Mind and Society

Mental Health, Stress Coping, and Suicidal Ideation among University Students Post-COVID-19

Rashmi Singh — 2025-12-23

The COVID-19 Pandemic and associated lockdowns have exacerbated mental health challenges among university students, particularly in India. This study aimed to assess levels of anxiety, depression, stress, suicidal ideation, and coping mechanisms in a sample of 500 university students post-lockdown, and to examine the relationships among these variables. Using self-report measures including the Stress Coping Techniques Questionnaire, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales, and the Adult Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire, results indicated low to moderate levels of mental health symptoms on average, with stress being the most prominent. Adaptive coping was predominant over maladaptive coping. Significant positive correlations were found between maladaptive coping, mental health symptoms, and suicidal ideation, while adaptive coping showed a negative association with suicidal ideation. Findings support the hypothesis that maladaptive coping increases suicide risk in distressed students. Implications for intervention and limitations are discussed.

The Impact of Academic Jealousy and Self-Esteem on Psychological Well-Being of Tribal College Students

Akanksha Upadhyay — 2025-12-22

In today's educational environment, tribal college students frequently encounter particular difficulties, including academic jealousy and erratic self-esteem, which can have a direct impact on their psychological well-being. In the tribal setting, where peer competition, cultural shifts, and scarce resources can exacerbate emotional and academic stress, these elements become especially crucial. The current study examines the predictive significance of academic jealousy and self-esteem on psychological well-being among tribal college-going students in the Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh, which has important ramifications for the students' mental health and general academic adjustment. Purposive sampling was used to choose 100 tribal college students for the study sample from the Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh. The self-constructed scale of Academic Jealousy in the tribal context, the cultural adaptation of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale by Singh & Yadav (2024), and the cultural adaptation of Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale by the researcher were among the standardized instruments used. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's product-moment correlation, and simple linear regression were used to analyze the data using SPSS. The results showed that psychological well-being was strongly and negatively predicted by academic jealousy (β = -.407, p <.001), accounting for 16.6% of the variation. In contrast, self-esteem only accounted for 3.4% of the variation and had a weak positive association with psychological well-being (r =.184, p <.05). However, its regression analysis revealed no significant predictive potential (β =.184, p =.066). These results show how academic jealousy negatively affects tribal students' psychological well-being and imply that, despite its relationship, self-esteem is not a reliable indicator of psychological well-being among tribal students. The findings highlight the significance of lowering academic jealousy while fostering supportive learning environments that promote positive self-perceptions in order to enhance the psychological well-being of tribal students in higher education.

Embracing Common Humanity and Mindfulness: Ways to Happiness in Yogic Practitioners

Garima Gupta — 2025-12-23

Human wellbeing and happiness are always central to psychological research. Huge studies have explored the correlates and mechanism of wellbeing but there exists a need to examine the factors that stem from individual practice and experience. Researchers have mentioned that social relations, sense of community feeling are important aspects to one‟s wellbeing. Similarly, non-judgmental awareness of the present moment has been shown to enhance psychological resilience, reduce distress, and promote emotional balance leading to happiness. It was found that these constructs though play crucial roles individually to happiness; however, very few research has investigated their combined role, particularly within the context of yogic practices. Thus, with this background, the current study intends to examine the contributing role of common humanity and mindful practices in happiness among yogic practitioners seeking to illuminate their synergistic potential in causing happiness in life. The observation suggested that common humanity and mindfulness both have major role in happiness and wellbeing of yogic practitioners.

Role of Cyberchondriasis in Predicting Psychological Well-Being among Women

Komal Bumra — 2025-10-15

Background:The lives of the individuals have gradually been impacted by the internet which has developed into an essential source of communication with the outside world. The advent of the internet as a primary source of health-related information has revolutionized how individuals approach their health concerns. It has given rise to an abnormal behavioral phenomenon referred to as cyberchondriasis characterized by excessive and compulsive online health information seeking behavior that leads to elevated anxiety and psychological distress. Aim:The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between cyberchondriasis and psychological well-being among women. Participants:The present study was conducted on 204 women with the age range of 21-30 years. The participants were drawn using the convenient sampling method. The measures of cyberchondriasis severity scale and Ryff’s psychological well-being scale were administered on study participants to assess the variables under study. The descriptive analysis, correlation and regression analysis were applied to analyze the data. Results:The findings revealed that there was a significant negative correlation between cyberchondriasis and psychological well-being among women (r=-.41, p<.01). The regression analysis revealed that cyberchondriasis contributed 17 per cent of the variance in predicting psychological well-being among women. The limitations, suggestions and implications were also discussed

