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Masrat Wani ¹, Poonam Phogat ²

Affiliations
1 Gargi College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, IN
2 Department of Psychology, Gargi College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, IN

Abstract

All over the armed conflicts are on the rise and the majority of the sufferers of these conflicts are children. The present paper aims to present a review of literature on the effects of armed conflict on the mental well-being of children who are caught in them and also highlight the changing trends of research in this direction. To provide a comprehensive review, data was collected from PubMed, PILOTS and WILEY to estimate the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression and psychosis suffered by children exposed to armed conflict. Data was also collected on positive functioning of children in armed conflict. This review though suggesting that the prevalence of mental disorders in children exposed to armed conflict is far greater than the general population also lays stress on the agency of the children to have the capacity to overcome the negative impact on provision of protective factors.

Keywords

Armed Conflict, Children, Review, Mental Well-Being.

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Poonam Phogat ¹, Vasundhra Verma ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Psychology, Gargi College, University of Delhi, Delhi, IN

Abstract

In modern society, stereotyping against the LGBTQ+ community is one of the common issues. Due to the perceived notions, socially expected norms of behaviour and expectations created for all genders and sexualities, many stereotypes concerning the LGBTQ+ community are predominantly negative. With the changing context, a deepened approach is needed to educate people about distinct genders and social norms wherein they don't regard LGBTQ+ as transgressors. We aim to investigate such preconceived negative notions and understand how stereotypical images affect youth affiliated with the LGBTQ+ community. The study is designed qualitatively with (N=74) urban LGBTQ+ young adults belonging to the age bracket of 19-25 years. Based on the Inclusion criteria, Gays (12.16%), Bisexuals (66.21%), Lesbians (5.40%), Pansexuals (5.40%) and Others (10.81%) consented to participate in the study. The sample was selected through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The data was obtained using an open-ended questionnaire circulated via Google forms. The questionnaire was analyzed using thematic analysis. Based on the analysis of the sample's lived experiences, an exhibited stereotypical image was portrayed by mass media. Consequently, primary themes affecting these individuals were based on 'personal facets' (29.72%), 'Health facets'(22.97%) and 'miscellaneous' (17.56%). The results depict that LGBTQ+ youth conceal theirsexual orientation due to fear and shame associated with coming out and to protect their well-being in society. Gender stereotypes are used as a means to make estimations of others' sexual identities wherein mass media has played a profound role in perpetuating such discriminating behaviours. Therefore, a universalist framework should be built with coalitions of diverse Indian communities to ensure safety for all.

Keywords

LGBTQ+ community, stereotypes, mass media, mental health, stigma

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Poonam Phogat ¹, Vasundhra Verma ¹

Affiliations
1 Department o f Psychology, Gargi College, University o f Delhi, Delhi ., IN

Abstract

In recent times, digital consumers have access to a variety of MHApps but choosing one that’s useful presents a challenge. Google and Apple’s digital marketplaces offer approximately 20,000 MHApps. In India, relying on such apps to understand and improve mental health issues remains ambiguous due to the stigma attached. MHApps may facilitate skill building, endorse psychoeducation, and self-monitoring features to treat and improve clinical symptomatology. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate prior research studies on the effectiveness of social media tools and MHApps on various digital platforms. The study drew on governmental statistics in addition to secondary data derived from national and international journals, websites, Google and Apple app stores. Using MHApps is a potential way to enhance well-being as they provide coping strategies in the absence of clinicians and in immediate crisis situations. However, with a lack of options depending on one’s preferences and features such as personalization, control, trust, poor customer service, security and unaffordability usage becomes difficult. Without awareness among people designing MHApps would be misleading. Consequently, randomized control trials (RCTs) on larger sample sizes are needed to measure the effectiveness of such apps. Despite the claims and usage of MHApps, it is evident that adherence remains seemingly low, therefore offering cost-effective ways to incorporate an array of system features and strategies to manage mental health and well-being on devices should be integrated. For legitimizing such apps intervention by professional clinicians and empirical evidence based-methods are needed in their development to help alleviate symptoms. To make MHApps more effective in the Indian context, cross-cultural differences should be examined.

Keywords

MHApps, social media tools, digital platforms, effectiveness, AIe

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Poonam Phogat ¹, Charuvi Dembla ¹, Manasi Prabhakaran ¹, Anahita Ahuja ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Psychology, Gargi College, University of Delhi, Delhi, IN

Abstract

Resilience is the ability to adapt successfully in the face of difficulty, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress. Subjective well-being is an individual's own appraisal of their level of happiness and life satisfaction. The aim of the present study was to explore the constructs of Resilience and Subjective Well-being among Indian adolescents (13 to 19 years). The sample consisted of 60 high school and undergraduate students from across the country. The research design followed for this particular study was a quantitative correlational design. Measures of Brief Resilience Scale and BBC Subjective Well-being Scale (BBC-SWB) were used. Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated to be +0.5055. This was found significant at 0.01 level. Thus, the results indicated a moderate positive correlation between resilience and subjective well-being of adolescents. The t-test value for resilience between high school students and undergraduates was 0.67, pointing towards an insignificant value. The t-test value for subjective well-being between high school students and undergraduates was 0.50, which was not significant. Further analysis was performed on the scores of the sub-domains of BBC-SWB scale, namely psychological well-being, relationship domain and physical health and well-being, and no significant differences were found between high school and undergraduate students on the sub-domains.

Keywords

resilience, subjective well-being, adolescents, COVID-19.

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