritual expression and transcendence. Across cultures, particularly in South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, Sufi music has evolved as an experiential tool to facilitate states of spiritual ecstasy (wajd), divine remembrance (dhikr), and the dissolution of the ego (fanā) (Qureshi, 2006; Ernst, 2011). This paper explores the historical origins, philosophical underpinnings, and contemporary relevance of Sufi music as a catalyst for spiritual awakening. It critically examines how musical traditions such as Qawwali, Sama, and Hadra embody Sufi cosmology and discusses debates around orthodoxy, authenticity, and commercialization in the modern era.
Digital Parenting for Adolescent Well-being: Preventive Strategies to Mitigate Technology-Related Risks and Promote Healthy Family Dynamics
The increasing integration of digital technology into everyday life has significantly influenced parenting practices, especially concerning adolescents' screen time and online behaviors. Unregulated digital engagement has been associated with adverse health outcomes, including sleep disturbances, reduced physical activity, and social withdrawal. This paper examines the concept of digital parenting within the framework of preventive healthcare, outlining strategies to mitigate risks associated with excessive technology use while promoting balanced family dynamics. The discussion is supported by global health recommendations, including those from the World Health Organization (WHO), and empirical evidence on the psychological and behavioral implications of digital overuse. The paper explores the phenomenon of "technoference" and its impact on parent-child relationships, highlighting the need for structured family interventions to address digital addiction. Practical recommendations for establishing technology-related boundaries, fostering digital literacy, and promoting parental engagement in children's online experiences are discussed. By adopting evidence-based strategies, parents can safeguard adolescent well-being and ensure healthy interactions with technology.
Effectiveness of information booklet regarding government health schemes among registered antenatal women, Haryana, India
Background -The high number of maternal deaths in the poor and underdeveloped areas of the world shows the inadequate access to health services and brings to focus the ever widening gap between the rich and poor. Improving maternal health is one of the eight Millennium Development Goals adopted by the international community in 2000. Maternal morbidity and mortality can be reduced by giving proper education, awareness, preventative and promotive health care specially by promoting early registration, regular antenatal check-ups and institutional deliveries. Aims: To assess the effectiveness of information booklet on level of knowledge regarding government health schemes for mothers having less than five yea children among registered antenatal women. .Methods and Methodology: The study was conducted using convenient sampling. Total 60 registered antenatal women were taken from urban area ,Rohtak, Haryanaa. They were fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria. Semi structured self-made questionnaire regarding government health schemes related to mothers and less than five years children were used. Data was analysed using SPSS software version 20. Results: There were significant difference was found between pre and post assessment secession. Conclusion :The self-developed Semi Structured Questionnaire and information booklet can utilized as tool for enhancing awareness and improving maternal and child health and reducing mortality and morbidity of maternal and child.cts.
Adjustment, Self-Esteem and Life Satisfaction of Children of Working and Non-Working Mothers: A Comparative Study
Background: It has been reported in several studies that working status of a mother significantly impacts the psychosocial well being of a child. However the impact is complex and depends on various factors such as maternal mental health and parent child relationship, type of family etc. Aim: The purpose of this study is a) to study and compare the Adjustment, Self-esteem and Life satisfaction of children of working and non working mothers and to further b) study the gender differences on Adjustment, Self-esteem and Life satisfaction of children of working and non working mothers. Materials and Methods: The present study is based on crosssectional design, conducted on a sample of 100 students of working and non working mothers. Data was collected from schools of Jammu District using assessment tools Adjustment Inventory for school Students, Rosenberg’s self-esteem scale and The Brief Multidimensional Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale (BMSLSS). For assessing the result of the study SPSS 20 version was used. Descriptive statistics such as mean, SD and t test were applied. Results and Conclusion: Significant differences were found between children of working and non working mothers on some dimensions of adjustment and self esteem whereas no significant difference found between children of working and non working mothers on life satisfaction. Similarly Significant gender differences were found on some dimensions of adjustment, life satisfaction and self esteem.
Death And Grieving in Homer’s Iliad as Illustrated by Dr. Emily Wilson
Emily Wilson's translation of the final eight books of Homer's Iliad offers a powerful look at how people cope with death and grief. The epic poem, traditionally attributed to Homer, delves into the enduring impact of loss, especially on its central figure, Achilles. The Iliad vibrantly portrays the fatalities of war and the dreadful effects of grief. It was seen gaudily in Achilles's descent into rage after the death of his friend, Patroclus. Though Achilles's grief deviates from modern theories, it showcases stages of grief like denial, depression and anger. Additionally, the Iliad offers valuable insight of historical suffering. Ancient Greek concepts like 'divine madness' or 'theia mania,' providing a historical lens on people’s understanding of the pain of loss during that era.