Deepshikha Ray

Bio: Deepshikha Ray is an academic researcher from University of Calcutta. The author has contributed to research in topics: Sexual abuse & Interpretative phenomenological analysis. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 10 publications receiving 14 citations.

Subjective Construal of Happiness among Urban Educated Bengali Youth: A Preliminary Study Using Grounded Theory Approach

Abstract: A quick glance at the vast number of contemporary researches on happiness brings out terms like subjective wellbeing,satisfaction with life, contentment. Few researchers, in the current decade, however, have followed the qualitative paradigm, with the aim to “discover” the idea of and beliefs regarding happiness, as they occur in the society. The current research was a similar attempt, intended to extract the de-facto ideas that four contemporary young, urban, Bengali individuals, residing in Kolkata had regarding happiness. Sample constituted two males and two females; constructivist grounded theory was the method that was used. Analysis revealed conception of happiness to be intrinsic, which was expressed in terms of peace and contentment, and associated with compassion, forgiveness and “letting go”. Activities such as pursuing one's hobbies, participating in adventurous activities, focussing on one's goals and distraction were enumerated as ways and means that led to happiness. A harmonious relationship with individuals close to the participants was mentioned as a significant factor behind happiness. Keywords: happiness, qualitative, grounded theory

Exploring the Moral Factor: The Influence of Locus of Control and Moral Disengagement on Moral Judgement

Abstract: The concept of "morality" has always intrigued academicians, philosophers and laymen alike probably because the sense of moral agency is crucial to our subjective understanding of "who we are". The research on morality has undergone several shifts in their focus on construal of morality; long been dominated by the cognitive paradigm initiated by Piaget (1965) and extended by Kohlberg (1969) the central tenet being that moral behaviour of a person depends upon the sophistication of his / her moral reasoning. However, this influential theoretical approach failed to explain widespread phenomenon of disparity between moral cognition and moral action. Subsequently, there was an increase in the interest to understand morality from the perspective of its embedded-ness within the social context or self. Thus, theories on morality and its relationship with gender, identity and social processes started evolving (Blasi, 1984; Brewer, 2007).Moral judgements arejudgements of certain choices, or potential choices, where the one who chooses is aware that there is a choice, and has the capacity to choose. Psychological investigations into people's moral judgements have commonly employed moral dilemmas where the subjects' responses is either consistent with deontological concerns (i.e., adhering to rights & duties) or with consequensialist concerns (i.e., maximizing good outcomes). These dilemmas can be personal or impersonal.Locus of control is a component of social cognition and refers to the degree to which a person feels he or she is in control of his or her surroundings. External locus of control refers to an individual's tendency to believe that their reinforcements are under the control of powerful others, luck, or fate (Rotter, 1966). Internal locus of control is the perception that one's own behavior influences outcomes (Osterman et al., 1997). Throughout psychological literature, internal locus of control has been conceived as an adaptive aspect of personality that moderates an individual's response to stress, coping behaviour and overall adjustment (Cohen & Edwards, 1989). The dominant type of locus of control present in a person's life often determines his or her reactions and behaviour and can also be used to explain the perceptions andmotivation ofaperson's actions.Aims and objectives of the studyThe present study aims to find out whether and how certain psychological processes or predictors (that is, locus of control & moral disengagement) influence moraljudgement. For the present study, two outcome variables were conceived* Moraljudgement when out-group is perpetrator of immoral acts and* Moraljudgment when out-group is victim of immoral acts.It is noteworthy that the "in-group" and "out-group" dichotomy has been conceived on the basis of 'religion' since religion is an important aspect of 'social identity', more so in the Indian context; and this religious dichotomy has been an important antecedent of ethnic prejudice. For the purpose of the present study, the persons adhering to the religion of Islam has been considered to be the outgroup and persons adhering to the religion of Hinduism has been considered to be the in-group. Also, by the term religion, the researchers have tried to convey the socio-cultural context of the religion and not strict adherence to religious principles or doctrines and practice of ritualistic behaviour. Such a conceptualization draws on "Social Identity Theory" by Tajfel and Turner (1979). Thus group characteristics suchas structures, roles, and norms are internalized as part of an individual's socio-cognitive system (Turner et al., 1987) and this acts as an interface between an individual's personal identity and social identity (subjective experience of social group); the interplay of both encompassing the individual's religious identity (psychological experience ofthat group by an individual).MethodParticipantsIn the following study, 160 Hindu young adults (80 males & 80 females) participated, who were graduates, belonging to the middle socio-economic status (assessed in terms of per capita income) belonging to the age range of 21-25 years . …

Multidimensional Understanding of Homosexuality: A Qualitative Integration of Perspectives:

Abstract: Background:Though DSM no longer considers homosexuality as a clinical condition, it still remains a contentious issue across social, legal, and religious paradigms. Collectivistic and traditional s...