Measuring The Effect of Art Therapy on Self-Esteem Among Older Adults: A Pretest Post Test Intervention Study

Kavya Rahul Awate — 2025-12-23

Art therapyis a therapeutic form which uses drawing, painting, clay as a form of expression as well as therapy which helps boost self-esteem and has been effective for children, adolescents, adults, and older adults alike. As people age, both physical changes and changes in their social lives put them at a higher risk of developing multiple physical and psychological health problems. Therefore, fostering an individual's social and emotional well-being is crucial for building positive self-esteem and helps to lead a healthy, quality and productive lifestyle. This study tries to understand the outcome of art therapy on self-esteem among older adults in Pune using the pretest and posttest research design. The results of the research showed that there is a significant increase in self-esteem due to art therapy (p value< 0.01). From the resultsit can be inferred that art therapy has a significant impact in boosting self-esteem in older adults and such modules must be recommended for all older adults for a better well-being.

Exploring the Role of Metamemory, Personality Traits and Internet Addiction among Young Adults: A Comparative and Correlational Study

Vivek Tiwari — 2025-12-23

Young adults today spend a large part of their lives online—studying, socializing, and being entertained. While the internet has many benefits, too much use can lead to problems like internet addiction. Some people may be more at risk than others based on how they think about their memory (called metamemory) and their personality traits. Understanding these factors can help us know why some young people are more likely to develop unhealthy internet habits. The present study tries to explore the relationships and differences among metamemory components (feelings about memory, memory mistakes, and memory strategies), Big Five personality traits, and internet addiction among young adults. A sample of 206 young adults, in which male = 153 and female = 217, was measured using standardized tools: the Brief Big Five Personality Scale (10 items), the Multifactorial Memory Questionnaire (MMQ) with three domains—feelings about memory (18 items), memory mistakes (20 items), and memory strategies (19 items)—and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT; 6 items). Correlation analyses were performed to examine the relationships among the variables, and t-test were calculated for significant differences. The dimensions of MMQ and IAT demonstrated acceptable internal consistencies. Significant negative correlations were found between internet addiction and both satisfaction with memory and perceived memory abilities, while a positive correlation emerged between internet addiction and the use of memory strategies. Additionally, a significant positive correlation was observed between neuroticism and internet addiction, indicating that individuals high in neuroticism are more susceptible to internet addiction. Also, females have scored higher on neuroticism and internet addiction than males, with significant differences. Males have scored high on all three aspects of metamemory but have not found any significant difference. These results suggest that improving self-awareness about memory and building positive personality traits could help reduce internet addiction among young adults. Such insights can help guide college programs or counseling efforts to support healthy internet use.

The Relationship Between Social Anxiety and Self-Esteem Among University Students

Deepika Mahawar — 2025-12-23

The investigation compares effects of social anxiousness on young people's self-esteem. The work identifies various parameters which contribute to the onset as well as intensification of social anxiety, including social comparison, interactions with peers, and academic pressures within a university setting. These factors play a significant role in shaping students' psychological well-being and may influence their perception of self-worth.The primary purpose of present research workfor examinecomparison between social anxiety and self-esteem in individuals aged 18 - 25 years (N=155), who were purposively selectedfor this study. Participants completed the Multidimensional Anxiety Questionnaire and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, which respectively evaluate influence of social interactions on anxiety levels as well as measure an individual's self-worth. The selection of these standardized tools ensured the reliability and validity of the data collected. Data analysis was conducted, employing descriptive statistics and correlation matrix analysis. The outcomes demonstrate that among college students, self-esteem, along with social anxiety, are statistically significantly correlated negatively.This study suggests that recognizing the connection between social anxiety and self-esteem can support the fabrication of determined mental health strategies in universities.Improving students' sense of self-worth might prove essential for lowering their fear of social situations.

Value Preferences Among Adolescents: A Study of Path- and Goal-Oriented Rabindrik Values