Psychosocial Predictors of Medically Unexplained Infertility in Urban Working Women

Abstract: Background: Infertility is one of the major causes of mental health issues among couples. Interestingly, a large percentage of this infertility cannot be always explained in terms of a medical diag...

Can sensory discrimination ability in children with low functioning autism be used as an index of cognitive ability—an exploratory study

Abstract: This study purports to bridge the gap in research directed at people with Low Functioning Autism (LFA) by exploring if sensory discrimination ability can be used to assess cognitive functioning in ...

Need of the Hour

Abstract: In order to undo the damage that had been inflicted on us by the previous regime, it is necessary to go beyond the immediate task of cleansing the crucial institutions. Merely shunting out the heads of institutions and bureaucrats will not do.

A Review of Recent Literature Employing Electroencephalographic Techniques to Study the Pathophysiology, Phenomenology, and Treatment Response of Schizophrenia

Abstract: Clinical experience and research findings suggest that schizophrenia is a disorder comprised of multiple genetic and neurophysiological subtypes with differential response to treatment. Electroencephalography (EEG) is a non-invasive, inexpensive and useful tool for investigating the neurobiology of schizophrenia and its subtypes. EEG studies elucidate the neurophysiological mechanisms potentially underlying clinical symptomatology. In this review article recent advances in applying EEG to study pathophysiology, phenomenology, and treatment response in schizophrenia are discussed. Investigative strategies employed include: analyzing quantitative EEG (QEEG) spectral power during the resting state and cognitive tasks; applying machine learning methods to identify QEEG indicators of diagnosis and treatment response; and using the event-related brain potential (ERP) technique to characterize the neurocognitive processes underlying clinical symptoms. Studies attempting to validate potential EEG biomarkers of schizophrenia and its symptoms, which could be useful in assessing familial risk and treatment response, are also reviewed.

What Types of Happiness do Korean Adults Pursue?-Comparison of Seven Happiness Types.

Abstract: Although Korea has achieved successful economic, social, cultural, and technological development over the past decades, Korean people do not seem to be particularly happy. To enhance an individual’s happiness, we need to be aware of what situations and environmental conditions are conducive for happiness and explore the values of happiness we pursue. This study investigated the types of happiness expressed by Korean people using a mixed-method approach. Personal in-depth (n = 15) and focus group (n = 16) interviews were conducted with people who reported feeling a high level of happiness. Happiness categorization was conducted using Q methodology (n = 63). Subsequently, we surveyed 999 nationally representative samples of Korean adults to generalize the results of the Q analysis. The findings revealed seven types of adult happiness in Korea: (1) Self-actualization, (2) Belongingness, (3) Mission, (4) Social recognition, (5) Enjoyment, (6) Material success, and (7) Parenting. The combined results of the qualitative and quantitative analyses showed that in Korea, people pursuing money or social success feel the unhappiest, whereas people pursuing a mission or sense of belonging feel the happiest. In conclusion, we discussed the need for happiness literacy education, to provide each adult an opportunity to understand the type of happiness they pursue.

Moral disengagement, locus of control, and belief in a just world: Individual differences relate to adherence to COVID-19 guidelines

Abstract: We examined relationships between moral disengagement, locus of control, and just world beliefs and adherence to COVID-19 containment measures. We predicted that these individual differences would be more influential for adherence than beliefs about the pandemic (e.g., its origins and one's perceived susceptibility to infection). COVID-19-related measures of these three individual differences were each significantly associated with adherence even after controlling for demographics and pandemic beliefs although beliefs about the severity of the virus and the benefits of containment measures also significantly related to adherence. Beliefs were associated with the individual difference measures and political orientation. Moral disengagement, the strongest individual difference predictor, was associated with lower support for each pandemic containment precaution (e.g., mask wearing). These results can be used to frame messages to increase adherence to public health measures.