Debdulal Dutta Roy — 2025-12-23

Background: Values serve as guiding principles in human development, with adolescence being a critical period for their crystallization. Path-Oriented Values influence daily behavior, moral reasoning, and emotional regulation, whereas Goal-Oriented Values reflect desired life outcomes, achievement drives, and social aspirations. Understanding adolescents’ preferences across these two domains of Rabindrik values provides insight into their evolving self-concept and socio-cultural identity. Objective: This study aimed to examine the relative endorsement of Path-Oriented and Goal-Oriented Rabindrik values among adolescents and explore potential sex- and age-related differences in their value preferences. Method: A sample of 271 college-going adolescents (112 males, 159 females; M = 21.07, SD = 3.22) participated. The Rank-Based Rabindrik Value Preference Questionnaire (Dutta Roy & Bhaduri, 2014) was used to assess 14 Path-Oriented and 14 Goal-Oriented values derived from Rabindra Sangeet. Participants ranked the values from most to least preferred, and the rank data were transformed into percentile scores to ensure standardized, interpretable and comparable quantitative analysis. Data were analyzed using percentile distributions, Chi-square tests, and MANOVA to examine individual and group-level variations. Results: Adolescents prioritized introspective and self-regulatory Path-Oriented values, including Self-Awakening, Self-Acceptance, and Emotional Control, as well as Goal-Oriented values emphasizing emotional stability and relational harmony, such as Peace, Family Security, and Positive Feeling. Less emphasis was observed on transcendental, self-sacrificial, and pragmatic values. No significant sex differences were found, however, age differences indicated that younger students favored introspection and self-acceptance, whereas older students valued responsibility, perseverance, and conflict management. These findings reflect the dynamic interplay between individual self-awareness and collectivistic cultural expectations.

The Cognitive Costs of AI: Burnout and Executive Functioning in Higher Education

Manya Sharma — 2025-10-15

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly entered higher education, raising questions about its impact on students’ psychological and cognitive functioning. While AI tools promise efficiency, their integration may amplify existing strains such as digital burnout and weaken executive functioning (EF). This study examined the relationships among digital burnout, EF, and AI use among university students. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 401 participants aged 18–35 years (197 female, 192 male, 2 non-binary, 10 prefer not to say). Measures included the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT-22), the Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale–Short Form (BDEFS-SF), and an adapted AI Use and Perceived Usefulness scale. Analyses comprised descriptive statistics, correlations, reliability checks, t-tests, and multiple regression. Results indicated strong internal reliability for all measures (α ≥ .85). Higher burnout predicted greater EF difficulties (β = .88, p< .001). AI users (n = 332) reported significantly higher burnout (M = 82.05, SD = 16.26) and EF deficits (M = 60.44, SD = 11.91) compared to non-users (n = 69), with very large effect sizes (Cohen’s d> 1.80). Perceived AI usefulness also predicted EF difficulties (β = .17, p = .008) but did not moderate the burnout–EF relationship. These findings suggest that while AI may be perceived as supportive, its use is associated with greater burnout and EF impairments. Universities should therefore promote mindful integration of AI and provide interventions to safeguard cognitive and psychological resilience.

Exploring the Mental Health-Related Challenges of Cancer Caregivers

Pratima Tiwari — 2025-12-22

Cancer is currently the most severe disease and the biggest threat to human life, posing many challenges for patients as well as those who care for them. Caregivers play a vital role in the recovery and overall well-being of cancer patients. In fulfilling their multiple responsibilities, they encounter various personal, social, and environmental challenges. Research has shown that individuals who care for cancer patients often experience physical, psychological, behavioral, and financial difficulties, which adversely affect their daily lifestyle and health. The purpose of this review paper is to analyze and highlight some important scientific studies that focus on the quality of life of cancer caregivers, their psychological problems, such as burden, stress, anxiety, and depression. In addition, several suitable psychological interventions are also available for addressing these problems; therefore, they have also been included. This paper is based on numerous scientific studies on the health of cancer caregivers, compiled from various publications and research journals. The present review also reveals that caregivers widely face various psychological challenges. Furthermore, it provides a foundation and direction for future research concerning the health of cancer caregivers.

Cultural Differences in Motivation: A Systematic Review of Cross-Cultural Studies

Pavitra Bajpai — 2025-12-23

The goal of this systematic review is to summarize the empirical research on cultural differences in motivation, with an emphasis on identifying culturally relevant motivational categories, patterns, and theoretical frameworks. The goal is to shed light on how cultural circumstances affect motivational processes in order to inform theory and practice. The PRISMA recommendations were followed in the implementation of a systematic and thorough search strategy throughout PsycNet, and Web of Science. The inclusion criteria included empirical research that was peer-reviewed and specifically looked at motivation in two or more cultural situations. We took into consideration studies that were published in English language between the calendar year 2000–2025. To ensure reliability and rigor, many reviewers separately carried out the data extraction and quality assessment. Thematic analysis identified important cultural differences in motivational factors, such as power distance, uncertainty avoidance, and individualism versus collectivism.Cultural values were frequently shown to mediate differences in goal-setting behaviours, achievement orientation, and intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation. Western motivation theories are not very applicable in non-Western environments, according to a number of research. Motivational processes are greatly influenced by cultural setting. The results emphasize how crucial culturally sensitive research and practice methods are, especially in areas related to mental health, education, and multinational corporations. Future studies should increase the representation of understudied regions and give priority to theoretical models that are inclusive of cultural differences.